Summary: Plenary Session

Guest Speakers

Three eminent speakers opened the morning, focusing on the role of civil society with respect to the world economy, rights of workers and human development. 

Civil society and rights of workers
In his video message, HE Juan Somavia, Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO), emphasized that a diverse group of people from civil society must be a part of globalization, if a better world is to be possible. In addition to having a society based on equality and greater participation, respect for the rights of workers is essential. The ILO will continue to play a major role in a unified world. Some goals of the collaborative effort are becoming aware of society’s different needs and making a better world in the face of injustice. He stated that CSOs (civil society organizations) are needed to work with Governments and the UN system to find answers which do not exist today. HE Somavia concluded by wishing the delegates much success at the conference.

Civil society as a catalyst for social inclusion
Dr. Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, Special Representative of the World Bank to the UN and the World Trade Organization, stressed the need for immediate action. As many models for development no longer work, he emphasized the need for a new paradigm. If development is judged by results, people have not greatly benefited. At least one half of the world earns less than US$ 2 a day. Even as physical boundaries vanish, mistrust exists, especially among youth, who are concerned about social justice and not just material things. Poverty is not just about income, but is rather a situation where one lacks empowerment, hence the importance of human rights. CSOs play a vital role and the UN system can consolidate and provide a platform for civil society. The role is essentially to help the poor, to endorse local organizations, bring about social coherence, stability, and champion the needs and voices of the disempowered. Social inclusion and empowerment must be based on holistic human values placing people first and promoting self-realization. Community-based development approaches must be strengthened. Civil Society will take the baton. International cooperation cannot delay social changes needed to bring peace. A new form of government at the global level is needed in which globalization does not include hierarchical thinking. Success is not measured by endless debate; success is measured by the quality of transformed values. People must reflect seriously on the structure of a global society as prosperity for the few in the long term is prosperity for none.

Social inclusion to reduce poverty
Mr. Jean Favre, Deputy Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), cited gains, but noted losses as well. During the last decade, more people have access to potable water than ever before. Primary school enrollment has increased in a few developing countries. Political (mainly democratic) and other reforms have increased in other countries. Yet, 52 countries ended the decade poorer than they began it with. The human development index has declined for many. For example, there are more IT users in New York City than in all of Sub-Saharan Africa. During the 1990s, the United Nations called for enforcement of development—especially with regards to the environment, women, habitat, and social exclusion—and established an action plan. Mr. Favre stated, though, that reducing the number of persons living in extreme poverty by one half (1/2), decreasing the infant mortality rate by three fourths (3/4), and reversing the tide of HIV/AIDS are not be easy goals to achieve by 2015. Nevertheless, engaging people’s participation and encouraging their having a sense of ownership for projects can facilitate the goals’ achievement. He added that the needed funds are still short 50 billion dollars a year; therefore, the richest countries should commit themselves to helping the poorer ones to develop. To do so, a real global partnership is needed. Monitoring objectives and making reports on whether the goals are actually being achieved will be essential, especially if those from the bottom are included. Mr. Favre suggested that we could be the first in humankind to do away with poverty.

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