United Nations Documents

Resolution 1985/21
World Social Situation The Economic and Social Council,
Recalling General Assembly
Resolution 37/54 of 3 December 1982
23rd Plenary Meeting
29 May 1985

Web Posted on: November 24, 1997

Having considered the report of the Commission for Social Development on its twenty-ninth session,

1. Endorses the conclusions reached by the Commission for Social Development on the world social situation and on the 1985 report on the world social situation, annexed to the present resolution;
2. Transmits those conclusions to the General Assembly for its consideration.

Annex

CONCLUSIONS OF THE COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

I. World social situation

1. The Commission notes that recent years have seen a worsening of the social situation in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, as a result of the disruptive consequences of the global economic crisis. Achievements registered in certain regions and countries or in specific areas of social development do not alter the fact that this deterioration affects the developing countries in particular. Long-lasting problems that have an important bearing on the situation remain unsolved. Additionally, new problems have appeared, both in developing and in industrial countries, and much remains to be done to achieve the various objectives adopted by the international community. Some countries appear to remain untouched by the general deterioration.

2. The Commission reaffirms that the ultimate aim of development is the constant improvement of the well-being of the entire population on the basis of its full participation in the process of development and a fair distribution of the benefits therefrom.

3. Four decades after the victory over fascism and nazism and the founding of the United Nations, pressing social problems continue to exist.

4. It is necessary to achieve the rapid and complete elimination of the obstacles to the economic and social progress of peoples. Colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, racial discrimination, apartheid, aggression, occupation and foreign domination and all other forms of inequality and exploitation of peoples constitute major obstacles to the economic and social progress of developing countries and peoples. It is indeed regrettable that even after the four decades that have elapsed since the founding of the United Nations, progress in the eradication of apartheid in South Africa remains slow and unsatisfactory.

5. The existing inequities and imbalances in international economic relations are widening the gap between developed and developing countries, thereby constituting a major obstacle to the development of the developing countries and adversely affecting international relations and the promotion of world peace and security. The arms race and the aggravation of international tension continue to contribute to the deterioration of the world social situation. Disarmament would release resources that could be used for the development of developing countries and could contribute to the well-being and prosperity of all.

6. It is necessary to have a reduction of social and economic disparities and the adoption of measures to ensure the effective participation of all people in the preparation and execution of national policies for economic and social development, based on equal opportunities for all and a full enjoyment of human rights.

7. The adverse social situation reflects the lack of implementation of the Declaration on Social Progress and Development, other relevant United Nations charters and declarations in the social and economic fields, and the objectives and overall development goals adopted and reaffirmed in the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade.

8. Certain social and economic changes have occurred that have had broad and negative repercussions on the elements constituting the social sphere. There is a need to adapt governmental policies to the new and urgent needs that have arisen.

9. Greater attention needs to be accorded to a unified approach to development, as well as to the pursuance of international economic policies in areas of trade, and monetary and fiscal policies consistent with the overall objectives of growth and development. The interdependence that exists between economic development and social development is much more apparent in developing countries facing a crushing debt burden, which at present is having a devastating impact on the social conditions of vulnerable groups. The worsening of the social situation has a serious impact in particular areas and countries, notably on employment and income distribution. Even though additional measures are required for social progress, economic development is an essential prerequisite. It has been stressed that social change and development can exert a positive influence in extricating societies from their economic difficulties. The establishment of the new international economic order has become of great importance for social progress.

10. A more rational use of various available resources should be made by Governments, communities, local authorities and voluntary organizations to deal with the worsening social situation, paying greater attention to the most essential and deserving aspects of social development.

11. The 1985 report on the world social situation and the discussion on the report in the Commission clearly indicate that existing approaches to socio-economic development have not always been able to solve the problems of mass poverty and underdevelopment. Alternative development methods are needed, involving, in particular, more effective participation by the people. Hopeful prospects for future progress towards social amelioration are emerging in developed countries. Technological marvels have appeared on the scene in those countries and been socially assimilated by them at a remarkable rate. The potential exists for applying existing and future technologies to the enhancement of social and productive life in the developing countries.

12. The social situation should be monitored in depth on a regular basis, paying special attention to the manner of implementation of the Declaration on Social Progress and Development and the International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade.

II. 1985 report on the world social situation

13. The Commission, conscious of its responsibility for the serious consideration and discussion of the issues before it, expresses its concern at the considerable delay in the circulation of the documents, including the report on the world social situation, and urges the Secretary-General to ensure that the documents and the report to be considered by the Commission are distributed as prescribed under the rules of procedure of the functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council.

14. The Commission is of the view that the report on the world social situation will better serve the purpose of analysis of the world social situation and trends if it is prepared at four-yearly intervals, as this provides a reasonable time-span for measuring change.

15. For the sessions held in the intervening years, the Commission should have before it a draft framework of the forthcoming report on the world social situation, to allow it to make suggestions in regard to the preparation of the report, and an updated report on the main issues and trends of international concern that have emerged since the last report on the world social situation was prepared.

16. The next report on the world social situation should envisage an overview of trends, within the framework of overall development, and of the impact of continuing imbalances in the world economy and international economic crises that particularly affect developing countries. The report should provide an intersectoral analysis of trends, issues and policies in the national, regional and international contexts. It should cover ways of overcoming obstacles to social progress, the relationship between peace and development, the need for disarmament and major international social and economic concerns, in line with the priorities indicated by the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.

17. The next report should also include a more thorough analysis of the impact of new and emerging technologies on socio-economic conditions, particularly in developing countries. It should analyse the progress that has been made in the international diffusion of appropriate technology and application of technology in improving social conditions in developing countries.