The state of social justice: A work in progress: Report released by ILO | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

The state of social justice: A work in progress: Report released by ILO

Posted 07 Oct 2025

2 min read

Article Summary

Article Summary

The report highlights progress in reducing poverty and expanding social protection, but warns of rising inequality, declining trust, and the need for institutional reforms and global cooperation for social justice.

The report precedes the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha (November 2025) , marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development

Key Highlights Of The Report

What Is Social Justice?

  • Definition: The goal that every individual has the right to pursue material prosperity and spiritual growth in an environment of freedom, respect, economic stability, and equal chances.
  • Pillars: ILO’s vision of social justice is built on four core pillars: 
  • Fundamental human rights and capabilities
  • Equal access to opportunities
  • Fair distribution 
  • Fair transitions
  • Progress: Extreme poverty fell from 39% to 10% of the world’s population. 
    • Also, for the first time, >50% of the world population is covered by some social protection scheme (since 2023).
  • Deficits: Progress in reducing inequality has stalled. 
    • 71% of a person’s earnings is determined exclusively by the circumstances of their birth.
    • Trust in institutions has been declining worldwide since 1982.
  • Risks: Profound societal transformations (environmental, digital, demographic) threaten to deepen inequality unless deliberate policies intervene.

Adapting Institutions for Social Justice

  • Reapply and Adapt Labour Institutions:
    • Update core frameworks: social protection, labour protections, active labour market policies to address environmental, digital, and demographic transitions.
    • Ensure robust social dialogue to involve social partners in shaping policies.
  • Amplify the Social Dimension:
    • Integrate labour policies across finance, industry, health, and environmental planning.
    • Move beyond narrow frameworks to embed social considerations throughout policymaking.
  • Break Silos and Leverage Global Cooperation:
    • Promote collaboration among government ministries, international institutions, and social partners.
    • Use instruments like the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the Second World Summit for Social Development to strengthen coordinated, holistic responses.
  • Tags :
  • Social Justice
  • 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development
  • Second World Summit for Social Development
  • The State of Social Justice Report
Watch News Today
Subscribe for Premium Features

Quick Start

Use our Quick Start guide to learn about everything this platform can do for you.
Get Started