News Desk

The Global Coalition for Social Justice, led by the International Labor Organization (ILO), aims to enhance collective efforts in addressing social justice deficits and expedite the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its SDGs and the Decent Work Agenda. Focused on multilateral cooperation, the Coalition promotes international social justice.

Established under ILO Director-General Houngbo, it was endorsed by the ILO Governing Body in November 2023. This reflects a commitment to increased political support, investments, and concrete actions for social justice and decent work. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has joined, highlighting a unified effort to tackle urgent social justice issues globally.

Bangladesh joined the Global Coalition for Social Justice, which was established under the initiative of the International Labor Organization (ILO), as the 73rd country. Earlier a total of 72 countries, including the USA, India, China, the UK, Spain, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Mexico, joined the Global Coalition.

The government’s decision to join at the first forum of the coalition in Geneva was reached by the coalition secretariat from the Bangladesh Permanent Mission.

Apart from governments, different labor organizations, owner organizations, private organizations, important international and regional organizations, universities and research institutions, and some business intuitions are also partners of the coalition.

The government’s decision to join this coalition is a reflection of the current government’s strong commitment to promoting fairness and social justice.

Ramifications of the PM’s 5 Points

In June 2023, at the invitation of ILO Director General Gilbert F Houngbo, heads of states and governments of different countries including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined “World of Work Summit-Social Justice for All” in Geneva.

At the summit, world leaders presented their own opinions about the framework of the coalition. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presented her five-point recommendations on the formation of the coalition.

Transforming the Global Coalition

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina underscored the need for a collaborative approach to address social justice issues by suggesting the transformation of the Global Coalition into a consultative or advocacy platform. This shift would enable diverse stakeholders to unite, exchange ideas, and jointly work towards sustainable solutions. It would facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and the implementation of best practices in promoting social justice worldwide.

Guarding against weaponization

PM’s call to guard against weaponizing social justice recognizes the potential misuse of this crucial concept for geopolitical gains. It emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach, where social justice is not used as a tool to foster division among nations.

Sheikh Hasina promoted a unified global agenda to reduce inequality and enhance social cohesion by advocating for a fair and inclusive interpretation of social justice.

Promoting social justice in trade

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s suggestion to promote social justice under a rule-based multilateral trading system highlighted the need to align trade practices with equitable principles. By incorporating social justice considerations into international trade frameworks, countries can ensure fair labor practices, decent working conditions, and sustainable development. This approach fosters economic growth while addressing social inequalities, contributing to a more inclusive global economy.

Comprehensive support from ILO constituents

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasizes the significance of garnering comprehensive support from ILO constituents within the Global Coalition. Engaging International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in promoting decent work and productive employment is crucial to achieving social justice goals.

Through collaboration with IFIs, governments can access financial resources, technical expertise, and policy guidance, enabling the implementation of sustainable development initiatives that prioritize the welfare of workers and ensure their rights are protected.

Empowering youth

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s call to make youth champions of social justice recognizes the immense potential of the younger generation in shaping a more just and inclusive society. By providing opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue, access education and skills training, and participate in decision-making processes, societies can harness their energy, creativity, and passion to drive social change.

Six Priorities of The Coalition

The Global Coalition for Social Justice has outlined six priorities based on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recommendations and the opinions of other world leaders to address the widening inequality gap and promote social equity on a global scale.

Firstly, access to quality education stands paramount, aiming to bridge the educational divide by ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality learning resources and opportunities. Data from UNESCO indicates that providing every child with access to education can increase a country’s GDP by an average of 37%.

Secondly, the coalition emphasizes healthcare equity, advocating for universal health coverage that is both accessible and affordable. The World Health Organization reports that equitable healthcare could prevent 97 million premature deaths globally by 2030.

Thirdly, economic inclusion is critical, with a focus on creating job opportunities and fair wages for all. The International Labor Organization highlights that reducing wage gaps can decrease poverty rates by up to 25%.

Fourthly, environmental justice seeks to ensure that all communities have clean air, water, and access to green spaces while addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized groups.

Fifthly, gender equality remains a core priority, with the coalition working towards eliminating barriers that prevent women and girls from participating fully in all aspects of society.

Lastly, the coalition prioritizes digital inclusivity, recognizing the importance of digital literacy and access in today’s technology-driven world. A study by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development suggests that increasing internet access in developing countries to levels seen in developed nations could lift over 500 million people out of poverty.

Through these priorities, the Global Coalition for Social Justice aims to create a more equitable world where social justice is not just an ideal but a reality.

How Bangladesh Can Benefit?

As a member of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, Bangladesh stands to gain significantly by being at the vanguard of implementing and advocating for sustainable work practices and social justice principles. Here are some points on how Bangladesh can benefit from its membership in the Global Coalition for Social Justice:

Enhanced Global and Domestic Profile: Membership in the Coalition elevates Bangladesh’s stature internationally and domestically as a champion of sustainable work practices and social justice principles.

Amplified Visibility and Impact: Bangladesh gains increased visibility for its efforts in social justice and labor rights on a global platform, enhancing its influence and impact through collaborative initiatives.

Access to Resources and Expertise: By collaborating with other Coalition members, Bangladesh can access shared knowledge, resources, and expertise to advance healthcare, education, and decent work opportunities, which are crucial for its socio-economic development.

Advancement of Labor Rights as Human Rights: The Coalition supports Bangladesh in promoting labor rights as human rights, thereby improving access to productive employment and fostering sustainable enterprises.

Resilience Building Against Economic Shocks: Through collective efforts, Bangladesh can strengthen its resilience against economic shocks by implementing sustainable work practices and supporting inclusive economic growth.

Addressing Pressing Social Justice Challenges: Membership enables Bangladesh to collectively address pressing social justice challenges, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and inclusive growth, aligning with its national priorities.

Bangladesh’s membership not only impacts the coalition internally but also has broader implications for the global pursuit of social justice. It exemplifies how collaboration and mutual learning can lead to meaningful progress in the fight against social inequality.