DESPITE major gains in education, poverty reduction and productivity over the past three decades, entrenched inequalities, fragile trust in institutions and slow progress in key areas continue to hold back social justice worldwide, says a new International Labour Organisation (ILO) report.
The study, “The State of Social Justice: A Work in Progress,” published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in November and marking 30 years since the landmark 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development, finds that while the world is wealthier, healthier and better educated than in 1995, the benefits have not been evenly shared and progress in reducing inequality has stalled.
The report warns that without bold and coordinated action, rising inequalities and eroding trust in institutions could undermine global stability and peace.
The ILO’s first-ever assessment of global social justice highlights both progress and persistent gaps across four key pillars: fundamental human rights, equal access to opportunities, fair distribution of income, and fair transitions in the face of climate change, digitalisation, and demographic shifts.
“Social justice is not an abstract ideal – it is the bedrock of inclusive economies and cohesive societies,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, adding: “But incremental reforms are no longer enough. We need a renewed global commitment to ensure that the benefits of growth and innovation are shared by all.”
Mixed Progress, deepened Inequalities
The report acknowledges notable achievements since the first World Summit in 1995, noting that child labour has fallen from 21% to 8%, extreme poverty has dropped from 39% to 10%, and for the first time in history, over half the world’s population is covered by some form of social protection.
Yet these gains are unevenly distributed. The top 1% still controls 20% of global income and 38% of wealth. Women earn only 78% of what men do, and at current rates, closing the gender wage gap could take up to 100 years.
The report also finds that informal employment remains widespread, affecting 58% of workers globally, with little improvement in recent years.
Four Pillars of Social Justice Under Strain
According to the study, while child labour and workplace fatalities have declined, forced labour persists at 3.5% of the global population, and compliance with freedom of association and collective bargaining rights has deteriorated since 2015.
It also finds that barriers to decent work remain high, especially for women, youth, and those in low-income countries. Nearly 28% of young women are not in employment, education, or training – more than double the rate for young men.
Labour’s share of national income, the report stated, has declined in high-income countries, and wage inequality remains entrenched. Redistributive policies like social transfers and progressive taxation are effective but underfunded, particularly in low-income nations.
It also noted that climate change, digitalisation and aging populations pose both risks and opportunities. Without careful management, these shifts could exacerbate existing inequalities. For example, while the green transition may create 24 million jobs, it could displace 6 million workers, requiring large-scale reskilling.
A Call for Coordinated Action
The report urges world leaders to use the upcoming Doha Summit as a turning point as it calls for stronger labour institutions, enhanced social dialogue, and policies that integrate social justice into economic, environmental, and digital planning.
“Trust in governments, businesses, and unions is declining,” the report notes. “When people feel the system is unfair, social cohesion frays, and progress becomes harder to achieve.”
The ILO recommends a triple approach: applying existing labour protections to new challenges, adapting policies to today’s transitions, and amplifying social justice goals across all areas of policymaking.
“The path to social justice is clear,” concluded Houngbo. “It requires political courage, inclusive dialogue, and a firm belief that a fairer world is not only possible – it is essential.”
These findings, ILO said, apart from being essential for discussions at the upcoming World Social Summit in November, will support the work of the Global Coalition for Social Justice in advancing fairer, more inclusive societies.
The Global Coalition for Social Justice is an ILO-led platform bringing together governments, employers, workers’ organizations and other partners to accelerate action and cooperation towards achieving social justice and decent work for all.
