The role of every citizen is essential in the pursuit and establishment of social justice, underscored Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development. In a statement commemorating the World Day of Social Justice, the minister characterised social justice as the bedrock of a peaceful and prosperous society.
"We must stand up against discrimination, overcome challenges to opportunities, and help establish a society where every citizen is heard and valued."Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development
Minister Ahmed delineated several critical areas that embody social justice: ensuring occupational health and safety, promoting gender equality, and encouraging societal participation. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of fostering employment opportunities to drive job creation, skills development, and support for entrepreneurship.
Minister Ahmed reaffirmed the administration's unwavering commitment to these principles, stressing the significance of advancing workers' rights and providing youth with opportunities to develop their skills in alignment with contemporary advancements. The administration, he said, is also dedicated to promoting gender equality, empowering marginalised communities, advancing sustainable development, and enhancing community resilience to climate change.
On this World Day of Social Justice, Minister Ahmed reiterated the necessity of establishing a society founded on dignity, justice, and equality. Achieving such a society requires concerted efforts from the administration, civil society, and institutions, he underscored.
"To achieve this, the participation of workers, employers, civil society, and every citizen is crucial," he stated. "We must stand up against discrimination, overcome challenges to opportunities, and help establish a society where every citizen is heard and valued."
In 2024, the Maldives joined the 'Global Coalition for Social Justice,' an initiative launched in 2023 by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This coalition provides a platform for governments, employers' and workers' organisations, international and regional entities, financial institutions, enterprises, non-governmental organisations, and academia to collaborate in promoting social justice globally.
Minister Ahmed asserted that joining this coalition reflects the administration’s dedication to eliminating discrimination, enhancing citizen participation, safeguarding rights, and ensuring that no one is marginalised.
The observance of the World Day of Social Justice aims to highlight the importance of addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, exclusion, gender inequality, and human rights. The theme for the 2025 observance is "Strengthening A Just Transition For A Sustainable Future."