Boutros Boutros-Ghali address to the world summit for social development Copenhagen, 6 March 1995

Abstract

In his address to the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen on March 6, 1995, United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali emphasized the urgent need for the international community to confront social injustice, exclusion, and poverty. He called for a rethinking of collective social responsibility and the creation of a new global social contract to address the widening gap between rich and poor, the erosion of traditional solidarity, and the marginalization of entire regions. Boutros-Ghali highlighted the summit's focus on combating poverty, promoting social integration, and fostering productive employment, while stressing the inseparable link between social development and human rights. He outlined three priority objectives: providing social protection for individuals, promoting social integration, and ensuring social peace.