EU Presidency Statement - Social Development: Items 61, 62 and 63

EU Presidency Statement on Items 61, 62 and 63, Social Development, by the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union, Third Committee, Sixtieth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, New York

Dear Chairperson,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Moldova align themselves with this statement.

Copenhagen +10 Summit

Mr Chairperson,

1. The European Union continues to strongly support the full and effective implementation of the commitments made at the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen and the 24th special session of the General Assembly. We also remain fully committed to the comprehensive implementation of the internationally agreed development goals including those contained in the Millennium Declaration.

2. The EU therefore very much welcomes the commitment shown by governments, civil society, and a range of international organisations to the discussions of the 43rd session of the Commission for Social Development in February which, on the 10th anniversary of Copenhagen, focussed on the implementation of its outcomes and follow-up. The EU remains committed to the comprehensive approach to social development as laid out in the Copenhagen documents.

3. As the Declaration adopted by the Commission for Social Development reaffirmed, the Copenhagen commitments constitute the basic framework for the promotion of social development at the international and national levels. Enhanced international co-operation, national action and a global dialogue on social issues are all essential to realising the Copenhagen commitments.

4. The presence of high level participants at the 43rd session of the Commission for Social Development, and the emphasis on interactive dialogue and on sharing experience and good practice in overcoming challenges to implementation produced concrete and positive outcomes.

5. It is clear from the Commission's discussions and work in other areas of the United Nations system that employment and the promotion of decent work should be fundamental components of poverty reduction and development strategies. Decent work can be a key route out of poverty and an important factor in regard to social inclusion and integration.

6. Poverty reduction, employment creation and social integration are therefore inextricably linked and it was highly relevant that each of these themes was addressed specifically by the High Level Plenary discussions in February.

Employment

7. The Conclusions of the High-Level segment discussions stressed the need for employment policies to promote decent work under conditions of equity, security and dignity and to incorporate job creation into macroeconomic policy.

8. At the Lisbon European Council meeting in March 2000, Europe's leaders committed themselves to a ten year programme of economic reform designed to make the European Union "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world", capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

9. Five years on, progress has been made, but we know that Europe has to take further, swift, and effective action if we are to make significant progress on the Lisbon targets by 2010.

10. We need to continue to ensure that we develop policies that achieve our social goals and not hinder our economic progress. That is why we cannot have a social model that is based on jobs for life - but is rather based on employability for life: not one based on trying to protect every job that already exists, but one based on promoting the creation of new jobs, new businesses and on encouraging the development of a highly skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force.

11. In order to meet our commitments, we are working to attract and retain more people in employment and reduce youth unemployment; reforming labour markets to promote a life cycle approach to work based on flexibility and security; increasing the adaptability of workers and enterprises through removing obstacles to labour mobility; and investing more in human capital through better education and skills. Particular attention needs to be paid to women's access to employment, the protection of their position in the labour market and the promotion of equal treatment, especially with respect to equal pay.

12. The High Level Panel on Employment at the Commission for Social Development noted that promoting full and productive employment is a pre-requisite for development and expanding access to decent work is essential for social cohesion, which in itself fosters economic growth. It noted, however, that the centrality of employment to poverty reduction has been lacking from international policy discussions. The EU also believes that it is crucial that the international community recognises the centrality of employment to poverty reduction and development and that this issue is given far greater attention in international - and national - policy discussions. Full and productive employment and decent work should be a central policy objective for all member states and part of poverty reduction strategies to achieve the MDGs and to support fair globalisation.

Poverty Reduction

Mr Chairperson,

13. At the Millennium Review Summit we committed ourselves once again to what remains the biggest social challenge - the elimination of poverty. The Summit acknowledged that unless urgent action is taken to redouble our efforts we will not achieve the Millennium Development Goals for poverty reduction by 2015. We need more and better aid, delivered through real partnerships between donor and developing country governments, fairer trade and a focus on the special needs of Africa to help empower the poor.

14. Special attention should be given to the child and maternal health goals, which have shown low levels of progress up to now. A reproductive health target and indicators will help the international community to monitor progress in many of the MDGs including HIV and AIDS, poverty, maternal health and child health and gender. We are pleased that the Millennium Review Summit reaffirmed importance of attaining the goal of universal access to reproductive health. The MDGs cannot be reached unless progress is made in meeting universal sexual and reproductive health and rights including by ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health services as set out in the Cairo Programme of Action.

15. Each country must take primary responsibility for its own development. Developing country governments are called on to prepare ambitious national poverty reduction strategies that take into account the human rights dimension of poverty; to promote good governance; to ensure accountability and transparency in public and private sector management. Their efforts must be supported by more resources and better development opportunities. This includes donors moving speedily towards the goal of allocating 0.7% of GNI for development assistance; developing innovative financing mechanisms; providing deeper and broader debt relief, where necessary; and supporting the implementation of the Doha Development Agenda on trade.

16. In the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness the European Union committed to make its aid more effective and wherever possible to do so by support developing countries own priorities and systems. And in May this year the European Union agreed to double its aid by 2010 with 15 members committed to reach the 0.7 target by 2015. Significant steps have also been taken in the last few months to reduce the burden of debt on the most Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. Let us carry forward this vision and energy for poverty elimination into the successful completion of the WTO Doha round in December.

