Speakers Emphasize National Policies for Poverty Eradication
The Commission for Social Development is currently holding its annual session at UN Headquarters in New York, focusing on how national policies can effectively implement commitments made during the World Summits for Social Development in Copenhagen and Doha. The sixty-fourth session, which began on February 2 and will conclude on February 10, aims to address critical issues such as poverty eradication, social inclusion, and employment. Today’s ministerial forum, titled “Leveraging the outcomes of the Second World Summit for Social Development from Copenhagen to Doha,” seeks to mobilize national actions toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Empowering Vulnerable Groups
The forum commenced with remarks from Buthaina Bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Qatar’s Minister for Social Development and Family. She expressed pride in hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development, emphasizing the significance of the Doha Political Declaration in advancing social policies and promoting international cooperation. Al Nuaimi highlighted her Ministry’s “From Care to Empowerment” strategy, which focuses on empowering women, supporting individuals with disabilities, and assisting the elderly. She stressed the importance of translating the Declaration’s commitments into actionable results, calling for collective action and effective multilateralism to achieve these goals.
Al Nuaimi urged the international community to strengthen collaboration and ensure that the aspirations outlined in the Doha Declaration lead to measurable outcomes. She underscored the urgency of fostering genuine solidarity and partnerships to address social challenges effectively.
Employment as a Foundation for Welfare
Kaisa Juuso, Finland’s Minister for Social Affairs and Health, followed with a strong message about the central role of employment in creating a sustainable welfare society. She asserted that work must be rewarding and provide a living wage. Finland has made significant strides in promoting gender equality in the workplace, implementing measures such as pay transparency and equal parental leave. Juuso also discussed the government’s commitment to providing high-quality services for all citizens, regardless of their income, and ensuring dignified aging and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Juuso pointed out that future generations should be at the forefront of decision-making today. She emphasized the potential of digitalization and artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery and identify needs more effectively. To prevent the exclusion of marginalized groups, she advocated for inclusive design and support systems that ensure no one is left behind.
Strengthening Social Dialogue and Engagement
Korinna Schumann, Austria’s Federal Minister for Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection, highlighted her country’s commitment to social dialogue and multi-stakeholder engagement. She noted that these approaches have led to improved outcomes in social policy and economic growth. Schumann acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and rising living costs, which have disproportionately affected low-income groups. In response, Austria has implemented measures to control rent increases, combat homelessness, and eliminate child poverty.
To enhance labor market inclusion for vulnerable groups, Schumann outlined several initiatives aimed at creating jobs and supporting women. She emphasized the need for targeted training to address gender-based violence and reduce women’s economic dependence, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities in the workforce.
Investing in Human Capital for Future Generations
Lesly Nadir Shica Seguil, Peru’s Minister for Development and Social Inclusion, spoke about the necessity of transforming the structural conditions that perpetuate poverty. She emphasized that social development should go beyond mere poverty alleviation and focus on investing in human capital. Seguil shared that her Ministry’s budget of $200 million for the fiscal year will prioritize early childhood development, economic inclusion, and food security.
Seguil also highlighted Peru’s “Juntos” program, which supports young people by providing opportunities for higher education and public employment. She expressed confidence that by 2026, being a poor young person in Peru would not equate to being excluded from opportunities.
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