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Reducing inequalities that lead to the social exclusion of particular groups is at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals and is a key element in achieving the mandate of the 2030 Agenda – to leave no one behind.
Inequalities determine social inclusion but do not determine skill. This was the key message heard during the launch of the Report on the World Social Situation 2016, Leaving No One Behind –The Imperative of Inclusive Development on November 30 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. Marta Roig, lead author of the report explained that leaving no one behind and social inclusion are very complex goals. She told the audience that social exclusion occurs because of structural factors and policy is required to address these elements. Ms Roig noted that the report includes policy suggestions that can be applied to different countries however there is not one single approach that will address the complexities of social exclusion in its entirety.
Daniel Bas, Director for the Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) suggested an increase in social protection at the national level to address the issue globally.
The take-home message of the report is that social exclusion is a reality and social policy and institutions are a necessary driver in addressing it, as emphasised by. Wenyan Yang, Chief for the Social Perspective Development Branch, DESA, DSPD.
The Report on the World Social Situation is a DSPD flagship report. The previous report was released in 2013 and focused on the reduction of inequalities to unlock human potential to address issues of poverty and other global concerns. Read the 2013 report here.
The Division also held an Expert Group Meeting on December 1 and 2 at UN Headquarters New York in preparation for the 2017 report.
Read the 2016 report here.
To learn more about our work on social inclusion go to social.un.org