Social analyisis and policy development

The Division monitors national and global socio-economic trends, helps identify emerging issues, and assesses their implications for social policy at the national and international levels by producing relevant reports and publications.To this end it promotes common norms and develops policies, programmes and cooperative actions aimed at facilitating the implementation in a holistic manner of the goals of the World Summit for Social Development (e.g. eradicating poverty, achieving full employment and strengthening social integration).

Building international cooperation for social development

The Division seeks to strengthen international cooperation for social development in the context of the comprehensive and detailed framework of commitments and policies for action by Governments, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations provided by the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development through meetings, workshops and international conferences.

It supports decision-making and dialogue on goals, strategies, policies and programmes, in particular through strengthening cooperation among all actors concerned with social development, including non-governmental organizations, business groups, unions, academics and civil society.

Advisory Services

Technical assistance is provided, on request, to Governments, including intergovernmental meetings, on policy design and evaluation and building capacities of specific population groups - older persons, youth, persons with disabilities - for participation in the development process. Advisory services are provided to Governments, at their request, and regional organizations aimed at developing capacities in areas within the purview of the sub programme, at the national and regional levels, with special emphasis on the needs of the least developed countries, Africa and small island developing States. Activities comprise the formulation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of specific technical projects.

Assistance is also provided to Governments in devising multidisciplinary operational strategies that promote equitable social and economic development. The Division organizes training workshops and seminars and conducts applied research and field studies, disseminated in both hard copy and electronic formats.