One of the central challenges for governments will be to give practical effect to the new vision of people-centered development that is emerging from this process. Efforts at the national level will have to ensure that civil society is empowered to participate in economic, social and political decision-making processes. This fear is fueled by the fact that the language in the Programme of Action is considered by many to be too weak, vague and ambiguous, with few concrete targets and timetables for action, let alone criteria for measuring success. Translating the Programme of Action it into real action will necessitate the reorientation of national budgets towards social development. In the era of fiscal restraint and dwindling aid flows, governments will have to increase the effectiveness of existing monies, clarify human development priority concerns, and develop suitable programmes as well as the means for measuring the impact of those initiatives.
International responses are also essential.
The extent to which the Bretton Woods institutions reform their practices in adherence to the principles enshrined in the Declaration will be a key basis for evaluating the success of the Social Summit. UN system follow-up is also of central importance. Several NGOs are concerned that plans for UN system implementation and follow-up are too fragmented. However, it may take years to determine if the Summit will be a success in the field. Delegates can negotiate and Heads of State or Government can give animated statements, but unless the commitments are fulfilled and the Programme of Action is implemented, the World Summit for Social Development will be no more than a mere blip on the UN radar screen.