The Global Coalition for Social Justice convened a high-level Forum at the World Summit for Social Development in Doha held on November 5 to galvanize action for the implementation of the Doha’s Political Declaration on Social Development.
The forum, which was chaired by the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, brought together world leaders, ministers, and social partners to explore how joint action and innovative partnerships can turn commitments into concrete results.
In his opening remarks, the ILO Director-General stated that “today’s global challenges demand more than commitment: they require renewed international solidarity, trust, and multilateral action to turn the promise of social development into progress for all, which is the very raison d’être of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.”
Also in her speech at the event, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, echoed this message by emphasizing the broader reality:
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She said: “We all have dreams. But for too many, those dreams never manifest; they are held back by obstacle after obstacle. That is why this conference — this moment — matters. Because these are not just dreams, they are rights.”
The Qatar’s Minister of Labour, Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, hinted that his country had joined the Global Coaltion for Social Justice as its 400th partner, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to social justice and inclusive development:
The Minister clarified: “The State of Qatar is guided by a firm conviction that social justice is the cornerstone of stable and prosperous societies. Qatar’s accession to the Global Coalition for Social Justice reflects its genuine commitment to strengthening international cooperation for equity in the world of work.
Through this Coalition, Qatar seeks to contribute actively to a just transition, to a green economy and extending social protection to the most vulnerable groups”, Al Marri added.
The ILO, in a statement, indicated that more than a dozen partners used the Forum to announce concrete actions developed under the Coalition, each supporting a specific commitment in the Political Declaration adopted at the Summit. They include governments, international and regional organizations, civil society, and—importantly—the social partners, whose role is vital in advancing social justice.
Representing them at the Forum were Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), Mr. Roberto Suárez Santos, and General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Mr. Luc Triangle, both of whom reaffirmed their full support for the coalition and emphasized the need to strengthen social dialogue to translate commitments into concrete action.
Closing the forum, Secretary-General of the Conference and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic Affairs, Mr Li Junhua, stressed: This event clearly demonstrates that the Global Coalition for Social Justice can serve as the engine to translate the guidance of the Doha political Declaration into tangible results. (…) Our work starts today.”
The Coalition is a global platform that brings together 400 to advance social justice and decent work around the world through joint advocacy, knowledge sharing, and practical initiatives that make a real difference on the ground.
Photo Caption
L-R: Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour of Qatar, Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General, Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at Doha, Qatar
