|
The Social Integration Branch is part of the Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). Social integration is one of the three priority areas for action identified at the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen in 1995. Together with the other priority areas of poverty eradication and the promotion of full employment and decent work, social integration is recognized as an overriding objective of social and economic development. In Commitment 4 of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, heads of State and Government committed to:
The basic aim of social integration, as stated in the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development, is to create a “society for all”, in which every individual, each with rights and responsibilities, has an active role to play. Achieving an inclusive “society for all” is a goal with broad societal appeal as it aims to provide equality of opportunity for all, irrespective of race, sex, class, age, ethnicity, cultural background, political affiliation or religious beliefs. The Social Integration Branch is committed to advancing this goal through its attention to social groups such as youth and older persons, as well as the family, and the promotion of participatory dialogue to secure peaceful, just and cohesive societies. International instruments, including the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the World Programme of Action for Youth, provide the foundation upon which policy measures with respect to the social groups are formed. The broad objective of the Branch is to develop practical strategies to promote social integration through an inclusive and participatory process. This include: clarifying the meaning of social policy in a contemporary world, including the interconnection of inclusion, participation and justice in building socially integrated societies, exploring essential elements necessary to create an inclusive society; clarifying methodology of analysis of social inclusion; and exploring possible approaches to measure the inclusiveness of societies; and clarify the interconnection of the concept behind social integration with peace-building and conflict sensitive development. The work of the Branch is guided by the recognition of the dignity of each person, not only as an ethical norm and moral imperative, but also as a legal principle. To this end, the Branch conducts research, organizes meetings and facilitates the intergovernmental process in support of programmes, policies and activities which promote social justice, empowerment and participation as a means for promoting effective and equitable engagement of all members of society.
|
|
|
|
|
