The Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum convened ministers, representatives from workers’ and employers’ organizations, UN agencies, and civil society to accelerate action on poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion. The event, described as both hopeful and urgent, marked a critical moment since the coalition’s launch in 2023. Governments and partners have strengthened efforts to reduce inequalities and expand social protections, achieving progress in education, life expectancy, and gender equality. However, deep-rooted discrimination, exclusion, and persistent rights gaps in workplaces continue to pose major challenges.
The Forum provided an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments, assess where commitments are lagging, and explore coordinated strategies to bridge these divides. Addressing the event, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized that social justice should be recognized not merely as an aspiration but as a fundamental right. She reminded participants that while hard work is often seen as a path to opportunity, many around the world remain constrained by poverty, conflict, and discrimination. Baerbock called for collective efforts by governments, the private sector, and civil society to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure fairness for all.
Speaking on the sidelines, Srinivas Tata, Director of the Social Development Division at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), stressed the need to put social development at the center of policymaking. He highlighted that while Asia and the Pacific have lifted millions out of poverty, inequality remains high, and climate change continues to worsen vulnerabilities. ESCAP’s initiatives, such as its Social Protection Toolbox, assist governments in identifying marginalized populations and assessing the benefits of expanding social protection systems.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) also reaffirmed the connection between human rights and social justice. UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, described the summit as a valuable opportunity to renew the global commitment to poverty eradication, decent work, and inclusion—core elements rooted in human rights. She underscored the success of social protection programs anchored in law and targeting the most vulnerable, developed through collaboration with agencies such as the International Labour Organization (ILO). Looking forward, Al-Nashif urged all stakeholders to translate commitments into concrete action, emphasizing that the knowledge and solutions to advance social justice already exist.
