The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a landmark 2025 report assessing global progress on social justice since the 1995 Copenhagen Summit. Published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, the report highlights major global achievements over the past three decades—alongside persistent inequalities that continue to undermine fairness and opportunity worldwide.
Global Progress in Social Justice
The ILO notes that the world is now wealthier, healthier, and better educated than in 1995. Child labour among ages 5–14 has dropped from 250 million to 106 million, while work-related deaths have fallen by over 10% since 2000. Secondary school completion rates have risen by 22 percentage points, and extreme poverty has plummeted from 39% to 10% globally. More than half the world’s population now benefits from social protection coverage—a historic milestone.
Persistent Inequalities and Challenges
Despite this progress, inequality remains entrenched. The ILO found that 71% of income disparities depend on circumstances of birth, such as gender, family background, or country of origin. Informal employment still accounts for 58% of global workers, and the gender labour participation gap remains wide at 24%. Moreover, trust in institutions has steadily declined since the early 1980s, posing risks to social cohesion and democratic governance.
Four Pillars of Social Justice
The ILO defines its framework around four key principles:
- Fundamental human rights and capabilities
- Equal access to opportunities
- Fair distribution of wealth
- Fair transitions in economies and societies
These pillars aim to ensure that all individuals can pursue material and personal well-being with dignity, fairness, and freedom.
Emerging Global Transformations
The report warns that climate change, digital transformation, and demographic shifts are reshaping labour markets at unprecedented speed. Without just transition policies, climate actions could harm workers in carbon-intensive sectors. Similarly, rapid technological change may deepen digital and skill divides, while ageing populations and youth surges challenge social protection systems.
Policy Recommendations
To strengthen social justice, the ILO calls on governments to renew commitment through inclusive policymaking—emphasising skills training, social protection, fair wages, and active labour market programs. The organisation stresses embedding social justice principles across finance, industry, climate, and health sectors and urges stronger global cooperation to ensure fairness and sustainability in the decades ahead.
