ENB:10:11 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

GENERAL DEBATE ON THE CORE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE SUMMIT

During the week-long general debate, the PrepCom heard statements by approximately 75 government delegations, 20 non-governmental organizations, and 15 intergovernmental organizations and UN agencies. A number of specific themes emerged during the course of the debate and Somav¡a summarized them as follows. The first theme pertained to the global social situation. Somav¡a said that many delegates had noted that:

Social unrest is growing in scope in most parts of the world;

Economic globalization has not worked and the trickle-down theory is threatening all aspects of society;

The core issues of the WSSD affect all societies, but with different intensities;

The underlying political and economic causes of poverty must be addressed;

The extreme situations in Africa and the least developed countries require special treatment;

The particular problems facing women, who represent the majority of the poor, must also be addressed; and

Despite the gravity of the problems, emphasis must be placed on the potential to deal with these problems.

The second theme pertained to the political perception of the debate. Somav¡a noted the following key comments:

There is a high political cost to inaction. If these problems go unchecked, the consequences will ultimately affect both national and international peace and security;

The Summit will be highly political in light of the transboundary nature of many of the issues being addressed;

This Summit would not have been possible before the end of the Cold War. Yet at the same time, the end of the Cold War eliminated a certain form of stability, and insecurity of all forms has increased;

State security depends on human security and human security is linked to a set of moral issues, such as the limits to human suffering, that must be addressed; and

There is a growing recognition of the need to move beyond narrow self-interest to genuine international cooperation. At the same time, it must be recognized that many local issues need somehow to be linked with the broader global agenda.

The third theme is related to the concept of a common vision for the Summit. Somav¡a noted that most delegates shared the view that the basic objective of the WSSD is to express the commitment to put humans at the center of development and political activity. This requires ensuring the dignity of the human person and the great diversity of society as well as accepting diversity as a value and not as something that should be fought against. Other visions for the Summit, as expressed by delegates, include:

The political long-term view that poverty is unacceptable was linked with practical suggestions for its elimination, such as investment in human resources, development of a social pact or Agenda for People, programmes that foster enterprise rather than dependence, and shifting investment towards activities that have high social multiplier effects;

The reduction of gender inequity was seen as a central problem to be addressed;

These problems can best be resolved through international action, and the Summit should forge the creation of a new model of international partnership;

There is a need to build on the efforts of past summits and conferences; and

The most successful societies are those that recognize the centrality of people in the development process.

[Return to start of article]