Discover how World Day of Social Justice inspires action and advocates for a more equitable and inclusive world, one step at a time.
QUICK FACTS:
- Date: 20th February
- Main Components: A high-level forum at the UN Headquarters, a report on the state of social justice in the world, and various online and offline activities and events around the world
- Popularity: An annual observance established by the UN General Assembly in 2007 and celebrated by millions of people and organizations worldwide
- Pairings: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Variations: Different themes and focuses each year, such as “A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy” in 2021 and “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice” in 2020
Introduction
Social justice is a concept that refers to the fair and equitable distribution of rights, opportunities, resources and benefits among all members of society, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other status. Social justice also implies the recognition and respect of human dignity, diversity, and participation in decision-making processes that affect one’s life and well-being.
Social justice is not only a moral obligation, but also a strategic necessity for achieving sustainable development and peace in the world. As the UN Secretary-General stated in his report “Our Common Agenda” in 2021, “social justice is the foundation of our collective future”. Without social justice, there can be no social cohesion, no social contract, no social development, and no social progress.
However, social justice remains an elusive goal for many people and communities around the world, especially in the face of the multiple and interrelated challenges and consequences of globalization, climate change, conflicts, migration, poverty, inequality and discrimination. These challenges and consequences have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exposed and deepened the existing social justice deficits and gaps in the world.
To address these challenges and consequences, and to unleash the opportunities and potential of social justice for fostering social development and well-being, the United Nations has designated 20 February as the World Day of Social Justice. The World Day of Social Justice is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness and mobilize action on the importance of social justice for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The theme for the World Day of Social Justice 2023 is “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”. The theme reflects the need to identify and overcome the barriers and obstacles that hinder the realization of social justice in different contexts and situations, and to unleash the opportunities and potential of social justice to foster social cohesion, solidarity, harmony and peace among nations and peoples.
In this article, we will explore the background, purpose, events and resources of the World Day of Social Justice 2023, and provide some questions for discussion and reflection on the theme and the issues of social justice.
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Background
The World Day of Social Justice was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, following the adoption of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2008. The Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization is a landmark instrument that reaffirms the commitment of the ILO and its member states to the promotion of social justice as a core value and objective of the organization, and to the implementation of the Decent Work Agenda as a means to achieve it.
The Decent Work Agenda is a comprehensive and integrated framework that encompasses four strategic objectives: creating decent and productive employment opportunities for all, ensuring respect for and protection of workers’ rights, extending social protection to all, and promoting social dialogue and tripartism among governments, employers and workers. The Decent Work Agenda is also aligned with and contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a global plan of action adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated every year on 20 February, the date that marks the adoption of the ILO Constitution in 1919, which declared that “universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice”. The World Day of Social Justice is also inspired by the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944, which affirmed that “labour is not a commodity”, and by the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998, which recognized that “all human beings, irrespective of race, creed or sex, have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity”.
The World Day of Social Justice has a different theme and focus each year, depending on the current and emerging issues and priorities of social justice in the world. For example, the theme for the World Day of Social Justice 2021 was “A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy”, which highlighted the opportunities and challenges of the digital transformation for social justice, especially in the areas of digital inclusion, digital skills, digital work and digital cooperation. The theme for the World Day of Social Justice 2020 was “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice”, which emphasized the need to reduce the growing disparities and imbalances in income, wealth, power, access and opportunities within and among countries, and to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of social justice.
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Purpose
The purpose of the World Day of Social Justice 2023 is to raise awareness and mobilize action on the importance of social justice for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda is a global plan of action adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The SDGs are a set of 17 interlinked goals and 169 targets that cover a range of social, economic and environmental issues, such as poverty eradication, gender equality, decent work, climate action, peace and justice.
The World Day of Social Justice 2023 aims to showcase the achievements, challenges and best practices of social justice initiatives and programs at the global, regional, national and local levels, and to demonstrate how they contribute to the implementation and realization of the SDGs. The World Day of Social Justice 2023 also seeks to foster dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders, such as governments, civil society, academia, private sector, media and the general public, to advance the social justice agenda and the 2030 Agenda in a coherent and integrated manner.
The theme for the World Day of Social Justice 2023 is “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”. The theme reflects the need to address the challenges and consequences of globalization, climate change, conflicts, migration, poverty, inequality and discrimination that affect the social development and well-being of people and communities around the world, and to identify and overcome the barriers and obstacles that hinder the realization of social justice in different contexts and situations. The theme also highlights the opportunities and potential of social justice to foster social cohesion, solidarity, harmony and peace among nations and peoples, and to unleash the creative and innovative capacities of individuals and groups to achieve social development and well-being.
Events
The main event of the World Day of Social Justice 2023 is a high-level forum organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and other UN agencies and partners. The forum will take place on 20 February 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, under the theme “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”.
The forum will feature a keynote address by the UN Secretary-General, a panel discussion with eminent experts and representatives of various sectors and regions, and an interactive session with the audience. The forum will also launch a report on the state of social justice in the world, based on the findings and recommendations of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, which was established by the ILO in 2002 to examine the social impact of globalization and propose ways to make it more inclusive and fair.
