A/RES/68/131 Promoting social integration through social inclusion Stressing that the promotion of sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth that promotes full, productive and inclusive employment and decent work for all is necessary to eradicate poverty, including extreme poverty, and reduce inequality, and should be complemented, as appropriate, by effective social protection policies, including social inclusion policies, Recognizing that the gains of economic growth should also benefit those in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, Recognizing also that social inclusion and equity 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 acceleration of progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and should be given due consideration in the elaboration of the post-2015 development agenda, 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, Stressing that social inclusion policies should promote gender equality and the empowerment of women 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 forms of discrimination, 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 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, Stressing the importance of an enabling international environment, in particular 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 2/4 A/68/169.