Weitzenegger's Social Cohesion Report

Social cohesion is the capacity of a society to ensure the well-being of all its members, minimising disparities and avoiding marginalisation. Social cohesion means the fight against poverty, inequality and social exclusion. It provides the absolutely necessary condition for democratic stability and sustainable development.

Concern about social cohesion has highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. We can no longer measure welfare solely in terms of per capita GDP. Growth may be a necessary condition for development but it is not a sufficient condition. High per capita incomes do not necessarily mean lower levels of inequality or poverty. Just as important as income are access to education, healthcare, basic infrastructure such as drinking water, decent jobs and participation in political and social life. The inability to find a role in society, the poor political representation and the lack of access to justice have all too often been overlooked as exclusion factors.

The state has a fundamental role to play in guaranteeing a degree of social cohesion. While it must not ignore the need for macro-economic stability and sound public finances, the state can make the tax system fairer and more progressive. It can change the way public money is spent to achieve greater redistribution and repair holes in the social fabric (i.e. exclusion). It can also promote social cohesion by focusing on delivering higher levels of social protection for all.

Empowering the poor, measuring the progress of societies by developing indicators of well-being as well as promoting good governance in health care and patient's participation are valid contributions to promoting another of our core values - democracy.

We believe that democracy, the rule of law and social and economic development are essential for peace and security. We are fully committed to provide coherent and effective support to those individuals, organisations or institutions, including human rights defenders, working for the promotion and protection of human rights.

Measures to foster participatory democracy are also a crucial part of strengthening social cohesion. It is essential that, alongside representative democracy, the public is involved in decision-making through consultation with civil society organisations.

Culture is an important aspect of human society and helps to promote social inclusion and cohesion, as well as political participation and ownership. That is why development policy seeks to preserve it, promote it and employ it as a tool for development.

Social cohesion is one of the main axes of the strategic relationship between the European Union and Latin America. The Summit of Heads of State and Government of Guadalajara, held in May 2004, already underlined in its final declaration the "determination to build fairer societies by strengthening social cohesion", stressing the responsibility and will of the Governments to lead processes and reforms geared to increasing cohesion, by combating poverty, inequality and social exclusion.

foto foto foto foto foto