World Day Of Social Justice
Social Justice: The Foundation of Building a Sustainable Future
Washington, DC– On February 20, Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS) joins the United Nations and civil society throughout the world in celebrating the World Day of Social Justice. In November of 2007, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring February 20 to be the World Day of Social Justice in recognition of the vital role that social development and social justice play in ensuring a more peaceful and secure world. The decision to establish a World Day of Social Justice built off of the International Labour Organization’s efforts to promote fair labor standards rooted in a respect for human rights and socially inclusive globalization, a priority that is apparent in the ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998.
Social justice is a key element of the “Our Common Agenda” report published by UN Secretary-General Guterres. Specifically, “Our Common Agenda” prioritizes solidarity as a guiding principle as we build a more just and peaceful world. UN General Assembly Resolution 57/213- “Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order”- defines solidarity as “the virtue of which global challenges must be managed in a way that distributes the costs and burdens fairly.” To ensure an equitable and just globalization, those who benefit the most from globalization must actively support those who do not enjoy the benefits of globalization and whose livelihoods are threatened by global challenges like climate change.
“Our Common Agenda” identifies intergenerational unity as a key aspect of solidarity; we must center the interests and priorities of young people as we build a more inclusive and just world for all. Furthermore, other marginalized groups including women, indigenous communities, and the poor must play a key role in fostering global dialogue and spearheading international efforts to address shared global challenges. These critical considerations are also strongly connected to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal #5 (gender equality) and Goal #10 (reducing inequality).
We at Citizens for Global Solutions and Young World Federalists firmly believe that achieving a socially just and equitable globalization can be best achieved through strengthening global governance. We strongly support the Campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, which seeks to create a popularly elected United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA). By empowering the citizens of the world to actively participate in global decision making, the UNPA could enhance gender equity and social and economic inclusion in the UN system. Eventually, such a Parliamentary Assembly could collaborate with the UN General Assembly to pass an internationally binding resolution ensuring universal commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Furthermore, to ensure intergenerational equity, we strongly support UN actions like the “Special Envoy for Future Generations” and the Declaration on Future Generations. We are also committed to civil society-led initiatives like the upcoming Global Futures Forum in March of 2023 in advance of the UN Summit of the Future, in the hope that consultations like these will enhance the participation of youth, women, and civil society groups from the Global South in global governance.
As “Our Common Agenda” succinctly states, “no one is safe until everyone is safe.” Effectively addressing the defining global challenges of today and fostering a more peaceful society will require the active input of all of humankind. Let us work together to realize our collective vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and socially just world.
About Citizens for Global Solutions & Young World Federalists
Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-partisan membership-based organization that for more than 75 years has brought together a diverse collective of individuals and organizations with a common goal of a unified world predicated upon peace, human rights, and the rule of law. From championing ratification of the UN Charter upon our establishment in 1947 to supporting creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) 25 years ago to advocating for global instruments to confront today’s enduring challenges of war and climate degradation, CGS recognizes that true progress is a generational enterprise. We invite like-minded individuals and organizations to join us in this mission.
The Young World Federalists are a global movement fighting to give humanity a voice. We envision a sustainable, just, and peaceful world through a democratic world federation. A world run by humanity, for humanity, providing equal opportunity to all on a thriving planet.
Contact:
Donna Park dpark@globalsolutions.org