Xinhua, United Nations :
Deputy UN Secretary-General Jan Eliasson Monday spoke at the 20th anniversary commemoration of the World Summit for Social Development, stressing global efforts to strive for eradicating poverty, full employment and social integration across the world.
He said that “in 1995 in Copenhagen, participants at the Summit agreed that we must place human beings at the center of our development efforts,” adding that “the affirmation that poverty eradication, full employment and social integration are closely linked rings even more relevant and true in today’s world.”
Eliasson said that “as we strengthen and reinforce our combined commitment to achieve a life of dignity for all, we must use the lessons of the past to ensure a better future for all.”
“The year 2015 presents an historic test and challenge for the international community and national institutions,” he said.
“We are embarking on a voyage of transformative change affecting all sectors of our societies,” he said. “This change must be built on universality, sustainability and acceptance of interdependence as a win-win proposition for both nations and people.”
In March 1995 in Copenhagen, Eliasson said, the World Summit for Social Development was the largest gathering ever of world leaders at that time. By putting people center stage, the summit pledged to make the conquest of poverty, the goal of full employment and the fostering of social integration overriding objectives of development.
“Today’s event gives us an opportunity for reflection on progress … as well as on remaining challenges and the road ahead, ” especially in promoting social progress, social inclusion and social justice, he said. “Peoples’needs, rights and aspirations are the glue that should bind together … efforts at local, national, regional and international levels.”
