NEW REPORT FOR SOCIAL SUMMIT REVIEW FINDS COUNTRIES STRUGGLING TO MEET SOCIAL NEEDS IN GLOBALIZING WORLD

Press Release
DEV/2225
SOC/4521

NEW REPORT FOR SOCIAL SUMMIT REVIEW FINDS COUNTRIES STRUGGLING TO MEET SOCIAL NEEDS IN GLOBALIZING WORLD

Most countries are struggling to deal with issues of poverty, employment and social integration in a globalizing world, yet they remain committed to pursuing the social development objectives agreed to at the 1995 World Summit for Social Development, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The report of the Secretary-General found that one of the main objectives of the Summit -- to promote heightened awareness and commitment to social issues by governments and civil society -- has, in large measure occurred. The social ramifications of major economic developments, such as the financial crises that shook East and South East Asia, Russia and Brazil, are now considered as priority issues, where once they were viewed in purely economic or technical terms.

Prepared as a document for the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations General Assembly special session that will review progress made on the implementation of the outcome of the Social Summit, the report is intended to sharpen the focus on the key issues where new initiatives are needed. The General Assembly special session will be held at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 to 30 June 2000.

Although world leaders and government officials are increasingly focusing on addressing the social concerns of their citizens, the report also found little reason for complacency. The absolute numbers of people living in poverty have continued to grow since the Summit; local and regional conflicts have prevented real social integration in many countries; there is greater inequality among people, within and between countries; there has been a decline in resources made available to the United Nations for social development; and more people are vulnerable to financial shocks than ever before.

Based on the submissions of 74 countries, the report found that governments were still committed to achieving the goals agreed upon at the Social Summit. However, their social and economic conditions varied widely from region to region, each presenting unique situations and circumstances. A heavy cultural emphasis on health and education in East and South East Asia, which helped propel the tremendous growth over the last few decades, has also helped this region weather the effects of the financial crisis that began in 1997. South Asia, the report found, will need a massive human investment. About 60 per cent of the 395 million illiterate adults in South Asia are women. In the former Soviet Union, social conditions have continued to deteriorate, as weak governments have allowed small groups to benefit from the transition for their own personal benefit.

While social development in Africa was given special consideration by the Social Summit, the report found that the international community has

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largely left Africa in isolation. Weak governments combined with an absence of the rule of law and a lack of a vibrant private sector have deterred foreign investment. Cuts to the public sector recommended by external advisers have damaged government capacity. Promises of increased assistance to the least developed countries have not been fulfilled and efforts to provide assistance through the United Nations have been reduced.

The new report identified 11 areas where the United Nations special session could address implementation of the outcome of the Social Summit, ranging from the rehabilitation of the public sector, to meeting the growing problem of inequality between and within countries, to the needs of the working poor and the need to create better and more jobs. Other issues that must be addressed include reversing the decline of official development assistance, the debt problem and policies that can help countries promote social development along with globalization and trade liberalization.

The report concludes that new initiatives that emerge from the special session will have to embrace an integrated approach to social development. "The challenge facing the General Assembly", the report states, is to "develop the political will and practical tools necessary to put those commitments into practice".

For more information, contact: Shala Mokgethi, Development and Human Rights Section, Department of Public Information, Tel.: (212) 963-8104; Fax: (212) 963-1186; E-mail: .

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