Building a Fairer Future of Work: ILO’s Social Justice Report Calls for Renewed Global Cooperation

The world is at a crossroads: technology, climate change, and demographic shifts are transforming the future of work.  These shifts bring risks, but also opportunities built on fairness, respect for rights, fair wages, and dignity. The ILO report, “The State of Social Justice 2025” gives a concrete picture of the progress and slowed advances in reducing poverty, child labour and inequality.

Progress and Remaining Challenges

Over the past three decades, child labour has been cut in half. Extreme poverty fell from 40 percent to 10 percent and working poverty declined as education and social protection expanded. These milestones act as strong proof that international cooperation and policy choices make meaningful differences. However, challenges remain. Women’s labour participation has not significantly improved. 58% of workers remain in the informal economy, and wealth inequality remains extreme, with the top 1 percent owning nearly 40 percent of the global wealth. While these systemic injustices require systemic solutions, trust in institutions is eroding. People feel that there is a gap between legal protections and lived reality, and they are unsure whether these institutions are helping their daily lives.

Navigating Future Transformations

Looking ahead, the world of work will be reshaped by three major transitions — climate change, technology, and demographics. The green transition could displace six million jobs but create up to 24 million new ones if managed fairly. Artificial intelligence may transform nearly a quarter of all jobs worldwide, while demographic shifts are expanding youth populations in developing countries and ageing workforces in wealthier ones. Whether these changes lead to opportunity or exclusion will depend on the strength of institutions and the quality of policies in place. Applying, adapting, and amplifying existing labour standards, social protection, and social dialogue mechanisms will be essential to ensure these transitions are fair and inclusive.

Towards a Fairer Future of Work

As the ILO report underscores, social justice is not only a moral imperative but also smart economics. Fairer societies are more cohesive, stable, and productive, while inequality undermines growth and fuels distrust. Released ahead of the World Social Summit in Doha this November, the report provides a key evidence base for global leaders to renew their commitment to fairness, cooperation, and decent work for all.

Listen to the full episode of the Future of the Work Podcast here.

Source: ILO Podcast