AMMAN — World Day of Social Justice, which falls annually on February 20, supports efforts by the international community to search for solutions to achieve sustainable development, universal social protection, gender equality and access to social wellbeing.

 

This year’s theme is: “A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy”. 

 

According to the UN website, the digital economy is transforming the world of work, while the expansion in broadband connectivity, cloud computing, and data have led to the proliferation of digital platforms, penetrating several economic sectors and society.

 

“Since early 2020, the consequences of the pandemic have led to remote working arrangements and allowed for the continuation of many business activities, further reinforcing the growth and impact of the digital economy,” the website said.

 

“The crisis has laid bare and exacerbated the growing digital divide within, between and across developed and developing countries, particularly in terms of the availability, affordability and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs),” it said.

 

In remarks to The Jordan Times on Saturday, sociologist Hussein Khozahe said that social justice, in its simplest definition, promotes non-discrimination and fairness across society.

 

“Equity is achieved when there is no class hierarchy and  equal access to opportunities without discrimination against applicants for public positions. Equity is a necessity not a luxury,” Khozahe said.

 

According to Khozahe, Internet penetration in the Kingdom has reached about 89 per cent, noting that nowadays Internet and ICT have been a powerful catalyst for change and innovation. He called on the government to address digital exclusion via building core digital skills for all citizens to reap the advantages of the digital revolution. 

 

The UN General Assembly recognises 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 justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace, security and respect for all human rights, according to the UN website.