Advancing living wages for social justice as part of the Second World Summit for Social Development
As over one billion workers continue to earn less than a living wage, the call for urgent and collective action has never been louder. At the Second World Summit for Social Development, this two-part solution session as part of the official program will spotlight the transformative power of living wages. Not only as a human rights imperative and social development imperative, but as a strategic investment in sustainable development and business resilience.
The two sessions will complement each other. In one session, the ILO will explore how wage policies, including living wages, can reduce poverty and inequality, and how wage-setting institutions can support national and local development.
In the other session, Advancing Living Wages for Social Justice, the focus shifts to implementation. In dialogue, we will identify what effective action can look like for different stakeholder groups, with a focus on responsible business practices. The session will serve as a starting point for co-creating initial ideas and building blocks for implementation in specific geographies and jurisdictions.
Not attending the Second World Summit for Social Development? The session will also be livestreamed.
Date: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, 13:15 hrs – 14:30 hrs
Venue: Online or Room 5, WSSD2 Venue, Doha, Qatar
The session Advancing Living Wages for Social Justice is organised by the UN Global Compact, IDH, WBA, WBCSD, the Government of the Netherlands, and the Government of Germany.
About IDH Living Wage work
At IDH, we believe that living wage is a key element in solving several of today's social development challenges, from reducing inequality to advancing human rights and driving economic empowerment. Achieving living wages is not just a goal but a shared responsibility. We work closely with businesses, civil society, and international organisations like the ILO and UN Global Compact to advance living wages on the global stage and to create lasting positive impact on workers' livelihoods. From agriculture to aquaculture, we support companies on the ground with practical tools, tailored guidance, and local-to-global convening. Our role is not to claim answers, but to help turn commitment into action.
Check the Living Wage Roadmap for more information.