The present - The actions

Social Policy Section
Social Development Division, United Nations ESCAP

The Actions

BACKGROUNDER 3 - SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND PROGRESS

Three years after the conference in Manila, Asian and Pacific government officials are meeting again in the Philippine capital to see how well they are putting their promises into practice. The response to the challenges set by the Regional Social Development Agenda has been as varied as the countries and areas themselves. But the news, nonetheless, is positive. Most economies have:

Incorporated social development goals as part of their national policies. Governments have recognized the need for social and economic development to progress in tandem, and have taken steps to enshrine that in their programs and actions. China, as one example, has put together its National Programme for Social Development, which parallels its own ambitious plans for economic advancement. The Maldives has put in place its own poverty alleviation program, as have many other economies. Viet Nam, for its part, has revised existing legislation and policies towards achieving social development. Its government, among other initiatives, now promises more soft loans and land for the poor.

Prioritized the war on poverty. The Regional Social Development Agenda helped reinforce the region’s belief in using economic development to fight poverty. Indonesia’s Presidential Instruction Program on Poverty Alleviation is but one example of the region-wide campaign for the eradication of poverty. It aims to involve all government agencies, communities and enterprises in the service of developing the country’s poorest villages.

Committed to creating jobs, which are among the sources of growth. China plans to create 60 million new jobs by the end of the century. Fiji has designed an employment taxation scheme for first-time job-seekers. India’s eighth Five-Year Plan aims to achieve near-full employment for its people by 2002. Its government, among other targets, plans to bring about 97 million more opportunities for work. Nepal and the Philippines have both formulated employment strategy plans, while Palau and Sri Lanka are focussing on developing better vocational and technical training. Thailand is creating Skills Development Funds for training and generating employment.

Improved population planning and access to health services. In China, immunization against five diseases now covers 85 percent of its children. Bangladesh and India, among others, have intensified efforts to immunize their children against six childhood diseases. India’s Integrated Child Development Services ensures that children up to 6 years, and their mothers, can avail of health, immunization and nutrition services.

Promoted education for all, regardless of gender, class or ethnic background. Bangladesh and Nepal have introduced special funds and scholarships to encourage girls in poor, remote areas to attend classes. India continues to offer free elementary education, complete with uniforms and textbooks. Sri Lanka, too, pays for students to study in government institutions from primary to university levels.

Expanded the coverage of social security and strengthened the family as the primary provider of social safety. The policies of governments in the region already build on the traditionally strong institution of the family. For instance, Singapore has been carrying on education campaigns on family life and responsibilities since 1995. The second stage of Thailand’s comprehensive social insurance scheme, which began in 1996, introduced old-age pensions and family benefits in addition to the health care and income protection programmes begun in 1991.

Formulated policies, plans and strategies to protect the environment. China and India have passed tougher laws to control pollution, protect wildlife, and clean rivers. The Philippines is preparing its Agenda 21, which will set out the country’s techniques for promoting an economic development that does not come at the cost of a devastated environment.

Created national coordinating bodies to design and handle plans for social development. Bangladesh, Malaysia and Vanuatu, among others, have chosen ministries to head these bodies. China has established a single interdepartmental coordinating agency to guide social development activities. The State Planning Commission itself has been designated as the agency responsible for coordinating efforts towards social development.

Enlisted the help of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in implementing plans and actions. Most governments have recognized that the campaign to attack poverty, create jobs and build society needs involvement by all. China has founded a National Association for Social Development specifically to harness NGO cooperation, while Thailand has a National Economic and Social Development Board to focus NGO and government cooperation on social development programmes.

Adopted a strategy of decentralizing control of social development functions. Many governments now provide more support to local communities in the areas of health, education, shelter, employment and poverty alleviation. Hong Kong, China, for example, often holds public consultations on social issues, while in Mongolia, local governments take national development directions into account when charting their own objectives. In Vanuatu, a planner from National Planning Office takes responsibility for provincial development.

Next: The road ahead

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