Good morning

I am delighted to bring greetings on behalf of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative, Kishan Khoday, and the rest of the UNDP family.  

Please accept his commendations to you for convening this Social Justice Conference to advance our shared vision for a Justice system without barriers, accessible to all including vulnerable populations such as women, children, rural communities and persons with disabilities. The deliberations of academics, thought leaders, policy makers and practitioners will contribute evidence-based trends, solutions and perspectives to ongoing social justice interventions. 

Our efforts to highlight, promote and create effective social justice systems are critical to achieving and sustaining peace and harmony.  Social justice is one of the key cornerstones of the UN system, established on the principles of equity, access, participation and rights, and is essential to peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations.  There can be no peace nor harmony without justice and justice fails to live up to its promise to bring peace and harmony to all if it is not inclusive.  

It is most fitting then, for a day to be reserved for the recognition of World Social Justice to continue the conversations about efforts to dismantle the roadblocks that hinder full and equitable access to justice services. By focusing today on “Justice without Barriers:  Empowering Individuals and Communities for a More Inclusive Society” within the global context of “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice”, we are demonstrating our commitment to an inclusive justice system that serves all, regardless of age, location, gender and income. 

UNDP reaffirms its commitment to ongoing reforms for a world class, inclusive and gender responsive justice system through its partnership with the Ministry of Justice under the Social Justice project financed by the Government of Canada.

As we gather here today in our different capacities and roles, know that our presence reflects our personal and collective commitment to foster and sustain harmony and peace by being just, promoting justice and advancing just systems within our homes, schools, communities, and places of employment.

In so doing, not only do we come closer to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal no. 16 – to create just, peaceful and inclusive societies, but also, and more significantly, we would have attained our Vision 2030 goal of creating a Jamaican society that is cohesive, secure and just that with our other two primary goals would result in Jamaica becoming the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

As I wrap up, I ask you to join me in re-stating our commitment to justice – our national pledge – that was engraved in our hearts from the first time we entered primary school to now,
 

Before God and all mankind
I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart,
the wisdom and courage of my mind,
the strength and vigour of my body,
in the service of my fellow citizens;
I promise to stand up for Justice,
Brotherhood and Peace,
to work diligently and creatively,
to think generously and honestly,
so that Jamaica may, under God,
increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity,
and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.

Thank you, have a successful day.