Efforts to sustain broad-based economic growth reinforce the promotion of social development. Processes to promote increased and equal economic opportunities, to avoid exclusion and overcome socially divisive disparities while respecting diversity are also part of an enabling environment for social development. It is the primary responsibility of States to attain social development. But the international community, the United Nations system, the multilateral financial institutions, all regional organizations and local authorities, and all actors of civil society also need to contribute their own share of efforts and resources to promote social development and to reduce inequalities among people and narrow the gap between developed and developing countries. Eradication of poverty and hunger 94.
Poverty continues to affect far too many people in the world.
Hunger and malnutrition, ill-health, lack of access to safe drinking water, low access to education and other public services and resources, exclusion, lack of participation and violence are some of the many aspects that characterize poverty. Widespread poverty affects the future of societies, as children growing up in poverty are often permanently disadvantaged. The burden of poverty is disproportionately borne by women. Though poverty occurs in all countries, its extent and manifestation are particularly severe in developing countries. The goal of eradicating poverty in the world is an ethical, social, political and economic imperative.