Global Coalition for Social Justice gains momentum with ILO Governing Body’s endorsement (9 November 2023, Global)
@ILO
This article provides an overview of the recently established Global Coalition for Social Justice, to which collaborating organizations and partners of the FOWLS Project were invited to join.
Global Coalition for Social Justice gains momentum with ILO Governing Body’s endorsement
November 9, 2023
By Ignacio Alonso Alasino*
In a historic move, the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Governing Body has given the green light to establish the Global Coalition for Social Justice, signalling a new era in the pursuit of social justice and decent work on a global scale.
The endorsed proposal outlines the Coalition’s ambitious objectives, aiming to enhance multilateral cooperation, foster partnerships, and advocate for social justice at the forefront of the international agenda. The Global Coalition is set to be a driving force in generating political commitments, attracting investments, and catalysing tangible actions to address social justice issues. This initiative aligns with the ILO’s century-long commitment to tripartism and social dialogue.
Key objectives and impact
The Coalition’s core objectives include elevating the global discourse on social justice, promoting policy coherence, and instigating joint actions across nations. Notably, it aims to play a pivotal role in galvanizing support for social justice at major international events, with a focus on the UN Summit of the Future in 2024 and the proposed UN World Social Summit in 2025.
Crucially, the Coalition will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including ILO tripartite constituents (governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations), international and regional organizations, enterprises, academia, and non-governmental organizations, all united in their commitment to advancing social justice.
Many partners currently collaborating under the umbrella of The Future of Work, Labour After Laudato Si, who are part of the ILO Special List of NGOs, will be closely monitoring the developments, initiatives, and opportunities for impactful contributions within the Coalition. Their experience, garnered from years of active engagement in social justice and labour-related issues, will be willingly put at the service of the Coalition, fostering a collaborative environment that harnesses the collective expertise for the greater good and promoting a human-centred approach.
Amplified visibility and collaborative impact
Partners joining the Coalition will experience amplified visibility for their social justice initiatives. By collaborating within this dynamic framework, partners can achieve greater impact and scale, unlocking outcomes that may be unattainable individually. These collaborative efforts will address critical areas such as healthcare, education, and decent work, ultimately leading to improved employment opportunities, nutrition, and education for workers and their families.
Director-General’s commitment and urgency
The ILO’s Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, expressed gratitude to all constituents for their support and emphasized the urgency of the Coalition’s commencement. “The need for the Coalition to start work is becoming increasingly urgent. There is so much to be done, and so much the Coalition can accomplish,” remarked Mr. Houngbo.
Governing Body’s ongoing oversight
The Governing Body, the executive arm of the ILO, will exercise ongoing oversight of the Coalition’s development. They have tasked the Director-General with incorporating their guidance into the Coalition’s further development and providing regular progress reports during future Governing Body sessions.
As the 349th Session of the ILO’s Governing Body concludes in Geneva, the endorsement of the Global Coalition for Social Justice marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. The Coalition is poised to become a transformative force, driving collaborative efforts towards the realization of social justice and decent work globally.
*Ignacio Alonso Alasino
Project Manager of the FOWLS Project.
This article combines the content from the following material prepared and published by the ILO: