Welcome to the United Nations
The recent “Equity, Economic Security for All and Solidarity: Reaffirming Social Development for a Sustainable Future”report highlights an urgent call to revitalize the commitments made in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development. As inequality, poverty, and social distrust persist, the report insists that renewed solidarity and inclusive policymaking are essential for building resilient and just societies.
Despite notable progress, such as a sharp drop in extreme poverty since the 1990s, expanded social protection, and improved health outcomes, the world remains deeply unequal. The report highlights that over 800 million people still live in extreme poverty, and two thirds of the global population reside in countries where inequality has increased. Disparities in education, healthcare, housing, and digital access continue to marginalize millions, while social cohesion weakens under the strain of mistrust and misinformation.
The report charts a comprehensive agenda centered on human dignity and equity. It urges Member States to strengthen universal social protection systems, ensure decent work and living wages, and invest in education and healthcare as rights rather than privileges. It also calls for fair taxation and the regulation of global finance to ensure that wealth and resources are mobilized for the public good. Progressive, transparent tax systems and stronger international cooperation are seen as prerequisites for reducing inequality and funding essential services.
A distinct feature of this vision is the emphasis on governance rooted in inclusion and accountability. Governments are encouraged to expand civil participation, protect freedom of association, and adopt digital governance frameworks that safeguard rights while combating disinformation. Housing, clean water, sanitation, and renewable energy are recognized not merely as development goals but as foundations for human security and social integration.
As the world prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, the UN encourages sustainable development cannot be achieved without social justice. Rebuilding multilateralism on the pillars of equity, economic security, and solidarity is essential to restore trust in global cooperation. The report thus reframes social development as both a moral and practical imperative, one that places people at the heart of global progress.
