.”The challenge of social justice is to evoke a sense of community that we need to make our
nation a better place, just as we make it a safer place.” -Marian Wright Edelman
In 1995, the first world summit for social development was held at Copenhagen, Denmark.
Nearly ten years later, in 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared 20th February of
every year as the ‘World Day of Social Justice’.
The concept of Social Justice is grounded in the principles of fairness, equality, and respect for
human dignity. It aims to eliminate discrimination and injustice, and to ensure that every
person has equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their race, gender,
religion, or socio-economic status. World Day of Social Justice is celebrated to promote social
justice, solidarity, harmony and equality among people around the world. This day serves as a
reminder to combat global issues such as poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.
The theme for world day for social justice changes every year with the aim of highlighting
specific issues. The theme for 2023 World Day for Social Justice is “Overcoming barriers and
unleashing opportunities for social justice”. This theme focuses on strengthening global
solidarity to re-build trust in government by creating opportunities. The UN member states will
come forward to discuss the issues workers around the world are facing with regard to labor
incomes, gender gap in working hours, threats to social protection and job security.
As per the concept note of ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ, almost half of the world’s population still
does not have decent work opportunities and remains without any access to social protection.
A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments in social policy, and an
over-consumption of natural resources have led to an erosion of trust and a frayed social
contract in many countries.
The world as a society needs to take effective steps to combat surging levels of inequality
thereby promoting inclusive growth of all by creating decent work opportunities. If each and
every individual within their family, group, society, community, state or country initiate actions
or dialogues to strengthen the moto of equal opportunity and societal solidarity, then despite
rising inequalities, a change can be attained in near future. With an aim to achieve a society
that is free from all forms of inequalities and to promote social justice at regional, national, and
international levels, let us celebrate this World Day of Social Justice and help ensure that every
person has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and dignified life.