By 'Alopi Latukefu

Over the past month, I, among many in Australia and around the world have watched with growing unease as, ethnocentrism, and far-right movements accelerate their influence in favour of a nationalism. These ideologies, coupled with the increasing political power of the world’s wealthiest individuals, are reshaping societies in ways that undermine almost a century of justice, equity, and collective progress. The veneer of a more just and inclusive world has been stripped back by the stroke of a pen on the premise of economic necessity, or possible corruption, revealing a harsher reality—one where those who have most benefited from globalisation are aligning with those who feel they have lost the most from it. Their shared target? The very institutions and frameworks that have made the world more just, open, and equitable.

This shift is not simply about politics; it is an emotional response to uncertainty. Economic instability, rapid technological disruption, and cultural change have left many feeling displaced, leading them to embrace ideologies of exclusion. The leaders and movements exploiting these fears promise a return to an imagined past—a world where power was narrowly concentrated and shared only with those deemed to have the "right" characteristics, values, and heritage. This regressive vision stands in stark contrast to social justice, which is rooted in inclusion, equality, and the dismantling of systemic barriers. Ironically, many of those drawn to these exclusionary ideologies would be better served by the very social justice movements they oppose, rather than by the so-called "strong-man" leaders who ultimately serve their own interests.

But we cannot afford to succumb to despair.

On World Social Justice Day, we are reminded that justice is not a passive state but an ongoing struggle. The path to a fairer world has never been linear—it has always been marked by progress, setbacks, and the tireless efforts of those who refuse to accept injustice as inevitable. Today, as billionaires wield unprecedented influence over public discourse, policy, and democracy itself, it is easy to feel powerless. Yet history has shown that for every action, there is a reaction.

When economic elites resisted labor rights, workers organised.
When segregation sought to divide, civil rights activists marched and changed laws.
When authoritarianism rose, democratic movements pushed back.
For every anti-immigrant protest, there are communities rallying to defend the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
For every billionaire manipulating public debate, there are independent journalists and grassroots organisers amplifying marginalised voices.

Progress is not inevitable, but neither is regression. The future is shaped by those who act.

The Vatican’s recent discussions on wealth inequality and fair taxation highlight the urgent need for economic justice. Pope Francis and other Church leaders have called for a renewed commitment to equitable resource distribution, warning that extreme disparities erode social cohesion and human dignity. Their message resonates far beyond faith communities—it is a moral and political challenge to the economic systems that perpetuate inequality. This stands in stark contrast to the continued "race to the bottom," where governments slash taxes for the wealthy under the guise of economic growth, further entrenching the power of the few at the expense of the many.

This is a pivotal moment. As nationalism and corporate power threaten to reverse decades of progress, we must commit to action. Social justice does not advance on its own—it is driven by the collective agency of those who refuse to accept exclusion, exploitation, and inequality. On this World Social Justice Day, we honour those who have fought for justice—and we recommit to ensuring that hope remains, not as an abstract ideal, but as a force for real, transformative change.