Social Rights: Building Social Justice and Democratic Stability
This event is organised by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Economic and Social Committee.
5 June 2025
EESC, Room JDE 52, 5th floor, Jacques Delors building, Rue Belliard 99-101, 1040 Brussels
Background
In a world marked by rising inequalities, demographic shifts, and environmental challenges, the promotion of social rights is more critical than ever. Social rights—such as access to employment, healthcare, education, housing, and social security—are fundamental to fostering inclusive and resilient societies. They are also a key pillar of democratic stability, helping to reduce disparities and enhance social cohesion.
The Council of Europe’s commitment to social justice and democratic stability, reaffirmed at the 2023 Reykjavik Summit, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Likewise, the 2024 La Hulpe Declaration underscores the interconnectedness of economic and social progress. The European Pillar of Social Rights is a key part of these efforts, reinforcing a more inclusive and sustainable growth model that contributes to the achievement of the SDGs.
This event seeks to bridge above mentioned frameworks, enhance their synergies, and advance the global agenda for social justice, democratic stability, and human dignity. It will complement ongoing international initiatives, including the UN Second World Summit for Social Development (November 2025, Doha, Qatar), providing a platform for refining strategies and accelerating collective progress.
9:00 - 10:00 | Registration of Participants and Welcome Coffee
10:00 - 10:30 | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Mr. Gianluca ESPOSITO, Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe
Mr. Oliver RÖPKE, President of the European Economic and Social Committee
Vice President of the European Commission TBC
10:30 - 11:30 | Session 1: Social Rights within the Human Rights Architecture
Exploring the role of social rights in promoting dignity, equality, and inclusion. The session will highlight how international mechanisms uphold these rights and focus on the perspectives of young people.
Keynote Speech:
Mrs Aoife NOLAN, President of the European Committee of Social Rights, Council of Europe
Speakers:
Representative, European Economic and Social Committee
Representative, EU Fundamental Rights Agency
Representative, European Youth Forum
Discussion
11:30 - 12:30 | Session 2: Social Justice in Action – Bridging Policy and Practice
This session will examine rights-based policies addressing inequality, showcasing successful national policies linking social rights with sustainable development.
Speakers:
Representative, EU DG Employment
Representative, European Economic and Social Committee
Representative, ILO (on Social Justice Coalition)
Representative, Council of Europe Development Bank
Representative, Member State
Discussion
12:30 - 14:00 | Lunch Break
14:00 - 15:15 | Session 3: Social Rights and Democratic Stability
Examining the role of social rights in fostering social cohesion, trust in institutions, and inclusive political participation, as well as the contribution of financial and policy-making bodies to stability.
Speakers:
Representative, European Parliament
Representative, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
Martine DIESCHBURG, Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities
Representative, ETUC
Representative Employers organisation at the EU level
Discussion
15:15 - 15:45 | Coffee Break
15:45 - 16:45 | Session 4: The Road to the Second World Summit for Social Development - Partnerships for Progress
Exploring how social rights contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of multilateral cooperation in shaping the Second World Summit for Social Development.
Speakers:
Mr. Giuseppe PALMISANO, Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, UN Office of High Commissioner of Human Rights
Mrs Cinzia del RIO, President of the Section on Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC), European Economic and Social Committee
Representative, UN/ECOSOC
Representative, Belgium
16:45 - 17:00 | Presentation of Conclusions and Closing Remarks
Mr. Rafael BENITEZ, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment, DGI, Council of Europe
Social Rights within the Human Rights Framework
Social rights, enshrined in the European Social Charter, are essential for upholding human dignity, ensuring equality, and enabling active participation in society. This session will examine how international mechanisms can be strengthened to promote these rights, with a special focus on youth participation in policy and decision-making.
Social Justice in Action – From Policy to Practice
Bridging the gap between high-level policy commitments and tangible outcomes requires innovative, rights-based approaches. This session will address systemic inequalities, highlight challenges faced by vulnerable groups, and showcase successful policies that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Social Rights and Democratic Stability
Social rights play a crucial role in fostering democratic resilience. Access to education, healthcare, fair working conditions, and adequate housing strengthen trust in institutions and mitigates socio-economic disparities that can lead to instability. This session will explore how social rights can reinforce inclusive political participation and long-term stability.
Social Rights and Sustainable Development
The integration of social rights into development strategies is essential for achieving the SDGs. This discussion will bring together diverse stakeholders to highlight collaborative models that generate long-term, sustainable benefits.