The World Social Report is the flagship publication of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) on social development issues.
- The Report makes the case for a new policy consensus based on three principles – equity, economic security for all, and solidarity.
Key Issues Highlighted by the Report
- Insecure Livelihoods & Enduring Poverty Risks: Over 690 million live in extreme poverty, and 2.8 billion are near it. Small economic shocks can push them back into poverty, making escapes fragile.
- Persistent & Deep Inequalities: Income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, has increased in 52 of 128 countries over the past 30 years.
- E.g., Inequality has grown in populous nations like China and India, and in most high-income countries.
- Declining Trust and Social Cohesion: Trust in governments and institutions is declining globally, threatening social cohesion.
- E.g., 57% of people worldwide express low confidence in their government.
Recommendations
- Apply a Social Lens to Policymaking: Based on the Copenhagen Declaration (1995), development must put people at the center.
- Human Development: Invest in people through quality services—education, healthcare, housing—and universal, adequate social protection.
- Institutions for Social Cohesion: Institutions must be trustworthy, inclusive, and adaptable to ensure equity.