Statement by

H.E. Dr. Mohammad All Najafi

Vice-President of The Islamic Republic of Iran

 


Monday, 26 June 2000

Geneva

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In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful Mr. President,


This Special Session is indeed a unique opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the "Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action", evaluate the accomplishments made thus far and obstacles encountered along the way, identify the challenges ahead, and agree on a set of further initiatives and practical measures to meet these challenges and ensure a more effective drive towards social development. The Copenhagen Summit, dealt with the most comprehensive issue and produced a new global social contract.


The review and assessment of the implementation of the Copenhagen outcome clearly presents a mixed picture.. Despite modest advances in some areas and initiation of many new national policies and programmes in various societies, the overall result has been much less than satisfactory.


The most striking area of disparity betwen the objectives and the reality lies in the fact that inequality within and among states continues to grow. Effective combating of social ills and achievements of genuine long-term social development depends on organizing a meaningful global drive against want and poverty. Such a drive calls, inter-alia, for an international economic environment conducive to a more balanced distribution of wealth; a rule-based, nondiscriminatory multilateral trading system, market access; debt relief; and a more responsive international financial system. Humanizing overall economic policy reforms is imparative for the creation of a genuinely caring society.

Mr. President,

The intensity of the still on-going negotiations on the text of the final outcome of the review conference is a clear indication of the challenges we all face in the international community in the implementation of the Copenhagen consensus. Moreover, it is also indicative of the contention, between the developing world and their developed partners on their respective areas and order of priorities. The process of globalization, despite its promises for new opportunities, has as a matter of fact made the implementation of the Copenhagen outcome much more difficult for most developing societies. The present conference should devote itself to arrive at a consensus on those furhter initiatives that contribute towards a more effective and meaningful implementation of the Copenhagen commitments and the Programme of Action.

Mr. President,

Let me now turn to the national scene . Having actively participated in the Copenhagen Summit and made its contribution to its final outcome, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has vigorously pursued the implementation of its outcome and accorded high priority to the objectives of social development. Substantial improvement in the past few years in the indices of social services, including in the field of education at all levels, access to basic health services, and access to safe drinking water, is indicative of the progress achieved thus far, as well as the potentials for further betterment . At a more general level, the Third Five-Year National Development Plan (2000-2004), has been designed to institute reforms in various social and ecocomic fields, and contains a strong orientation towards social development. The Plan's implementaion is to be facilitated by policy development, promulgation of necessary legislation and alloca ation VI. requisite resources.

Promotion of overall social development has been an integral part of the policy of President Khatami's Administration since it took office in August 1997. The Government's policy devoted to institutionalization of the rule of law, promotion of accountability and transparency, improvement of governance at all levels and the expansion and strengthening of the status and role of the civil society at the national level have all contributed to the process of social development in Iran. The still on-going popular reform process within the Iranian society, which aims at transforming various aspects and dimensions of our social and political life within the Constitution, shows the depth and reach of our national collective drive towards social development and social justice. The three recent popular elections in Iran since 1997, where the reform platform has triumphed, are also clear indications of the national will as well as of the Government's dedication to the attainment of social development.

Mr. President,

In our view, achievement of social development calls for the resolute will and determination of the entire human community. It requires action at the national level and cooperation at the international level. It goes without saying that attainment of social development depends, first and foremost, on conflict resolution and promotion, establishment and preservation of peace on a global scale.

If history is any indication, long-term peace and stability, as the very prerequisites of social development, cannot but be achieved through tolerance and understanding among all societies, cultures and peoples. We believe that Dialogue Among Civilizations, as proposed by President Khatami and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly and as premised on the central notion of cultural diversity, constitutes the suitable framework towards arriving at such an understanding.