Where are we going?

Social Policy Section
Social Development Division, United Nations ESCAP

Where are we going?

BACKGROUNDER 1 - THE CONFERENCE

Recent experience indicates that countries and areas that have been able to cut poverty significantly had sustained growth in per capita income of two per cent or more every year. But by and large, rural areas, where most of the poor live, have been given a lower priority than urban conglomerations by governments. Economic policies have also relied on the benefits of development to “trickle down.” But these same policies have made few arrangements for mitigating the burden laid on the poor and vulnerable in adjusting to the changing economic climate. Thus not only are certain groups in society expected to wait longer for the fruits of growth to reach them, they are left to struggle largely on their own until that day comes, if at all.

Meanwhile, governments are disco-vering that the tried-and-tested strategies for development are now being challenged in the increasingly competitive global business environment. Many economies are faced with the task of upgrading their industries, without losing livelihoods. Yet investments in education and improving skills have so far not matched those in infrastructure or in fixed capital.

Recent economic turmoil, environmental problems and natural disasters have only drawn more attention to these shortcomings. Visible tensions between ethnic communities, religious groups and social classes are additional proof that the formula for development, however successful, could still stand improvement. There is no argument: unless a society also serves its poor, the jobless and the disadvantaged, its future as a whole is insecure.

Next: What must we do?

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