Welcome to the United Nations
The right to development has been fundamental to the United Nations from its founding in 1946. The Charter of the United Nations calls upon its members to:
promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom [and] achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.
By 1969, the UN was beginning to highlight social progress and economic development as essential parts of ensuring peace and security around the world. On 11 December, the General Assembly adopted resolution 2542 (XXIV), Declaration on Social Progress and Development which “calls for national and international action for its use as a common basis for social development policies.”
This was the first time an international instrument provided clear guidelines, not only for social policies but also for the integration of economic and social action for the improvement of the social environment and the well-being of the individual.
Today, various UN offices and programmes - including the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continue to build on the principles of the Declaration of Social Progress and Development.
Improving people’s well-being continues to be one of the main focuses of the UN. The global understanding of development has changed over the years, and countries now have agreed that sustainable development – development that promotes prosperity and economic opportunity, greater social well-being, and protection of the environment – offers the best path forward for improving the lives of people everywhere. (UN: What We Do)
Watch the history of the United Nations unfold a document at a time at: 70 Years, 70 Documents: An Exhibit.
Source & Copyright: UNDPI