THE World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995 was a unique and important historical event. Together, 186 governmental delegations and 117 Heads of State or Government acknowledged that our societies must respond more effectively to the material and spiritual needs of individuals, their families and the communities in which they live. They pledged to do so not only as a matter of urgency but also as a matter of sustained and unshakeable commitment through the years ahead.  
  
     The Copenhagen Declaration and its accompanying Programme of Action comprise an extensive and diverse range of agreements about the key goals which must be pursued in order to enhance social development, along with agreements on detailed methods for achieving those goals. The Declaration firmly asserted the leaders’ conviction that by implementing these agreements major progress can be achieved, must be achieved and will be achieved.  
  
     The Copenhagen agreements were the result of intensive work by governments, inter-governmental organisations and civil society throughout the world. They cover a vast array of issues and collectively comprise more than 120 pages. It is especially valuable, therefore, that the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) has prepared a brief Summary of Principal Commitments which highlights key aspects of both the Declaration and the Programme of Action.  
  
      The United Nations General Assembly has agreed to conduct a Special Session in the year 2000 in Geneva in order to review and facilitate implementation of the Copenhagen agreements. The ICSW Summary will be of special value for people and organisations wishing to become actively involved in preparation for the Special Session and in the continuing struggle to eradicate poverty, promote employment and sustainable livelihoods, and prevent social exclusion.  
ICSW made a major contribution to preparations for the Copenhagen Summit. It has continued to play a leading role in follow-up, especially through its magazine, Social Development Review, and its extensive series of regional forums on Summit implementation.  
  
      I congratulate ICSW on preparing this Summary and am confident that it will be of great value to people seeking to promote social development throughout the world.  
  
  
Juan Somavía 
Chair of the Preparatory Committee of the 
World Summit for Social Development, 1995