The forum will be webcast live and will be followed by a series of online and offline activities and events organized by UN entities, member states, civil society organizations, and other actors around the world to mark the World Day of Social Justice 2023. Some of the activities and events include:
- A global campaign on social media using the hashtags #SocialJusticeDay and #SocialJustice2030 to share messages, stories, photos, videos, and other materials on the theme and the issues of social justice.
- A virtual exhibition of graphical artworks created by AI models based on the prompts of “social justice”, “barriers”, “opportunities” and “2030 Agenda”.
- A webinar on the role of libraries and information services in promoting social justice was organized by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations.
- A podcast series featuring interviews with social justice activists, advocates, and practitioners from different countries and regions, produced by Oxfam and the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
- A youth forum on the challenges and opportunities of social justice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery process, organized by the UN DESA and the UN Youth Envoy.
- A film festival showcasing documentaries and short films on the topics of social justice, human rights, diversity, and inclusion, organized by the UN Human Rights Office and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations.
- A workshop on the use of data and evidence for social justice policymaking and advocacy, organized by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.
- A concert featuring songs and performances by artists and celebrities who support the cause of social justice, organized by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations.
Resources
The UN DESA website provides a concept note, a flyer, a poster, a logo and a social media kit for the World Day of Social Justice 2023. These resources can be used to learn more about the theme and the objectives of the observance, and to promote and support the activities and events related to it. The resources can be accessed and downloaded from the following link: [World Day of Social Justice 2023].
The ILO website offers a collection of publications, videos, podcasts, lesson plans and other materials on the topics of social justice, decent work, social protection, social dialogue and the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. These materials can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and principles of social justice, and to explore the achievements, challenges and best practices of social justice initiatives and programs around the world. The materials can be accessed and browsed from the following link: [Social Justice].
The ITU website showcases the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting social justice, especially in the areas of digital inclusion, digital skills, digital transformation and digital cooperation. These ICTs can be used to enhance access to information, education, health, employment, and other opportunities and services that are essential for social justice. The ITU website also provides information on the projects, events and partnerships that the ITU undertakes to advance the digital agenda for social justice. The ITU website can be visited from the following link: [ITU and Social Justice].
The UNCTAD website highlights the linkages between trade, development and social justice, and the need to ensure that the benefits of globalization are shared more equitably among and within countries. The UNCTAD website also provides information on the research, analysis, policy advice and technical assistance that the UNCTAD provides to help countries and regions to overcome the barriers and unleash the opportunities of trade and development for social justice. The UNCTAD website can be accessed from the following link: [UNCTAD and Social Justice].
The Oxfam website features a global campaign on fighting inequality and a report on the state of inequality in the world, as well as stories, blogs, actions and events on the issues of social justice, poverty, gender, climate and human rights. The Oxfam website also provides opportunities and platforms for people and organizations to join and support the movement for social justice, and to make their voices heard and their actions count. The Oxfam website can be visited from the following link: [Oxfam and Social Justice].
Questions
The following are some questions that can be used to stimulate discussions and conversations on the World Day of Social Justice 2023, and to reflect on the theme and the issues of social justice:
- What does social justice mean to you and why is it important?
- What are the main barriers and challenges to achieving social justice in your context and how can they be overcome?
- What are the main opportunities and potential of social justice to foster social development and well-being in your context and how can they be unleashed?
- What are some examples of social justice initiatives and programs that you are aware of or involved in and what are their outcomes and impacts?
- How can you contribute to advancing the social justice agenda and the implementation of the SDGs in your sphere of influence and action?
- How can you collaborate and partner with other stakeholders, such as governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, media, and the general public, to promote and support social justice?
WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE WISHES, QUOTES, AND MESSAGES
TOP 20 WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE WISHES AND GREETINGS
Here are 20 unique World Day of Social Justice wishes and greetings:
- “On World Day of Social Justice, let’s stand together for a fairer world where every individual’s rights and dignity are respected.”
- “Wishing you a day filled with empathy, kindness, and a commitment to promoting social justice worldwide. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “May this World Day of Social Justice inspire us to work towards a world where inequality and discrimination are replaced with justice and unity.”
- “Let’s celebrate World Day of Social Justice by fostering understanding, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all.”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! May this day remind us to support the rights and well-being of all, regardless of their background.”
- “On this special day, may we all pledge to promote social justice, one act of kindness at a time.”
- “Wishing you a meaningful World Day of Social Justice, where we renew our commitment to creating a more equitable and just society.”
- “May the spirit of social justice guide our actions and decisions on this World Day of Social Justice and every day.”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s work together to break down barriers and promote fairness for all.”
- “On this day, let’s remember that social justice is not a destination but a journey. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “May the principles of fairness and equity shine brightly on this World Day of Social Justice and throughout the year.”
- “Wishing you a day filled with acts of compassion and solidarity in the pursuit of social justice. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s strive to make our world a place where everyone’s rights are upheld, and no one is left behind.”
- “On this special day, let’s reflect on the importance of addressing social issues and working together to create a more just society.”
- “May this World Day of Social Justice be a reminder that we can all contribute to a better world through our actions and choices.”
