Change must start with a focus on social justice: ILO DG

On World Day of Social Justice, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, on Tuesday said that there is a unique opportunity to bend the arc of history in favor of social justice and to put social needs at the same level as economic and environmental concerns.

“Today we mark World Day of Social Justice. For too long economic demands have trumped environmental and social needs. This must change. And the change must start with a focus on social justice,” he said.

Social justice means policies and actions that create equal access to opportunity. That support a green transition that is just and inclusive. That gives everyone the basics of a dignified life, Houngbo said.

“We have a unique opportunity, to bend the arc of history in favor of social justice. But we can only achieve this by working together,” he said.

That’s why the ILO launched the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

This ground-breaking initiative already has more than 100 partners. It is a unique, strong, coalition, dedicated to concrete change, and building a sustainable, equitable, socially-just future.