Today we mark the World Day of Social Justice.
We do so in difficult circumstances.
The impact of COVID-19, combined with geopolitical turmoil, an economic crisis and natural disasters, has pushed social progress backwards.
When we look at current labour market trends the picture is grim.
Global employment growth will be only 1.0 per cent in 2023, less than half the level of 2022.
More than 200 million workers live in absolute poverty.
Enterprises, especially small and micro-enterprises, have been hard hit.
So, what the world needs now is a strong and sustained dose of social justice which is key to fair, peaceful societies.
To this end, and to promote decent work, such as access to jobs, rights at work, social protection, and social dialogue, the International Labour Organization aims to launch in 2023 a Global Coalition for Social Justice.
We want to create a global momentum to contribute to the reduction and prevention of inequalities, and to ensure that social justice is prioritized in national and global policymaking and activities, in development cooperation and in financial, trade and investment agreements.
In short, to make sure that no one is left behind.
So, amid crisis I do think there is reason to hope – if we come together to pursue social justice.
