Promoting Social Integration through Social Inclusion

The United Nations Secretary-General has issued a new report, Promoting Social Integration through Social Inclusion (A/80/155), highlighting the transformative role of social capital in advancing social progress and reducing multidimensional poverty.

The report stresses that poverty is not only economic but also relational — shaped by trust, participation, and social networks that expand or restrict opportunities. Building social capital can therefore help dismantle structural barriers, foster inclusion, and strengthen resilience.

Social capital — the relationships, trust, and shared norms that bind societies together — takes three forms: bonding (solidarity within families and communities), bridging (connections across diverse groups), and linking (trust between communities and institutions). Balanced together, these forms enhance cooperation, broaden opportunities, and strengthen cohesion — foundations of social progress.

The report showcases national experiences where investments in social capital are delivering results: youth apprenticeships in Mexico, trust-based health networks in underserved areas, school support in Malawi, community-led housing in Thailand, and senior centres in Poland. These examples demonstrate that social progress flourishes when trust, dignity, and participation are reinforced.

Social capital is not always inclusive. Closed networks may reinforce privilege and exclusion, while inequalities based on gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or migratory status restrict access. Measuring social capital also remains difficult, as trust and belonging vary across contexts.

The report calls on Member States to:

• Promote inclusive decision-making and community-driven initiatives;
• Foster trust in institutions through transparent and accountable governance;
• Support intergenerational solidarity and collaboration across groups;
• Harness digital technologies while addressing risks of exclusion;
• Improve data on social inclusion to guide evidence-based policies.

The upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development (Doha, 4–6 November 2025) offers a critical opportunity to advance these priorities. By integrating social capital into poverty eradication and inclusion strategies, Member States can accelerate progress toward a just, cohesive, and sustainable world where no one is left behind.

For more information, please read the full report.