Social Integration

17. In their Conclusions, the High Level segment at this year's Commission for Social Development highlighted the need for social integration policies to reduce inequalities and to promote access to education and health care and to increase the participation and integration of disadvantaged groups.

18. As is clear from the Lisbon goals to which I referred earlier, the European Union gives as great a weight to social cohesion as it does to economic growth and improving labour markets. Our vision for Europe is of a Union where everyone has the opportunity to make the most of his or her abilities - where no-one is held back by poverty or social exclusion. This means effective action, in accordance with national traditions and social systems, to tackle disadvantage and, in particular, to ensure access to employment for those who are most vulnerable to exclusion from the labour market.

19. While employment is at the heart of our social inclusion strategies, we recognise that many other policies and services are needed to ensure social cohesion. Our strategy involves mobilising all the organisations which can assist in this task and ensuring in particular that social protection, health and education systems provide effective support to those who are at risk of social exclusion. Using commonly agreed indicators, we aim to increase understanding of the causes of social exclusion and to identify and share good practice across the EU. Our goal - to make a decisive impact on poverty by 2010 - is a demanding one but we are making steady progress.

20. We fully agree with the Commission for Social Development's endorsement of the continuing need to promote and attain the goals of universal and equitable access to quality education, the highest attainable standard of mental and physical health, and access for all to primary health care as part of the effort to eradicate poverty, promote full and productive employment and foster social integration.

Disability

Mr. Chairperson,

21. We welcome the progress made by the Ad Hoc Committee on the development of an international Convention on the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by persons with disabilities. The European Union looks forward to a fruitful continuation of the negotiating process next year as we enter the next stage in the negotiations. For a strong and effective Convention, we need the continued participation of NGOs in the negotiating process.

Ageing

22. The issue of demographic change is also of great interest to the EU. Countries around the world are facing an unprecedented demographic transition. Worldwide, the number of people over 60 is expected to increase over the next 50 years from about 600 million to almost 2,000 million. The greatest and most rapid increase will take place in developing countries. These figures have potentially massive implications for all societies.

23. It is against this background that the UN Second World Assembly on Ageing was convened in Madrid in April 2002. The Assembly adopted a Political Declaration and a detailed and comprehensive International Plan of Action which covers a wide range of ageing-related issues.

24. The EU fully supports the Madrid Plan which specifically covers the area of work and the ageing labour force, and sets out a range of options to promote employment opportunities for older workers. The EU has acknowledged the need for such action and is specifically combating age discrimination in employment through a European Directive on Equal Treatment which requires member states to introduce legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment on the grounds of age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, and disability.

25. The Madrid Plan also makes it clear that policies on ageing should be mainstreamed into wider global agendas so that they are linked to other frameworks for social and economic development and human rights.

26. The EU hopes, therefore, that the relevant actors across the UN system will play a full and active part in contributing to its effectiveness implementation. In this regard we look forward to the first review of the Madrid Plan in 2007.

Volunteering

27. We also welcome the Secretary General's report on follow-up to the implementation of the International Year of Volunteers, in particular his reassurance that the momentum built up over the course of the International Year of 2001 has continued to provide the stimulation for a vibrant volunteer movement. That momentum is reflected across the EU in various initiatives being taken forward by Member States, working in partnership with community organisations and communities themselves. We note, however, the Secretary General's assessment that there are wide variations in progress at country and regional level and agree that further effort is needed to sustain and extend progress so that the potential of volunteerism is fully realised in all countries.

Youth

Mr Chairperson,

28. We very much support the forthcoming General Assembly discussions on youth, specifically the event being held in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the World Programme of Action on Youth. The EU looks forward to participating actively in the discussions.

29. Youth policy is gaining increasing prominence in the EU. The European Youth Pact was adopted at the Spring 2005 European Council, as part of the revised Lisbon Strategy focussing on growth and jobs and in recognition of the importance of improving the education, training, mobility and vocational integration and social inclusion of young Europeans.

30. The EU also has an ongoing series of youth programmes to develop cooperation between young people in different Member States and beyond. These programmes are intended to promote young people's active citizenship, develop solidarity among young people and foster the contribution of youth to mutual understanding between peoples. Voluntary activities form an important part of these programmes.

Reform of CSocD

31. In conclusion, we welcome the Commission for Social Development's work on the implementation of the Copenhagen Summit and its commitment to pursuing the follow-up.

32. The Commission is the key forum for taking forward the international social development agenda across the UN and the EU is committed to ensuring that the Commission fulfils this role effectively and strengthens its voice as an authoritative, relevant and respected UN body.

33. We therefore welcome progress made by the Commission at this year's session to reform its methods of work and look forward to the consolidation of this reform in 2006.

34. In our view it is essential that, for the Commission to assert itself as the leading international body on social development, the outcomes of that reform should include more high level participation at the Commission, more direct input from policy experts, more innovative working practices, more inter-active discussions, more action-oriented conclusions, and a greater coherence of the Commission's work with the wider UN system. There should continue to be negotiated and substantial policy-orientated outcomes to the main theme of the Commission for Social Development's session.

35. The EU looks forward to playing a full and active role in the further discussions on reform of the Commission next February.


* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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• EU Presidency Statement - 10th Anniversary of World Programme of Action for Youth (6/10/2005)
• Commissioner Spidla's Statement to the Commission on Social development at the UN (11/2/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement - Commission for Social Development (10/2/2005)