“Forum on Social Justice in Working Life in the Framework of Digitalisation and Green Transformation” was held on World Social Justice Day
24 February 2025, Monday
“Forum on Social Justice in Working Life in the Framework of Digitalisation and Green Transformation” was held on World Social Justice Day
On the occasion of 20th February, World Social Justice Day, the "Forum on Social Justice in Working Life in the Framework of Digitalisation and Green Transformation" was held with broad participation, under the leadership of our Ministry and as part of the Global Social Justice Coalition.
The forum was organised in collaboration with the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK), the Turkish Confederation of Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ), the Confederation of Public Service Trade Unions (MEMUR-SEN), and the Confederation of Public Employees Trade Unions (KAMU-SEN).
At the opening of the Forum, Yasser HASSAN, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Türkiye Office, and Ali AYBEY, Acting Director General for Foreign Relations and European Union, highlighted the impact of digitalisation and green transformation processes on social justice. The importance of cooperation at both national and international levels to create an inclusive labour market and strengthen social justice in working life was underlined. The opening speeches also underscored that critical transformation processes such as digitalisation and green transformation must be addressed in alignment with the principle of social justice.
In the three main sessions held within the scope of the Forum, different dimensions of social justice were discussed under the titles of ‘Social Justice in Working Life’, ‘Green Transformation and Social Justice’ and ‘Digital Transformation and Social Justice’. Each session was conducted with the contributions of representatives and stakeholders from various sectors, alongside expert moderators in the respective fields.
In the first session on "Social Justice in Working Life", moderated by Suat DEDE, Deputy Director-General of Labour, the leaders of TİSK, TÜRK-İŞ, MEMUR-SEN, and KAMU-SEN addressed fair wage policies, the impact of digitalisation on the labour market, and the opportunities and risks brought by green transformation. While the importance of inclusive employment and social protection mechanisms was emphasised, it was stated that sustainable employment and social dialogue should be strengthened.
In the ‘Green Transformation and Social Justice’ session moderated by Prof. Dr. Elif GÖKÇEARSLAN, Head of the Labour and Social Security Training and Research Centre (ÇASGEM), the importance of a just transition in combating the climate crisis and the process of transition to a low-carbon economy were discussed in detail. In line with the Paris Agreement and Türkiye's 2053 net zero emissions targets, steps already taken and potential future actions to strengthen social justice across a broad range of areas, from industry to education, renewable energy investments to skills development programmes were shared.
In the final session on ‘Digital Transformation and Social Justice’ moderated by Prof. Dr. Hakan KARATAŞ, Vice Sectretary of Defence Industry of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, the effects of artificial intelligence and digitalisation on the labour market were discussed from the perspective of social justice. During the session, where views from various stakeholders, ranging from the private sector to international organisations, were shared, the necessity of developing innovative and sustainable solutions through cooperation between the government, employers, and trade unions to ensure a fair and inclusive digital transformation was emphasised.
At the forum, the importance of cooperation and joint efforts between the public sector, private sector, and social partners in strengthening social justice during the processes of digitalisation and green transformation was emphasised.