World Day of Social Justice is a sustainable history

World Day of Social Justice Sustainable History

In recent years, it seems that the peoples of the world are very interested in everything that enhances efforts to achieve comprehensive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which makes us look forward to combating all forms of human decline at the level of these global goals. Therefore, it has become a duty for everyone – governments and peoples – to consider turning every possible opportunity into a sustainable reality in people’s lives, and this is what is most truly expressed by the concept of social justice.

Therefore,Earth GuardsIn this article, you will address the meaning of social justice in the context of sustainable development, highlighting the historical background of the World Day of Social Justice, which countries around the world celebrate on February 20 every year. It will also discuss Egypt’s efforts in this field, and the amount of support it has provided to the most needy groups.

This comes in light of the efforts provided byEarth Guards to spread awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has previously addressed the concept of social justice from other angles within its famous video series “What does it mean?”, in addition to its role in highlighting this concept in a simple manner through the series of articles “What..?”; So continue reading the article, and learn how the World Day of Social Justice helps make the world more sustainable.

Historical and international context

The idea of devoting a World Day for Social Justice began in response to the challenges imposed by globalization, and to address social disparity among many peoples of the world, which prompted the United Nations General Assembly to announce on November 26, 2007 the designation of February 20 of each year to celebrate the World Day of Social Justice.

This declaration was based on the recognition of the importance of social justice for achieving global stability and peace, and for it being the cornerstone of efforts to develop societies in a balanced manner that guarantees the rights of all, regardless of their economic or social backgrounds.

This declaration was not isolated from previous international efforts that sought to consolidate the principles of social justice, as it was preceded by major documents, such as the Declaration of Philadelphia in 1944, which focused on the basic rights of workers, and the International Labor Organization Declaration in 2008, which addressed the issue of social justice for a fair life, and which represents a modern vision of the ILO’s role in supporting decent employment.

These principles still constitute the core of international efforts seeking to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is evident in Goal (8), which focuses on providing decent work and comprehensive economic growth, and Goal (10), which seeks to reduce economic and social gaps between individuals and societies.

A fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development

Among the most important themes of the World Day of Social Justice: just transition, which links social justice with sustainable development, which is a concept that refers to the necessity of implementing environmental, economic and social policies that achieve balance between environmental and climate issues and ensure that poor groups are not harmed by the changes caused by such global issues.

Achieving such a just transition requires providing training programs – for example – to rehabilitate workers in sectors affected by global changes, especially in traditional carbon-intensive industries. Through these programs, workers can acquire new skills that suit the requirements of the green economy. This ensures that they do not lose their sources of income as a result of economic transformations.

Achieving a just transition requires – in addition to the above – providing strong social protection policies. These policies include unemployment insurance and temporary financial support for workers affected by all global changes, in addition to encouraging investments in sustainable sectors, such as renewable energy and recycling.

All of the above is an approach that not only ensures the reduction of poverty rates and social inequality, but also enhances the ability of economies to confront environmental and economic challenges. We can then achieve sustainable growth that has a positive impact on the lives of all people.

Egypt and Social Justice

In Egypt, achieving social justice is one of the basic pillars of “Egypt Vision 2030,” the pillars of which are consistent with the global agenda for sustainable development. One of the most prominent initiatives that sought to enhance social justice indicators was the “Decent Life Initiative,” which was launched in 2019, as it aimed to improve the standard of living in the Egyptian countryside, by developing infrastructure, improving health and educational services, and providing job opportunities for youth.

This initiative – the Decent Life Initiative – reflects the Egyptian state’s commitment to achieving a fair distribution of resources among citizens without the slightest discrimination. Which makes it one of the largest development projects, which reflects Egypt’s tangible efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition to “Decent Life,” the “Solidarity and Dignity Program” was launched, which aims to provide direct cash support to poor families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In order to ensure that they have a decent life, and to enhance their integration into society.

Social justice challenges and opportunities

With the increasing economic interdependence between countries – due to globalization – new challenges have emerged related to achieving social justice, as globalization has contributed to creating enormous economic opportunities through trade, investment and technology, but at the same time it has exacerbated disparities between many societies, as developing countries still face difficulties in achieving equal opportunities among their citizens; Due to economic restrictions and inability to compete in global markets.

All of these challenges force us to adopt fair policies that ensure the distribution of economic and social benefits in a more equitable manner, by implementing fair tax systems and stimulating investment in productive sectors that promote comprehensive growth.

Therefore, many international institutions are working to implement efforts that will achieve a balance between economic development and social justice. These institutions include the International Labor Organization and the World Bank, which help develop strategies that support decent work policies and provide training programs that help individuals adapt to global changes.

In conclusion,Earth Guards realizes that social justice is the pulse that moves the wheel of development, which is a path that guarantees success and equal opportunities for all of us, as no one must be left behind; All of this is the essence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).