On World Day of Social Justice, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo urges action to shape a just future for all

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Today, on World Day of Social Justice, we are reminded of a simple truth: delivering on social justice is not an aspiration, it is a responsibility. Last November, at the Second World Summit for Social Development, governments adopted the Doha Declaration.

They sent a clear message to the world: development is sustainable, inclusive, or resilient only when it fully integrates its social dimension.

The question is no longer whether we agree. It is whether we are ready to act. This is why the Global Coalition for Social Justice was established. Today, the Coalition has brought together more than 400 partners -governments, workers' and employers' organizations, international institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector. I am particularly encouraged by the diversity and depth of the contributions.

Partners are collaborating and engaging in concrete, high-impact initiatives - bringing their experience, tools and capacity to deliver change on the ground, They are focusing on issues at the very heart of the Doha Declaration.

First, formalization to support millions of workers who remain trapped in informal employment.

Second, living wages to ensure economic progress benefits everyone.

Third, artificial intelligence to ensure that AI drives social progress by developing tools and supporting access to skills development.

These initiatives are part of a broader and collective effort to implement the Doha Declaration, so to advance agendas such as social dialogue for a just transition, encourage responsible business conduct, close the gender pay gap through the Equal Pay International Coalition and empower the youth.

On this World Day of Social Justice, I want to thank all our partners for their commitment.

Let us continue to act together, and ensure social justice shapes the future of development for everyone.

Thank you so much.

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