More inclusive societies crucial for advancing stability, development, says UN official

The United Nations development chief has highlighted the importance of ensuring both economic and political inclusion, stating that one need not look further than the Arab street to witness what happens when people have been left behind.

In an address yesterday at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Helen Clark said that a combination of economic and political exclusion and injustice has brought millions of people in the Arab region to the streets to demand change.

While young people are prominent among those demanding change, “across all age groups there has been a pent-up desire for dignity, for a say in the decisions which shape people’s lives, and a willingness to stand up against corruption and repression,” said Miss Clark, the Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

She noted that impressive rates of economic growth often have not led to significant poverty reduction or to greater opportunities for decent work. At the same time, recent events in the Arab region suggest that inclusive growth is only part of the story.

“Inclusive governance is also important for development. Meaningful participation in decision-making is a cornerstone of the social stability and peace which sustained development requires.”

Tunisia, for example, had made significant development gains in the past 30 years. Recent events there, however, show that human development depends on more than better health, education and national income. “It requires enlarging people’s freedoms and choices too,” said Ms. Clark.

“Even with impressive development progress in many areas over the last decade, many people have been left behind, experiencing that toxic mix of economic and political exclusion.

“Yet those people too have dreams and aspirations, not just for material progress, but also for the opportunity to realize their full potential, build a better future for their children, and participate in shaping the decisions which impact on their lives,” she stated.

The success of broad-based popular movements in forcing political change in key Arab States, she added, must now be followed by the difficult and detailed work of building more inclusive societies, economies, and governance systems.

UNDP is well placed to support these transitions, she said, noting that helping to design more inclusive governance and expand people’s freedoms, choices and right to have a say is central to the agency’s democratic governance mandate.

The agency has long-standing programmes in both Tunisia and Egypt to advance human development. It is now working with the national authorities on support for their countries’ next steps, including supporting electoral processes and promoting human rights.