Conclusion of the 41st session of the ECOSOC Commission for Social Development
The 41
st session of the Commission for Social Development of the
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) concluded its activities last February and adopted five texts focusing notably on national and international cooperation.
The
Commission for Social Development is a functional commission of the United Nations' ECOSOC comprising 46 elected state-members. The Commission has been the key UN body in charge of the follow-up and implementation of the Declaration and Program of Action of the
World Summit for Social Development held in 1995. Every year, the Commission holds sessions regarding key social development themes. This year's theme was: "National and International cooperation for Social Development", under which the Commission considered four specific topics:
- Forging partnerships for social development
- Social responsibility for the private sector
- Impact of employment strategies on development
- Policies and role of international financial institutions and their effect on national social development strategies
The conclusions of the session reflected a partnership approach of cooperation: "
the national and international cooperation for social development should aim at solidarity, equality within and among countries, social justice, good governance at all levels, tolerance and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms."
It stressed the necessity to involve developing countries in the international economic decision-making process. The Commission also recommended to the ECOSOC the adoption of a draft resolution underlining the need of effective partnership and cooperation in accordance to the principles, objectives, and priorities of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
In addition, the commission recommended the adoption of draft resolutions in other areas such as youth, disabled, ageing and the tenth anniversary of the International year of the Family in 2004.
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