Global Leaders Convene at ILO Social Justice Forum 2026 as India Assumes Co-Chairmanship

The International Labour Organization (ILO) convened the Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum 2026 on September 16–17, 2026, bringing together global policymakers, ministers, labor organizations, and international development agencies to accelerate action for social justice and decent work worldwide. Addressing the official opening, India's Union Minister for Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called for aligning economic growth with social progress, emphasizing that global progress must be measured by inclusive prosperity rather than financial expansion alone. During the forum, India officially assumed the Co-Chairmanship of the Coalition's Coordinating Group, outlining three central priorities: translating policy commitments into tangible grassroots actions, strengthening knowledge-sharing mechanisms among developing economies, and embedding social justice as a core objective of post-2030 global development frameworks. The opening session featured prominent global leaders, including ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, Brazil's Labour Minister Luiz Marinho, International Organisation of Employers President Jacqueline Mugo, and International Trade Union Confederation General Secretary Luc Triangle. Participants highlighted that ongoing economic uncertainties and technological transitions necessitate stronger international collaboration to safeguard worker rights, improve social security coverage, and foster sustainable employment across emerging economies.