Hosted by Ministry of Labour & Employment in collaboration with CII-EFI

Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Employers’ Federation of India (EFI), is set to host the first-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice on 24-25 February 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This landmark event is a significant contribution to the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Launched by ILO in 2023, the Coalition is a platform for governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, international and regional organizations, financial institutions and development banks, enterprises, international non-governmental organizations and academia committed to advancing social justice and engaging in collaborative efforts to achieve shared objectives. The Coalition leverages collaboration among partners to amplify the unique strengths of each participant, comprehensively and coherently addressing social justice challenges.

As a member of the Asia Pacific Coordinating Group, India is spearheading the first ‘Regional Dialogue’ under the Global Coalition for Social Justice and championing the key intervention “Responsible Businesses for Inclusive and Sustainable Societies” under the Coalition’s thematic area of “Expanding access to and capabilities for Productive and freely chosen Employment and Sustainable Enterprises.”

The Regional Dialogue will bring together over 80+ Coalition partners from the Asia Pacific region and beyond to explore innovative approaches, exchange best practices, and strengthen collaboration to advancing social justice in the region.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje and Secretary (Labour& Employment), Ms. Sumita Dawra will grace the inaugural session of this regional dialogue. The event will feature Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, as the keynote speaker.

The event will also mark the 74th Foundation Day of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), celebrating its unwavering commitment to ensuring dignified healthcare and economic security for India’s workforce. The ESIC Foundation Day is an occasion to recognize the vital contribution of the organization in fostering social justice through the extension of comprehensive social security benefits for workers and their families in the formal sector. 

Discussions will focus on critical dimensions of social justice, including responsible business conduct and social protection, aligning with the Coalition’s thematic priorities.

The event will feature exchange of knowledge and experience sharing through technical discussions and coalition partner’s experiences. The deliberations would strengthen the joint collaboration among partners in the area of promoting social justice in the region.