World Day of Social Justice 2026 | 20 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment observed a special programme on 20th February 2026 to mark World Day of Social Justice, reaffirming the nation's constitutional commitment to social, economic, and political justice, along with liberty, equality, and fraternity.

World Day of Social Justice

• About: It is observed annually on 20th February as the United Nations' global platform to promote poverty eradication, decent work, gender equality, and social inclusion. 
  • The 2026 theme, "Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice," underscores the urgency of advancing these goals.
• Establishment: It is rooted in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, with the first observance taking place in 2009.
• Pillars of Social Justice: 

• Key Institutions: International Labour Organization (ILO) (decent work agenda), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) (policy integration), civil society organizations advocate integrating social justice into economic, labour, climate, and digital strategies.
  • ILO unanimously adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10th June 2008.
• SDG Alignment: Directly supports SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).