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Synthesizing Key Messages on the Three Pillars of Social Development
The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force supporting preparations (UN IATF) for the Second World Summit for Social Development has prepared three non-papers synthesizing key messages on the three pillars of social development and aligned with the “fields of action” identified in the co-facilitators’ Food for Thought paper.
To ensure full coverage of issues and areas presented by the Food for Thought paper, a fourth related non-paper, prepared by the summit secretariat, provides an overview of the mandates contained in the main outcome documents from selected United Nations summits and conferences, with respect to follow-up implementation. monitoring and review. These non-papers are meant to serve as a resource for Member States in their preparations for the Summit.
1. Social Inclusion
2. Eradicating Poverty
3. Full Employment and Decent Work for All
4. Synthesis of mandates outlining follow-up to implementation and review from selected United Nations summits and conferences
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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.
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.
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.