ACADEmic partners network of the global coalition for social justice
convening academic partners to connect knowledge, policy and action for social change
The Geneva Graduate Institute is a founding member of Global Coalition for Social Justice and was proud to serve, from 2024 to 2026, as the Academic Member of the Coordinating Group of the Coalition.
Supported by the TASC Platform, the Institute helps to connect academic partners across regions, bring their perspectives into the Coalition’s work and create opportunities for exchange and collaboration.
In support of the launch of the Coalition by the International Labour Organization, the Geneva Graduate Institute hosted a panel discussion entitled “How Can International Geneva Advance Social Justice?” on 15 February 2024 at the Maison de la paix.
Chaired by Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Institute, the discussion brought together Rebeca Grynspan, Candidate for UN Secretary-General and Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Paul Ladd, Director of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD).
At the 2026 Annual Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute, reflects on two years of convening academic partners and outlines shared priorities for strengthening diversity, inclusion and youth participation, embedding social justice in education, and connecting knowledge more closely with policy and practice.
News, blogs & insights
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Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, highlights the multiple crises and existing trends that are shaping the world of work. He emphasizes the importance of human-centered policies, working together, and prioritizing social justice to achieve a sustainable and equitable future for all.
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In her address to the 2026 Annual Forum of the Global Coaltion for Social Justice, Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute, which approaches its centennary, reflects on how academia can connect rigorous research, education and public engagement with policy and collective action to advance social justice.
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Ahead of the 2026 Annual Forum of the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice, academic partners gathered virtually on 3 September 2026 for their second Academic Meeting. The exchange explored how research, regional engagement and academic collaboration can translate knowledge into action for social justice.
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On World Day of Social Justice, our Director, Marie-Laure Salles of the Geneva Graduate Institute, underscores the urgency of mobilising academia and the wider research community. She positions universities as catalysts for knowledge, connection, and concrete action within the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
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Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute shares her highlights from convening the first meeting of academic partners network of the International Labour Organisation’s Global Coalition for Social Justice, held on 11 June 2025, and dives into her perspective on the unique power of academia as a lever for social cohesion and legitimacy.
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Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute, reflects on the launch of the Global Coalition for Social Justice at the International Labour Conference. With inspiring speeches from President Lula of Brazil and President Paudel of Nepal, discover how the event emphasized the critical need for multilateral collaboration.
videos & interviews
Watch Professor Evance Kalula, Chairperson of the ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association & Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Cape Town, reflect on why social justice must be grounded in rigorous research rather than remain a collection of platitudes.
Watch Professor Merita Mesiäislehto of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare reflect on why economies must move beyond GDP towards measures that place health, equity and sustainability at the centre of progress.
Watch Dr Miguel Niño-Zarazúa of SOAS University of London reflect on how better access to microdata and systems thinking can help academia understand and address entrenched inequalities.
Watch Professor Adelle Blackett, Senior Advisor in the ILO Director-General’s Cabinet, reflect on why social justice must be real rather than abstract, and rooted in how people live, work and thrive.
