“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” declared Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 56 years ago. Since then, we have lived through a whirlwind of social progress and setbacks, and today ICLEI Europe celebrates the World Day of Social Justice as we work towards more equitable and sustainable cities.

Social justice means that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. It can be easier to social justice and sustainability as distinct challenges requiring separate solutions. They are, however, deeply interconnected and shape major development frameworks – e.g. the European Green Deal aims for a fair and inclusive transition to climate neutrality and the New Urban Agenda advocates for sustainable and equitable urban development.

Chantal Zeegers, Vice Mayor, Rotterdam and ICLEI Regional Executive Committee Member, says "Sustainability should not be a luxury but a direct improvement to an affordable and comfortable life – with lower energy bills, healthy homes, and fair access to sustainable solutions. A fair transition is only possible if everyone can participate. That’s why we work closely with residents, civil society, and businesses to ensure no one is left behind. Together, we make our city greener, more inclusive, and more just for everyone."

ICLEI Europe actively supports local authorities, local communities and European institutions to integrate environmental sustainability and social justice. ICLEI Members Valencia and Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain), Wroclaw and Lodz (Poland) and Ghent (Belgium), for example, creatively engaged stakeholders to develop their Fair Local Green Deals. Meanwhile ICLEI Members Bonn, Heidelberg, Ludwigsburg and Dortmund (Germany) are striving to INCLU:DE social justice aspects in their climate initiatives, and Members Alba Iulia (Romania) and Cascais (Portugal) experimented with their local civil society through UrbanCommunity to support grassroots sustainability and equality action.

In a polarised political atmosphere where people do not feel heard and are concerned about meeting basic needs, it is important that sustainability and social equity crises are tackled together. In doing so we make our cities a better place for all.

For more information, visit: https://sustainablejustcities.eu/