During its sessions since the Summit, the Commission’s agenda consists of two main substantive topics: the discussion of selected priority themes; and the review of relevant UN plans and programmes of action pertaining to the situation of social groups.

     Since Copenhagen, and in accordance with its multi-year restructured programme of work, the Commission has deliberated on actions and activities related to the core issues taken up by the Social Summit. In 1996, at its special session, the Commission considered strategies and actions for the eradication of poverty; in 1997, it took up the priority theme of productive employment and sustainable livelihoods; 1998 was devoted to consideration of actions promoting social integration and participation of all people, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and persons. At its recently-completed session, the Commission considered the priority themes of “Social services for all”, and “Initiation of the overall review of the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development”.

     The Commission adopted “agreed conclusions” concerning social services for all and submitted them to the Economic and Social Council and the first substantive session (May 17-28, 1999) of the Preparatory Committee for the Special Session of the General Assembly in 2000 for an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development. The agreed conclusions contain analysis and recommendations for action to promote efficient and effective delivery of social services for all as a contribution to overall social development. They set out general principles and goals, suggest priorities for delivery and provision of social services, discuss the need for partnership between Governments and the other social actors, stress the importance of information, encourage the mobilization of resources and establish parameters for international cooperation for social services.

     Concerning the initiation of the overall review of the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development, the Commission adopted a resolution inviting Governments to provide additional inputs, in particular proposals concerning possible further initiatives, to the Preparatory Committee to facilitate its work at its first substantive session. Also, the Secretary-General was requested to update reports on the preliminary assessment and on further initiatives for the implementation of the outcome of the Summit, to reflect the proposals and suggestions made during the discussions in the Commission as well as any additional inputs submitted by Governments.


Lessons for the Preparatory Committee

     The Commission provided the first opportunity for substantive discussion of issues which will be prominent on the agenda of the Preparatory Committee for the Special Session when it undertakes its consideration of the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. The scope of the discussions at the Commission demonstrated the vast range of issues which will have to be considered, and highlighted the importance of focusing on areas in which pragmatic proposals for action can be recommended. The aim is not to re-open the Copenhagen consensus, but to find further ways and means to implement it.

     For example, the Preparatory Committee could give greater consideration to issues of current international concern and begin discussions on concrete polices and actions which could enhance positive aspects and ameliorate negative consequences. Among the more pertinent issues are: the social impact of globalization; the socio-economic consequences of international financial market instability; the desirability of refocusing macroeconomic policies so that social goals and priorities become central; and recognition of the social responsibilities of the private sector and means which encourage businesses to incorporate social considerations in their practices.

     Additionally, there are many specific actions which could be encouraged and which would have important long-term implications for social development, such as new initiatives for debt relief, efforts which seek to minimize tax competition among countries, the adoption of more socially-sensitive structural adjustment programmes, the widespread introduction and use of social impact assessments, and standardization of social development indicators.

     Finally, practical, implementable targets have already been established in a number of social sectors, health and education primary among them. In Commitment 6 of the Copenhagen Declaration on education and health, and through its recognition that effective social services are essential to social development and the eradication of poverty, the Social Summit gave new impetus to achieving these targets. The Special Session must now give greater emphasis to reaching these goals. In fact, the Commission for Social Development recommended that the Special Session reinforce those commitments by considering national strategies and supportive international policies necessary for their achievement. Specific action can be suggested to reach the target of achieving education for all through universal primary schooling in all countries before the year 2015. Similarly, greater efforts must be made to reach primary health targets, including improvements in infant, child and maternal mortality and in life expectancy, and to promote an international strategy for minimizing the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus.

     Social development is a long-term process, and to look for vast improvements in social conditions in the space of five short years may prove frustrating. There have been reasons for optimism, just as there have been setbacks, but what is important now is to promote action. Preparations for the Special Session in Geneva (June 26-30, 2000) will provide ample opportunity for taking stock of what has occurred since Copenhagen and should create renewed impetus for long-term action.

Bob Huber is a consultant for the
UN Division for Social Policy and Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Room DC2-1329,
2 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA.
Fax: 1-212-963-3062.
Email: huber@un.org