‘Social justice needs a global coalition’ | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
May 1st is widely known as Labor Day, a day when we celebrate the contribution of workers across the globe. It is a moment of pride, celebration and hope.
After three years of the COVID-19 crisis, inflation, conflict, and food and fuel supply shocks, we desperately need it. But the renewal promises made during the pandemic, the promises to ‘build better’, have so far not been fulfilled for most workers around the world.
reverse the hard reality, disbelief
Globally, real wages have fallen, poverty is rising, and inequality is deeper than ever. Enterprises have been hit hard. Many could not cope with the cumulative effects of recent unforeseen events. Small and micro enterprises were particularly affected, and many have ceased operations.
People feel that the sacrifices they have made to combat COVID-19 have not been recognised, leave alone rewarded. Their voices are clearly not being heard enough. This, combined with a perceived lack of opportunities, has created a troubling level of mistrust.
It should not happen. We are still the masters of our own destiny. But if we are to shape a new, more stable and just world, we must choose a different path. One that prioritizes social justice.
I believe it is not only doable but also necessary for a sustainable and sustainable future. So, how do we get there?
First and foremost, our policies and actions must be human-centred, allowing people to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, economic security and equal opportunity. This approach is not new, it was determined and agreed upon after World War II, when the international membership of the International Labor Organization signed the Declaration of Philadelphia in 1944.
focus on ‘decent work’
This visionary document sets out the guiding principles for our economic and social systems, that they should be used to meet human needs and aspirations, not exclusively to meet specific growth rates or other statistical goals. This means a focus on inequality, poverty alleviation and core social protection. The most effective way to do this is to provide quality jobs so people can support themselves and build their own futures – ‘decent work for all’, as Sustainable Development Goal 8 defines it.
It means realistically addressing the long-term structural changes of our times; ensuring that new technology creates and supports jobs; Proactively meeting the challenges of climate change and ensuring we offer the jobs, skills training and transition support needed for workers and businesses to benefit from the new low-carbon era; Treating demographic changes as a ‘dividend’ rather than a problem, to create a more cohesive and resilient society, with supportive action on skills, migration and social protection. We also need to re-evaluate and re-design the architecture of our social and economic systems, so that they support this shift towards social justice rather than continuing us in a policy ‘doom loop’ of inequality and instability. We must infuse new life into labor institutions and organizations so that the social dialogue is effective and vigorous. We must review the laws and regulations affecting the world of work, so that they are relevant and up to date and able to protect workers and support sustainable businesses.
create a global platform
To make all this possible, we must recommit to international cooperation and solidarity. We must step up our efforts and create greater policy coherence, especially within the multilateral system, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says.
This is why we need a global coalition for social justice. This alliance will create a platform to bring together a wide range of international bodies and stakeholders. It will establish social justice as a key to global reform, so that it is prioritized in national, regional and global policies and actions. In short, it will ensure that our future is human-centred.
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We have a chance to reshape the world we live in – economically, socially and environmentally. Let us seize this opportunity and move forward to build equitable and resilient societies that can become the basis of lasting peace and social justice.
Gilbert F Hongbo is the Director General of the International Labor Organization