Planning for a ‘Society for All’

Schindlmayr T¹*

1. Division for Social Policy and Development, UNDESA, New York, USA

Social integration was described in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development as the creation of “a society for all”, where every individual has rights, responsibilities and an active role to play. Governments committed themselves to promoting a people-centred environment with broad-based participation of civil society in the formulation and implementation of decisions.

Mainstreaming has been the central approach for the political and social integration of marginalized segments of societies. Much of the legislation and policies introduced were reactive, intending to correct historical injustices. Mainstreaming policies laid the groundwork for promoting an enabling environment. However, to build a “society for all”, social groups and their concerns need to be considered and acted upon throughout the political planning process – not treated as an afterthought. Policymakers should be more proactive to ensure that those historically excluded from the political and planning process have the opportunity to express their views and be assured that these are incorporated in policies and programmes.

The Division for Social Policy and Development, DESA is currently considering differing approaches to ensure that social questions are considered from the outset in the political and planning processes. It is eager to engage in a wider discussion with experts at the Conference, to promote the inclusive approach and to consider practical ways and means for its implementation. The presentation will review the present situation and the road ahead in developing the mechanisms for greater community involvement. It will discuss ways to ensure that marginalized segments of society, including youth, older persons and persons with a disability, are not only heard, but also actively contribute to the process.

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