Concluding remarks by Rafael Benitez, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment
Dear colleagues,
As we conclude today’s high-level event, I extend my sincere appreciation to all speakers, participants, and organisers who contributed to a day of rich dialogue, deep expertise, and shared commitment to the cause of social justice.
Today’s discussions reaffirm a vital message: social rights are fundamental to democracy, peace, and resilience. They are not secondary entitlements, but the very substance of human dignity and civic trust. As underlined in the Reykjavik Declaration, and in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, social rights must be recognised as universal, indivisible, and interdependent human rights.
In an era of interlinked crises - geopolitical conflict, climate change, economic insecurity, and inequality - our response must be grounded in a rights-based approach. The European Social Charter, the "social constitution" of Europe, provides the foundation to translate high-level commitments into real-world protections.
But the urgency of our mission is not abstract - it is palpable in public sentiment. People across Europe and the world are raising their voices for greater fairness, inclusion, and solidarity.
According to The Brussels Times, 43% of Europeans identify inflation and the cost of living as the EU’s most pressing issue, followed closely by 32% who prioritise combating poverty and social exclusion.
Globally, a Pew Research Center survey (January 2025) across 36 countries reveals:
- A median of 54% see the gap between rich and poor as a very big problem;
- 60% believe the wealthy wield excessive political influence, deepening inequality;
- And roughly two-thirds cite racial, gender, and religious discrimination as significant issues in their countries.
These figures remind us that concerns about inequality and injustice are not theoretical - they are lived realities for millions. They also reflect a deepening demand for accountable governance, social investment, and stronger rights protections.
In this context, the European Committee of Social Rights recent review on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on social rights in Europe confirms these concerns. It highlights how rising prices and inflation have eroded social protections - those enshrined in the European Social Charter, disproportionately affecting and pushing vulnerable groups - low-income households, children, older persons, and people with disabilities - further into hardship.
The ECSR’s review made some very specific rights based recommendations to redress the situation and sends a powerful legal and moral message: economic hardship must not justify the erosion of fundamental social rights. Upholding the Charter is not just a legal obligation - it is an act of democratic renewal.
In the same vein, several core messages have emerged from our exchanges today:
- Social justice is the cornerstone of democratic stability. Access to healthcare, education, housing, decent work, and social protection builds social cohesion and trust in institutions.
- Localised implementation and inclusive dialogue are key. Youth voices, local authorities, trade unions, civil society, and financial institutions all highlighted that policies are most effective when developed with those closest to the communities they serve.
- Social investment is smart economics. High-quality social services enhance productivity, attract sustainable investment, and are key to green and digital transitions.
- Europe must lead globally, particularly as we move towards the UN Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in November 2025. Today’s event has helped shape a clear, coherent European voice for that global forum.
Looking ahead, we also anticipate the Second High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter, to be held on 18–19 March 2026 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. This will be a strategic moment to assess implementation, advance reform, and confront new social rights challenges across our continent.
In conclusion, the strength of our democracies is measured not by words, but by action: by how we protect the most vulnerable, empower the excluded, and uphold the promise of social justice for all - leaving no one behind.
Let today mark a turning point - one that carries this momentum forward through concrete partnerships, enduring reforms, and shared determination.
Thank you.