- “Wishing you a day of reflection and action as we celebrate World Day of Social Justice, working towards a more inclusive and fair world.”
- “On this meaningful day, let’s join hands and hearts to promote social justice and make our world a better place for everyone.”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s be the change we wish to see in the world, fostering justice and equality.”
- “May the spirit of empathy and social justice unite us all on this special day, working towards a brighter future.”
- “On World Day of Social Justice, let’s strive to break down barriers and promote fairness for all, making our world a better place.”
TOP 20 WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE QUOTES
Here are 20 unique World Day of Social Justice quotes:
- “Social justice is not a destination; it’s a journey of compassion, equality, and solidarity.”
- “On World Day of Social Justice, let’s be the voice for the voiceless and the hope for the hopeless.”
- “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “The pursuit of social justice is the path to a brighter and more equitable future for all.”
- “Equality is the soul of liberty; there is in fact no liberty without it.” – Frances Wright
- “Let us work together to build a world where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.”
- “Social justice is the foundation of peace, prosperity, and unity in our global community.”
- “Justice and fairness should be the guiding principles that light our way towards a more just society.”
- “The power of social justice lies in our collective actions to eliminate inequality and discrimination.”
- “Social justice is not a privilege; it is a human right that we must all protect and promote.”
- “On this World Day of Social Justice, let’s commit to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity.”
- “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “Social justice is the bridge that connects communities and nations, fostering understanding and unity.”
- “Let’s stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult, because that’s how we create change.”
- “A society that values social justice is one where every individual’s potential can flourish.”
- “Justice is what love looks like in public.” – Cornel West
- “Social justice is the heartbeat of a fair and compassionate society, pulsing with hope for a better world.”
- “On World Day of Social Justice, let’s remember that our actions can create ripples of change that extend far and wide.”
- “The struggle for social justice continues, and every step forward is a step toward a more equitable world.”
- “Justice is not a passive quality; it requires active participation and unwavering commitment to make it a reality for all.”
TOP 20 WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE MESSAGES/SMS
Here are 20 unique World Day of Social Justice messages:
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s unite to break the chains of inequality and injustice, creating a world where everyone has an equal shot at a better life.”
- “On this day, let’s pledge to be the change-makers and advocates for a fair and inclusive world. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “May the light of social justice shine bright, guiding us towards a future where all are treated with dignity and respect. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Social justice is not an abstract concept; it’s a commitment we make to ensure a better life for all. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “In the pursuit of social justice, our voices, actions, and compassion matter. Let’s make them count. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Every step taken for social justice is a step towards a world where no one is left behind. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s stand up for fairness, equity, and human rights, because every life deserves respect and opportunity.”
- “On this special day, let’s remember that social justice begins with each of us, in our hearts and in our actions. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “May our commitment to social justice inspire change, uplift communities, and build bridges of understanding. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s be the architects of a world where justice, equity, and compassion are the foundation of our society.”
- “Social justice is the heartbeat of a compassionate world. Let’s keep it strong and steady. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s celebrate the power of collective action and the possibility of a more just and equal world.”
- “Let’s use our voices, our actions, and our hearts to make the world fairer and more inclusive. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Together, we can create a world where opportunities are not determined by your background but by your potential.”
- “On this day, let’s renew our commitment to social justice and strive to create a more equitable and compassionate society. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Let’s remember that justice is not a destination but a journey we take together for a better world.”
- “May the flame of social justice burn brightly, inspiring us to change the world, one act of kindness at a time. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Let’s be the change we wish to see in the world by advocating for social justice, a world where all lives are valued. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
- “Happy World Day of Social Justice! Today, let’s be the voices of reason, the champions of fairness, and the advocates for a more inclusive world.”
- “On this day, let’s come together to work towards a world where social justice is a reality for all, not just a dream. Happy World Day of Social Justice!”
Conclusion
The World Day of Social Justice 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm the importance of social justice for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The theme for the World Day of Social Justice 2023 is “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”. The theme reflects the need to address the challenges and consequences of globalization, climate change, conflicts, migration, poverty, inequality, and discrimination that affect the social development and well-being of people and communities around the world, and to identify and overcome the barriers and obstacles that hinder the realization of social justice in different contexts and situations. The theme also highlights the opportunities and potential of social justice to foster social cohesion, solidarity, harmony, and peace among nations and peoples, and to unleash the creative and innovative capacities of individuals and groups to achieve social development and well-being. The World Day of Social Justice 2023 will feature a high-level forum at the UN Headquarters, a report on the state of social justice in the world, and various online and offline activities and events around the world, organized by UN entities, member states, civil society organizations, and other actors. These events and activities will showcase the achievements, challenges, and best practices of social justice initiatives and programs, and will foster dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders to advance the social justice agenda and the 2030 Agenda in a coherent and integrated manner. The World Day of Social Justice 2023 is also a call for action and participation for everyone who believes in and supports the cause of social justice. Everyone can play a role and make a difference in promoting and supporting social justice, by raising awareness, sharing information, expressing opinions, taking action, joining movements, and partnering with others. Together, we can overcome the barriers unleash the opportunities for social justice, and make the world a more fair, inclusive, and sustainable place for all.
