February 20th is recognized internationally as the World Day of Social Justice. Social Justice concerns include poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, and human rights. These are concerns of employers such as AMS, as we are a certified B Corporation, committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion – JEDI.
An overview at National Today [LINK] states the following: “The World Social Justice Day is observed on 20 February to commemorate and urge all efforts to combat unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
The history of this commemoration takes us to 1995 and Copenhagen, Denmark, where Denmark hosted the first World Summit for Social Development. The Copenhagen Declaration and Program of Action came out of this meeting, where over 100 leaders pledged to alleviate poverty, create just societies, and work toward full employment.
Quoting again from National Today, “In 2005 in New York, the U.N.’s member states reviewed the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action at a session of the Commission for Social Development. They agreed to commit to advancing social development. Two years later on November 26, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared that starting from the sixty-third session of the General Assembly, February 20 will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice. On June 10, 2008, The International Labour Organization adopted the I.L.O. Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.”
Advancing Social Justice
What does social justice look like? According to the UN it is decent work and a fair globalization agenda focused on employment opportunities, fundamental rights, social dialogue between governments, employers and workers.
Quoting from UN.org, “Advocates point out the persisting grave injustices, widespread labor insecurity, high inequality, and unraveling social contracts exacerbated by global crises. These harsh realities threaten progress made on social issues. Reinforcing institutions and policies that truly advance social justice is seen as an urgent priority.
“Proposals to advance social justice include improving inclusive and effective governance of work, ensuring employment opportunities and lifelong learning, reforming institutions for fairer labor market outcomes, and extending social protections across peoples’ lifetimes. An integrated approach across all these areas is touted.” [LINK to UN.org]
B Corporations and JEDI
The B Corporation is a global movement for social justice. From B Corporation.net we can see how JEDI is described. [LINK]
“B Lab recognizes that we cannot credibly build an inclusive economic system without addressing the fundamental injustice, inequity, and violence that disproportionately impact people of color and women. It is not enough to be quietly non-racist and non-sexist. We have a responsibility to build a community of vocal, visible, anti-racist, and feminist business leaders. Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) is central to all of B Lab’s operations.
Justice dismantles barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals and communities can live a full and dignified life. At B Lab, we strive to embed justice into our work to catalyze equitable outcomes for all.
Equity is critical to attracting and attaining the best results in business. At B Lab, we are committed to holding ourselves accountable for policies, processes, and programs that appreciate differences and create a fair, safe, and just working environment for staff.
Diversity in age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, neurocognition, and lived experience is proven to make organizations more effective. At B Lab, we celebrate varied points of view and approaches to our work.
Inclusion accelerates culture shifts by ensuring all voices are included in the conversation. At B Lab, we strive to build a culture where everyone feels their perspectives are valued.
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just words. They are the framework for how we build teams, cultivate leaders, and make business a force for good.”
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AMS Fulfillment is a certified B Corporation, committed to people and planet before profit. We work to B the Change we want to see in the world.