A/RES/70/126 Promoting social integration through social inclusion Taking note with appreciation of the commitment of several United Nations entities to mainstream social inclusion in their work, and encouraging others to do the same, Reaffirming the commitment of the international community to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for everyone, as necessary, to eradicate poverty in all its forms, including extreme poverty, which should be complemented, as appropriate, by effective social protection policies, including social inclusion policies, Reaffirming also the importance of reducing inequalities within and among countries through the empowerment of all and the promotion o f social, economic and political inclusion, especially for those in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, Recognizing that the gains of economic growth should also benefit those in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, Recognizing also that social inclusion and equality are intrinsically linked and that focusing on and investing in the most disadvantaged and excluded populations, such as women, children and persons with disabilities, is critically important for the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, Recognizing further that social inclusion policies and systems play a critical role in promoting an inclusive society and are also crucial for fostering stable, safe, harmonious, peaceful and just societies and for improving social cohesion and inclusion so as to create an environment for development and progress, Reaffirming the important role of corporate social responsibility and accountability in contributing to an enabling environment to promote inclusive economic growth and social integration, Recognizing that social inclusion policies also strengthen the democratic process and play a critical role in progressively realizing economic, social and cultural rights for all, Stressing that social inclusion policies should promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and equal access to opportunities and social protection for all, in particular for those in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, including women who experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence, Reaffirming the importance of ensuring the social integration of older persons and the promotion and protection of their rights, as an integral part of development policies at all levels, and recognizing the essential contribution that older persons can make to development, Recognizing the important role played by civil society, including non-governmental organizations, in promoting social integration, inter alia, through social programmes and support for the development of socially inclusive policies, Acknowledging that the participation of persons in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations is crucial to formulating and implementing social inclusion policies that effectively achieve social integration, as appropriate, Recognizing that each country has primary responsibility for its own economic and social development, and reaffirming the essential role of national policies and strategies in promoting sustainable development in all of its forms, particularly the promotion of social inclusion, 2/4