India to Host First Regional Social Justice Dialogue in 2025

India is set to host the first-ever Regional Dialogue on the Global Coalition for Social Justice on February 24-25, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Employers’ Federation of India (EFI), the event aims to bring together global stakeholders to discuss inclusive and sustainable social policies.

The dialogue aligns with India’s broader commitment to social justice, ensuring fair employment opportunities, social security, and inclusive economic growth. With representatives from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, the conference will explore policies that drive responsible business practices and improve social justice frameworks.

What is the Global Coalition for Social Justice?

The Global Coalition for Social Justice was launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2023. It serves as a collaborative platform involving governments, employers, workers’ organizations, international and regional bodies, financial institutions, enterprises, NGOs, and academic institutions.

The Coalition focuses on addressing global social and economic inequalities by promoting decent work conditions, economic security, and fair labor rights. Through its initiatives, the Coalition aims to unify different sectors and institutions to tackle pressing social justice challenges.

Why is India Leading the Regional Dialogue?

As a key member of the Asia-Pacific Coordinating Group, India is taking the lead in hosting this first Regional Dialogue on Social Justice. The primary theme for the event is “Responsible Businesses for Inclusive and Sustainable Societies”, reflecting India’s focus on expanding access to productive employment and sustainable enterprises.

The event will bring together around 80 partners from different sectors to discuss:

• Innovative strategies to create inclusive workplaces
• Best practices in ensuring labor rights and social protection
• Strengthening regional cooperation in social justice reforms

This initiative is part of India’s broader push toward inclusive economic policies, ensuring equity, dignity, and rights-based employment opportunities for all.

How Does ESIC’s 74th Foundation Day Connect to This Event?

Coinciding with the conference, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) will celebrate its 74th Foundation Day. This marks an important milestone in India’s commitment to workers’ welfare, healthcare, and economic security.

ESIC has played a key role in expanding social security benefits in India, providing healthcare and financial protection to millions of workers and their families. The event will recognize India’s ongoing efforts in social security reforms, making a direct connection between historical labor protections and modern social justice initiatives.

India’s Longstanding Commitment to Social Justice

India has a deep-rooted history of advocating for social justice. A notable example was the Social Justice Conference in 2011, themed “Build the Nation on Justice”, held at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi. Organized by the Popular Front of India, it brought together multiple organizations working on justice, security, and empowerment of marginalized communities.

The Regional Dialogue on the Global Coalition for Social Justice builds on such past efforts, reinforcing India’s leadership in social equity, inclusive growth, and labor rights protection.

As India prepares to host this landmark event, it continues to play a key role in shaping global social justice policies, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring a more equitable future for all.

Key Highlights of the Event