In a world where 52% of people now receive some form of social protection, the importance of global initiatives championing social justice and inclusive growth has never been more pronounced. Yet, a staggering 3.8 billion individuals remain without social protection. As 2024 unfolds, World Social Justice Day highlights the collaborative efforts aimed at dismantling systemic barriers, equipping workers with essential future-ready skills, and elevating the voices of women and youth. Central to these achievements are the United Nations’ Country Teams, led by Resident Coordinators, who strive to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a range of innovative projects across various regions.
Ensuring Decent Work for All
The significance of ensuring decent work for all is underscored by the alarming statistic of 402 million people seeking employment but remaining jobless in 2024. Among the notable initiatives addressing this issue is a transformative project in Ghana, where Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) comprise 92% of all businesses. The UN Joint SDG Fund, in collaboration with the European Union, has launched the Digital High-Impact Track, targeting approximately 25,000 MSMEs. This initiative aims to tackle challenges such as limited financial access, low digital literacy, and fragmented business information.
This comprehensive program brings together the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). By integrating financial services with digital skills training and e-commerce support, the initiative aspires to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of Ghana’s MSMEs. Advancing digital literacy and financial access through this collaborative effort is expected to play a crucial role in achieving Ghana’s broader Agenda 2030 financing ecosystem.
Empowering Marginalized Populations
Empowering marginalized populations remains a core focus for achieving social justice. In Malaysia, the International Labour Organization (ILO), supported by funding from the United Kingdom, has launched the Skills for Prosperity Programme, aimed at providing quality technical education to underserved communities. Over 12,000 Malaysians, including women, youth, and individuals from the bottom 40% of the economy, have benefited from newly acquired skills and knowledge.
The program’s pilot projects in Sabah and Kedah are particularly noteworthy for integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into vocational curricula. By establishing a National Skills Registry, Malaysia is better positioned to anticipate and address labor market needs. This forward-looking approach ensures the development of a future-ready, resilient workforce that can adapt to evolving industry demands.
Moreover, the concerted efforts in Malaysia emphasize the importance of educational equity. By equipping marginalized groups with STEM skills, the program addresses long-standing disparities and fosters a more inclusive and innovative economy. Such initiatives are pivotal in transforming lives and creating sustainable pathways for economic empowerment.
Closing Gender Gaps
Addressing gender gaps in the labor market is another critical area of focus, as evidenced by the disparity in global labor force participation rates—48.7% for women compared to 73.0% for men in 2023. In Egypt, the Rabeha program exemplifies strides toward gender equality. This joint initiative between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and UN Women, funded by Global Affairs Canada, provides skills training and business development support to women artisans.
Through the Rabeha program, over 6,300 women have been uplifted, contributing to inclusive economic growth by expanding employment and self-employment opportunities. Hanaa Redwan’s success story is illustrative of this transformative effort. By honing her artistic skills and integrating green and circular economy techniques, Hanaa significantly reduced production costs and scaled her business in Khayamiya, the art of Egyptian embroidery. She now leads training sessions for women in her village, creating an empowered network of artisans.
Highlighting such success stories underscores the transformative power of targeted initiatives. These programs not only bridge gender gaps but also foster economic independence and resilience among women. By amplifying the impact of women-led enterprises, they contribute to broader, sustainable development goals.
Addressing Climate Risks
The intersection of climate resilience and social justice is increasingly evident as climate-induced disasters threaten vulnerable populations. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the World Food Programme (WFP) has piloted the Weather Index-Based Insurance project. This initiative provided crucial support to nearly 800 impoverished families in the Ak-Talaa district during a severe drought. In addition to payouts, the project included capacity-building training on climate risk insurance.
This approach not only offers immediate financial relief but also strengthens long-term resilience. By educating communities on climate risk insurance, the initiative equips them with practical tools to mitigate future climate-related challenges. This model of proactive social protection is essential for vulnerable regions facing the brunt of climate change.
In Bangladesh, another pioneering project intertwines gender equity, climate action, and economic growth through the Orange Bond initiative. Supported by UNDP and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), this initiative seeks to mobilize up to US$1 billion, targeting sectors such as garments, green infrastructure, and agriculture. The goal is to create jobs, empower women entrepreneurs, and build climate-resilient infrastructure. By engaging diaspora investors and development banks, this effort promotes inclusive growth and sustainability.
Enhancing Social Protection
Ensuring social protection and services reach all populations, especially the most vulnerable, remains crucial. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a UN-funded initiative is addressing challenges in social welfare centers. Supported by the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with UNDP, this project focuses on improving access to social services for people with disabilities.
Volunteers like Senija Ferizović, a speech therapist, play a vital role in providing essential support and services. Senija’s work in communication therapy offers critical assistance to those in need, enhancing their quality of life. In Drvar, legal volunteer Maja Pilipović contributes to the establishment of the municipality’s first Social Welfare Center, filling significant gaps in legal aid and support.
These volunteer-driven initiatives underscore the impact of coordinated, community-focused actions. By addressing specific needs and leveraging local expertise, such projects ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support necessary for social and economic inclusion. These efforts highlight the importance of robust social services frameworks in building resilient communities.
Supporting Informal Workers
In a world where over half the population—52% to be precise—now has access to some form of social protection, the significance of global endeavors advocating for social justice and inclusive economic growth has become increasingly critical. Nevertheless, a staggering 3.8 billion people still live without any form of social protection. As we step into 2024, World Social Justice Day emphasizes the collective efforts aimed at breaking down systemic obstacles, equipping workers with future-ready skills, and amplifying the voices of women and young people. Pivotal to these endeavors are the United Nations’ Country Teams, under the leadership of Resident Coordinators, who work tirelessly toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a variety of pioneering projects across different regions. These teams are crucial in fostering an environment where social justice can thrive, ensuring that no one is left behind in the march toward a more equitable world.
