| United States - “Salesian Youth Summit 2009” |
| Italy – A network of prayer for the first “World Day of Social Justice” |
Officially presented in the course of a panel discussion at the New York Headquarters on 10 February coinciding with a session of the Commission for Social Development, the Day is meant to highlight the fact that Social development is aimed at social justice, at solidarity and at equality within and between Nations, values which constitute the foundation of all societies.
Governments made a commitment to the creation of a framework for action to promote social justice at national, regional and international levels. They also pledged to promote the equitable distribution of income and greater access to resources through equity and equality and opportunity for all. Respect for human rights and for fundamental liberties was emphasised as the foundation of a genuine “society for all.”
The purpose of the Day is to contribute to the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication and in promoting full employment and decent work, gender equality and access to social well-being and justice for all.”
There remain two possibilities: that the Day is celebrated formally with the expression of good resolutions; or that is becomes a real opportunity for practical steps to be taken so that injustices, wherever they may found, are tackled and overcome. What the “millennìum objectives,” human rights and social justice have in common is the centrality of the individual.
The current world situation demonstrates how urgent it is to find and pursue effective and practical initiatives. In approving the resolution proposing the “World Day of Social Justice” the Governments committed themselves to producing an action plan to promote social justice at national and international level.
It is the right and the duty of every citizen to see that this is implemented!
Published 18/02/2009
