how do we create an inclusive society?
August 5, 2007
The Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) of the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs (UNDESA) recently held an E-dialogue on “Creating an Inclusive Society: Practical Strategies to promote Social Integration”. This E-dialogue was organized by DSPD in collaboration with UNESCO and UN-HABITAT, from 22 May to 20 June 2007 – and makes for fascinating reading. 252 international participants from a range of stakeholder groups participated in this dialogue and shared their views and opinions on how to create a more inclusive society.
The summary document from the E-dialogue makes for fascinating reading for those involved and interested in the development sector. Summary of E-Dialogue on Social Inclusion
The E-dialogue was held over a period of four weeks and this discussion forum provided the space for participation regardless of location. However one wonders whether those who are most excluded from society where best represented by those who participated in the discussion. So this raises the question of who represents who in dialogue around social inclusion? Who develops the definition for social integration? Does the very process of discussing integration and inclusion by a group of academics, researchers, activists, governments, experts, consultants and international organisations, in effect perpetuate the exclusion of those living on the periphery of our cities and on the fringes of society?
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This article raises some very poignant questions about how we can create an inclusive society. The notion of who represents who is often evidenced in conferences and forums that debate issues around poverty and redress of social injustices.
I think that the majority of people who are on the fringes of society don’t care to participate in dialogue. They are so busy trying to survive day to day. How can we, in our various fields of expertise (government, academia, research, activism, etc) participate in dialogue about social injustices when we have no idea about how the other half lives? So how can we know, truly know, what issues are affecting the poor, homeless, the marginalised, when we lack the capacity to walk a mile in their shoes???
Comment by Zanele — September 20, 2007 @ 9:53 am