Promoting social integration through social inclusion A/RES/70/126 Recognizing also the importance of an enabling international environment, and stressing the importance of enhanced international cooperation to support national efforts towards promoting social integration through social inclusion in every country, including the fulfilment of all commitments on official development assistance, debt relief, market access, financial and technical support and capacity building, Expressing concern that, in times of economic and financial crisis and ongoing concern about energy and food insecurity, social exclusion can be exacerbated, and stressing in this regard that sustainable and reliable social inclusion policies and programmes can play a positive role, 1. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General; 2 2. Stresses that Member States, which bear the main responsibility for social integration and social inclusion, should prioritize the creation of a “society for all” based on respect for all human rights and the principles of equality among individuals, non-discrimination, access to basic social services and promotion of the active participation of every member of society, in particular those in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, in all aspects of life, including civic, social, economic, cultural and political activities, as well as participation in decision making processes; 3. Reaffirms that social integration policies should seek to reduce inequalities and that equity and social inclusion are important for achieving sustainable development, ensuring that individuals can participate without discrimination and contribute to its social, economic and environmental dimensions; 4. Stresses the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, especially for older persons and persons with disabilities, and of skills development and quality training, as essential means for inclusive participation and integration in society; 5. Calls upon Member States to promote a more equitable participation in and access to economic growth gains, through, inter alia, policies that ensure inclusive labour markets and by implementing socially responsive macroeconomic policies, in which employment has a key role, and social inclusion strategies that promote social integration, ensuring social protection floors, particularly for those who are in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, as defined by each country in accordance with its individual circumstances, including on a demand driven basis, and the promotion and protection of their social and economic rights; 6. Encourages Member States to consider, when appropriate, the creation or the strengthening of national institutions or agencies for promoting, implementing and evaluating social inclusion programmes and mechanisms, at the national and local levels, in order to help ensure that nobody is left behind; 7. Also encourages Member States to ensure inclusive participatory and representative decision-making processes at all levels and to review existing legal frameworks, as appropriate, with a view to removing discriminatory provisions so as to reduce inequalities; 8. Further encourages Member States to promote social inclusion as a matter of social justice in order to build the resilienc e of vulnerable populations and to help them to adapt to the negative impact of economic crises, humanitarian _______________ 2 A/70/179. 3/4