Peacebuilding and Social Inclusion
Our approach
The World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995 defined an inclusive society as “a society for all’, in which every individual, each with rights and responsibilities, has an active role to play (United Nations, 1995, para 66).
Such an inclusive society is equipped with mechanisms which accommodate diversity, and facilitate/enable people’s active participation in their political, economic and social lives. As such, it over-rides differences of race, gender, class, generation, and geography, and ensures equal opportunities for all to achieve full potential in life, regardless of origin. Such a society fosters, at the same time, emanates from well-being of each individual, mutual trust, sense of belonging and inter-connectedness.
When confronted with new challenges, such as external economic shocks, unexpected changes, national disaster or crisis, an inclusive society is one that shows more resilience than others. Creating such a stable, safe and just society is a slow and tedious process. However, we believe that it is the best way to lay a ground to prevent social conflict and build sustainable peace.
Our mandates
As mandated by Geneva 2000, the Social Integration Branch elaborates conceptual frameworks for Inclusive Peace-building based on the concepts and principles of social integration promulgated by the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD).
Our activities
The Division for Social Policy and Development facilitates a space for various stakeholders to interact, exchange views, bring different perspectives, and promote mutual understanding and learning, in order to create a common platform for creating an inclusive society.
Our partners include: UN Departments and Agencies, specialized agencies, national and local governments, researchers and academia, practitioners, and the civil society, including the private sector, international and local NGOs, youth organizations, other social groups, various networks, and ordinary citizens.
Expert Group meetings
 Dialogue in the Social Integration Process: Building peaceful social relations – by, for and with people (New York, November 2005)
Participation of Youth as Partners in Peace and Development in Post-Conflict Countries (Windhoek, November 2006)
Creating an Inclusive Society: Practical strategies to promote social integration (Paris, September 2007)
Promoting Social Integration (Helsinki, July 2008)
 Practical Strategies to Promote Social Integration: Lessons learned from existing policies and practices (Accra, Ghana 17- 19 November 2009)
E-dialogue
Dialogue in the Social Integration Process: Building peaceful social relationship by, for and with people (June 2005)
Creating an Inclusive Society: Practical Strategies to promote social integration (May – June 2007)
Publications
Participatory Dialogue: Towards a Stable, Safe and Just Society for All” (UN publication 2007)
Creating an Inclusive Society *coming soon*
Thematic Issues
Social Integration
Social Inclusion
Social Cohesion
Social Exclusion
Social Capital
Social Mobility
Multi-stakeholder dialogue
Measuring social inclusion
Youth
Older persons
Indigenous peoples
People with disabilities
Links
DESA Task Force
UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA)
Peacebuilding Commission
UNDP/BCPR
UNESCO
UNHABITAT
OSAA
UNDESA Peacebuilding Portal
Peacebuilding Support Office
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