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World Social Report 2025
On April 24, 2025, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) released the World Social Report 2025, highlighting escalating global challenges such as economic insecurity, rising inequality, and declining social trust. The report emphasizes the urgent need for a new policy consensus to foster sustainable development and social cohesion .
Key Highlights:
- Economic Insecurity: Despite reductions in extreme poverty, over 2.8 billion people live on daily incomes between $2.15 and $6.85, making them vulnerable to economic shocks.
- Rising Inequality: The concentration of wealth and power at the top has intensified, leading to social fragmentation and eroding trust in institutions.
- Declining Social Trust: More than half of the global population lacks trust in their governments, a situation exacerbated by the spread of misinformation.
Proposed Policy Framework:
The report advocates for a new policy consensus anchored in three core principles:
- Equity: Ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities for all individuals.
- Economic Security for All: Implementing universal social protection systems to safeguard against economic vulnerabilities.
- Solidarity: Fostering social cohesion and collective responsibility to address shared challenges.
Implications for India:
- Social Protection: Strengthening schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to enhance economic security.
- Addressing Inequality: Implementing progressive taxation and inclusive policies to reduce wealth disparities.
- Building Trust: Enhancing transparency and accountability in governance to rebuild public trust.