Reducing Inequality and Pursuing Inclusive Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges, Priorities and Key Messages in preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development

In the 30 years since the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen, inclusive social development has played an increasingly central role in the region’s policies, institutions and performance. However, big challenges remain as new risks are emerging, and these must be addressed with new agreements and better policies to achieve inclusion and ensure the exercise of social rights, as recommended in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Amid the major changes, various crises and new conflicts under way, the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in 2025, represents a critical moment for reviewing progress thus far, analysing the current context and adopting decisions for a future with more equality and greater social mobility and inclusion. It will give the region an opportunity to set forth its needs, priorities and recommendations. This document presents a brief history of the social development agenda over the past 30 years, along with progress and challenges relating to the social inequality matrix at present and messages for ministers of social development in Latin America and the Caribbean to consider in the lead-up to the Summit, to advance towards inclusive social development.