United Nations

Remarks Open Discussion on Five-Year Review; Poverty Eradication,
Global Financial Reform, Better Crisis Management Still Crucial Imperatives
 
 

 NEW YORK, 31 October (UN Headquarters) -- This is the text of introductory remarks by the President of the General Assembly, Harri Holkeri (Finland) today, when the Assembly discussed the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and the related special session of the Assembly:

Last summer we completed the five-year review of the World Summit for Social Development.  The political declaration and the five-year review document of the special session of the General Assembly underline the need to focus our attention and efforts to achieve more equitable, socially just and people-centred societies.

There are about 40 substantial initiatives or new international agreements for action in the declaration.  One of the most important ones is the call for a rigorous analysis of advantages, disadvantages and other implications of proposals for developing new and innovative sources of funding, both public and private, for social development and poverty eradication programmes. 

A study into the new sources of revenue, including a currency transaction tax, Tobin tax, and others alike, might lead the way to better or more effective global public management of the international financial system. 

In the decisions made by the five-year review of the World Summit for Social Development there was a strong call for a need to reduce the volatility of international finances and of managing the crises better, to protect the social services during crises.  This topic may also be further elaborated in the forthcoming "Financing for Development" event next year.

Another initiative called for all United Nations agencies to integrate health policies more effectively into their programmes, including action through trade agreements and increased incentives for research to improve access of developing countries to affordable and effective pharmaceuticals, as well as action to strengthen workers’ rights and social protection of the most vulnerable of our society.  There was an agreement to the target of "access to basic education for all by 2015", and an agreement on the importance of positive and affirmative action to achieve gender equality. 

Last summer, the concept of corporate social responsibility was added to the international agenda for the first time in the five-year review of the World Social Summit.

Furthermore, there was an agreement on the global target for poverty reduction, of halving the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by 2015.  There are about 1.2 billion people among us today living with less than a dollar a day.  A decision to start a more integrated global campaign to reduce poverty was taken.  Subsequently, preparations for an international employment strategy, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the lead, are being undertaken, with plans to hold a global employment forum next year.

My short introductory note to this agenda item cannot encompass the entirety of the debate and all the results of the special session.  I may only say that in the follow-up to the five-year review, there are urgent actions to be undertaken for all constituencies of our society, at international, regional and national levels, and to all players of the society, including the governments and the civil society actors.

Finally, I would like to quote from the political declaration of Geneva.  “At the dawn of the new millennium, aware of our responsibilities towards future generations, we are strongly committed to social development, including social justice for all in a globalizing world.  We invite all people in all countries and in all walks of life, as well as the international community, to join in a renewed dedication to our shared vision for a more just and equitable world.”

May these words guide our debate today.