National efforts need to be supplemented by global support. In this respect, I underscore the need for greater coordination between the United Nations, its specialized agencies and the international financial institutions, in the field of social development. Existing UN programmes should be strengthened institutionally so that they can play a catalytic role in social development. The Economic and Social Council should assume a more proactive and intensive role in harnessing the efforts and resources available to the functional commissions. The Commission for Social Development, in particular, should be strengthened further to enable it to monitor effectively the achievement of the goals of social development.
Social development demands more of our attention and our resources.
It is upon us to demonstrate our collective wisdom and resolve to consolidate for our future generation a healthy, just and peaceful global society. I thank you, Madame Chairperson.