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World
Summit for Social Development
Copenhagen, 6 - 12 March 1995
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Introduction to WSSD
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Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social
Development
Introduction
1. The present Programme of Action outlines
policies, actions and measures to implement the principles and fulfil the
commitments enunciated in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development
adopted by the World Summit for Social Development. Our success will be based on
the results that we achieve.
2. Actions are recommended to create, in a
framework of sustained economic growth and sustainable development, a national
and international environment favourable to social development, to eradicate
poverty, to enhance productive employment and reduce unemployment, and to foster
social integration. All the recommended actions are linked, either in the
requirements for their design, including the participation of all concerned, or
in their consequences for the various facets of the human condition. Policies to
eradicate poverty, reduce disparities and combat social exclusion require the
creation of employment opportunities, and would be incomplete and ineffective
without measures to eliminate discrimination and promote participation and
harmonious social relationships among groups and nations. Enhancing positive
interaction between environmental, economic and social policies is also
essential for success in the longer term. The well-being of people also requires
the exercise of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, access to the
provision of good education, health care and other basic public services, and
the development of harmonious relations within communities. Social integration,
or the capacity of people to live together with full respect for the dignity of
each individual, the common good, pluralism and diversity, non-violence and
solidarity, as well as their ability to participate in social, cultural,
economic and political life, encompasses all aspects of social development and
all policies. It requires the protection of the weak, as well as the right to
differ, to create and to innovate. It calls for a sound economic environment, as
well as for cultures based on freedom and responsibility. It also calls for the
full involvement of both the State and civil society.
3. Many of the issues mentioned in the present
Programme of Action have been addressed in greater detail by previous world
conferences concerned with questions closely related to the different aspects of
social development. The Programme of Action was elaborated against the
background of, and taking into account the commitments, principles and
recommendations of, these other conferences, and is also based on the experience
of many countries in promoting social objectives in the context of their
particular conditions. The special importance of the Programme of Action lies in
its integrated approach and its attempt to combine many different actions for
poverty eradication, employment creation and social integration in coherent
national and international strategies for social development. The implementation
of the recommendations contained in the Programme of Action is the sovereign
right of each country, consistent with national laws and development priorities,
with full respect for the various religious and ethical values and cultural
backgrounds of its people, and in conformity with all human rights and
fundamental freedoms. Each country will also take action in accordance with its
evolving capacities. The outcomes of relevant international conferences should
also be duly taken into account in the implementation of the present Programme
of Action.
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(This document has been made
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