On Monday, Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate a two-day Regional Dialogue on Social Justice in the national capital. This event is held under the Global Coalition for Social Justice and coincides with the 74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). Notable attendees will include Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje, Secretary of Labour and Employment Sumita Dawra, and Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), as stated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Sunday.

The Global Coalition for Social Justice, launched in November 2023, is an ambitious initiative by the ILO designed to unite global, regional, and national stakeholders to create coherent policies and drive action to advance social justice. In a short period, the Coalition has attracted 336 partners, including 90 governments.

As a founding member of the ILO and a key player in the Coordinating Group of the Global Coalition, India is taking significant steps to promote social justice. The country has identified “Responsible Business Practices for Sustainable and Inclusive Societies” as a pivotal intervention within the Coalition, aligning with the core thematic focus of increasing access to productive and meaningful employment and sustainable enterprises.

This two-day regional dialogue is being organized collaboratively by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, the Global Coalition for Social Justice, and the ILO, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Employers Federation of India (EFI). Key discussions will revolve around topics such as skills and employment, enhancing social security, gender inclusion in workplaces, and ethical business practices, as well as corporate governance for decent work and the role of AI in advancing social justice.

The event will also celebrate ESIC’s 74th Foundation Day, honoring its significant contributions to social security and the welfare of workers in India. ESIC administers one of the country’s most comprehensive social security schemes, offering medical care, maternity benefits, and financial security to workers and their families. The celebrations will focus on the milestones achieved by ESIC and its future plans for service enhancement.

Highlights of the event will include the recognition of key individuals supporting ESIC’s mission to evolve “social security into social justice,” the launch of the “ESIC Special Services Fortnight,” and the unveiling of ESIC publications showcasing its accomplishments. Additionally, prominent Indian workers’ and employers’ organizations will be formally welcomed as partners in the Global Coalition.

A joint statement reflecting a commitment to responsible business conduct is expected to be released by Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), India’s largest workers’ organization, and the CII-EFI, showcasing the unified commitment of workers and industry towards inclusive and sustainable growth.

Through this important Coalition event, India aims to reaffirm its leadership in the global pursuit of social justice and inclusive development while leveraging international partnerships for meaningful impact. The outcomes are anticipated to contribute to strategies for universal social protection and the establishment of responsible business frameworks, aligning with broader objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Decent Work Agenda.

More than 500 participants are expected to attend the inaugural session, including representatives from Coalition partners, government ministries, employers’ and workers’ organizations, academia, international organizations, and ESIC members and officers.