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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
DECLARING FEBRUARY 20TH WORLD DAY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
WHEREAS, on November 26, 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February 20th as World Day of Social Justice and was observed for the first time in 2009; and
WHEREAS, World Day of Social Justice was created to highlight the importance of addressing global challenges such as poverty, exclusion, unemployment, gender inequality, and human rights; and
WHEREAS, this day advocates for social justice as a foundation for peace, equality, and sustainable development worldwide; and
WHEREAS, to achieve these goals, the Global Coalition for Social Justice was formally established in November 2023, a voluntary platform led by the International Labor Organization (ILO) that now has over 300 partners from governments, employers' and workers' organizations, international organizations, civil society, and academia, all of which share the same goal of building a world better tailored for social justice; and
WHEREAS, The World Day of Social Justice supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 1: No Poverty - eradicating poverty in all its forms, SDG 5: Gender Equality - achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - reducing inequalities within and among countries; and
WHEREAS, World Day of Social Justice focuses each year on a specific theme, calling for global action to address social and economic inequities; and
WHEREAS, 2025’s theme was declared as "Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice," underscoring the importance of inclusive policies, lifelong learning, and social protections to combat systemic inequality; and
WHEREAS, though much work has been done towards advancing fundamental rights, employment opportunities, social protections, and constructive social dialogue between governments, employers, and workers, advocates point out the persisting grave injustices, widespread labor insecurity, high inequality, and unraveling social contracts exacerbated by global crises; and
WHEREAS, World Day of Social Justice calls on governments, organizations, and individuals to unite in building more inclusive societies by taking action and supporting initiatives that advance equality, human rights, and social protections, ensuring a fairer and more just world for future generations; and
WHEREAS, Cook County remains committed to cultivating equity, inclusion and opportunity within County government and the diverse communities it serves;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare February 20, 2025, as World Day for Social Justice.
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