المعلومات الخلفية الإضافية

Amid rising inequality, deepening economic insecurity, and eroding trust, a bold new policy consensus—rooted in equity, security, and solidarity—is needed to tackle today’s interconnected social challenges, ensure inclusive progress and build resilient societies capable of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond.

This document presents key milestones in the recent history of social development and the main challenges and specific proposals submitted by the ministries of social development and equivalent entities of the region, in the framework of the Regional Conference on Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, for consideration during the work and discussions of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The aim of these inputs is to advance inclusive social development worldwide, with a view to transforming the development model and building a more productive, inclusive and sustainable future.

Progress in reducing poverty is fragile. Covid-19 and growing threats from climate change and conflict are a stark reminder that many people are still one misfortune away from falling into poverty. Strengthening the resilience of families and communities to prevent falls into poverty is essential to prevent setbacks to safeguard progress over the long term.

Inequalities based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, or economic or other status persist across generations, limiting access to opportunities like education, health, and jobs. Disaggregated data is essential to reveal these disparities and inform targeted action. A life course approach, grounded in robust evidence, can help dismantle structural barriers and promote inclusive, equitable development for all.

As Member States prepare for the Second World Summit for Social Development, they face a defining choice: continue addressing poverty eradication, the creation of decent work, and social inclusion as siloed policy areas—or renew the broader, integrated approach to social progress first articulated at the first social summit, in 1995.