India Hosts First-Ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice with Global Coalition for Social Justice

New Delhi: In a landmark event aimed at advancing social justice globally, Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the first-ever two-day Regional Dialogue on Social Justice under the Global Coalition for Social Justice today in New Delhi. The event, graced by the presence of the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, brought together international experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss collaborative efforts toward ensuring fair and inclusive societies.

The event also commemorated the 74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), with an award ceremony recognizing achievements across its organizations.

Launched in 2023, the Global Coalition for Social Justice advocates for a collective approach to promote decent work, social protection, responsible business conduct, and fair work, with over 340 members, including governments, academic institutions, and the private sector. During his address, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized India’s leadership role within the Asia-Pacific Coordinating Group and expressed pride in spearheading the initiative for Responsible Business Practices for Sustainable and Inclusive Societies.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is championing inclusive growth and ethical business practices. The vision of ‘Sabka Vikas’ will guide the country toward balanced growth for all regions and communities,” said Dr. Mandaviya.

The event saw the launch of the e-Shram mobile app, which aims to enhance social benefits delivery by offering real-time access to government welfare schemes, curated job listings, and multilingual support.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, congratulated India for doubling its social protection coverage in recent years, acknowledging the government’s decisive actions that led to a significant rise in social protection from 24.4% to 48.8%, as reported in the World Social Protection Report 2024.

Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, highlighted the need for tailored approaches to achieve social justice, emphasizing the constitutional commitments to justice and welfare. She also noted the government’s efforts to extend coverage to unorganized and informal workers, such as those in agriculture, construction, and gig economy roles.

Secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Sumita Dawra, underlined India’s role as the fastest-growing economy and its commitment to creating a sustainable, equitable society by focusing on youth, skill development, women’s participation in the workforce, and social security.

The event also saw the participation of industry leaders, with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) joining the Global Coalition for Social Justice. The BMS, alongside the Confederation of Indian Industry-Employers’ Federation of India (CII-EFI), presented a joint statement on responsible business conduct, reflecting their shared commitment to ethical business practices.

Publications highlighting best practices, social protection strategies, and the evolving role of workers in the modern economy were also unveiled during the event.

The event showcased how technological innovation is shaping the future of labor welfare, with an exhibition featuring advancements in medical care, social security, industrial safety, and personnel management.

The dialogue sessions, led by global experts and stakeholders from countries like India, the Philippines, Namibia, Germany, Australia, Brazil, and international organizations, focused on youth empowerment, bridging the education-to-employment gap, expanding social protection for informal workers, and promoting gender equality in the workforce.

As the first Regional Dialogue under the Global Coalition for Social Justice, this event marks a critical step toward building a more equitable and inclusive global society. India’s leadership in social protection and decent work, coupled with its strong collaboration with the ILO, sets the stage for future initiatives aimed at empowering workers, promoting fair wages, and advancing the global agenda for social justice.