A Global Call for Action: Minister Thulas Nxesi and the Pursuit of Social Justice through Sustainable Development Goals

by
1 min read
sustainable development goals social justice

South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has called on the international community to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Speaking at the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nxesi emphasized the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach to promoting social justice and tackling global challenges such as economic inequality, poverty, and discrimination.

Urging for Action to Achieve SDGs

Nxesi urged the International Labour Organization (ILO) members to facilitate high-level dialogues and enhance policy coherence in order to achieve the SDG targets, with only seven years remaining. He called for a Global Coalition to be established that would elevate social justice as a global policy imperative and foster multilateral cooperation among the ILO’s partners and stakeholders.

Gratitude to ILO for Advancing Social Justice Globally

South Africa expressed its gratitude to the ILO for its commitment to advancing social justice globally. The United Nations’ (UN) Global Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aim to eradicate poverty and hunger, promote human rights, ensure gender equality, and protect the environment.

Ongoing Technological and Scientific Progress

The ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, acknowledged the ongoing technological and scientific progress that is shaping new forms of work and generating thousands of jobs. However, he also recognized the setbacks faced by countries in their efforts to recover from the economic and social impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Multi-Stakeholder Engagement for Global Coalition

Nxesi suggested closer engagement among major organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Trade Organization (WTO), and the ILO in order to establish the proposed Global Coalition for Social Justice. He highlighted that existing frameworks and initiatives share similar goals and objectives with the proposed coalition, and there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Inclusivity and Social Dialogue Crucial for Success

Nxesi cautioned against overlooking the ILO’s crucial tripartite composition in shaping social contracts at both national and international levels. He emphasized that the success of the Global Coalition depends on its inclusivity and social dialogue, with governments, employers, and workers’ organizations collaborating to develop inclusive policies, promote social dialogue, create sustainable jobs, and foster sustainable development.

Decisive Action Required to Reverse Negative Trends

Addressing the ongoing challenges hindering social justice, Nxesi stressed the importance of decisive action to reverse negative trends and protect the dignity and well-being of workers worldwide. He believes that by doing so, a more just and equitable future can be built for all.

Strengthening International Relations

During the ILC, Minister Nxesi participated in bilateral meetings with various counterparts to strengthen international relations. His program also included attending the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC) Governing Council meeting and hosting the BRICS Employment and Labour Ministers to discuss plans for the upcoming Employment Working Group meetings in South Africa.

Tags:

You might be interested in

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

south africa national health insurance
Previous Story

South Africa’s National Health Insurance Bill Moves Closer to Implementation

crime statistics gauteng
Next Story

Crime and Safety in Gauteng: An Overview of the 4th Quarter Crime Statistics

Latest from Blog

transgender rights inclusivity

Virgin Active Gym’s Inclusive Policy Promotes Transgender Rights

Virgin Active Gym has implemented an inclusive policy that allows transgender individuals to use bathrooms corresponding with their legally recognized gender. This policy emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and respect for individual identities, but has also sparked debate around privacy and safety concerns on social media. Virgin Active has reaffirmed their support for individuals who have completed their transition process and addressed safety concerns, highlighting the corporate challenge of balancing inclusivity and safety while promoting a broader societal dialogue on gender identity and inclusivity.

south africa democracy

Triumph Over Tyranny: Marking Three Decades of Democracy in South Africa

April 27, 1994, marked the end of apartheid and the start of democracy in South Africa. This date is significant in South African history because it led to the first democratic elections and the election of Nelson Mandela as the first democratically elected president. The heroic men and women who led the struggle for justice, peace, and freedom are remembered, and the progress made in economic empowerment, education, healthcare, social support, and basic services is celebrated. South Africa stands as a beacon of hope for countries worldwide that yearn for social justice, peace, and a fair world order.

child abuse klapmuts

Klapmuts’s Nightmare: The Unforeseen Tragedy that Shook a Peaceful Township

In Klapmuts, South Africa, a little boy was subjected to a horrific act of aggression by three men who accused him of stealing R600. The abuse was captured on video and posted on social media, leaving the community deeply shaken and exposing the horrifying reality of child abuse. The incident serves as a reminder of our shared duty to safeguard society’s most vulnerable members and ensure they are raised in safe and nurturing environments. The peaceful township was shattered by this unforeseen tragedy, reminding us all to guard against such brutality.

mineral theft saps

SAPS’ Bold Operation: Recovering Stolen Minerals from Johannesburg Warehouse

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has formed a special task force to fight mineral theft in the country. Recently, they recovered stolen minerals worth R15 million from a Johannesburg warehouse, and they continue to investigate and detain suspects to halt illegal activities in the mining sector. The SAPS task team’s dedication and hard work serve as an example of what law enforcement can achieve with integrity and resolve.

international firefighters day cape town firefighters

Honoring the Heroes of Cape Town: International Firefighters Day

Cape Town’s firefighters have faced a challenging summer season with a significant increase in vegetation fires and total incidents compared to the previous year. The city supports their firefighting response with aerial support during the summer months, including two helicopters and a spotter plane. As International Firefighters Day approaches, it’s essential to honor the dedication and bravery of Cape Town’s firefighters, who have persevered through one of their busiest summers yet.