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Rethinking Social Development for a Post-2015 World

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Abstract

Current global discussions over the content of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda provide a critical space for reflection on the future contours of development assistance, and an opportunity to rethink the social dimensions of the transformation to sustainable development. There is widespread recognition that the future agenda must be ambitious, universal and transformative; with policies and implementation mechanisms that are integrated, holistic and measurable. This article explores some of the challenges of moving from the poverty-focused targets of the MDGs, towards a socially sustainable development agenda, and points to directions that could help shape a fundamental rethinking of the current approach to social development.

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Additional information

This article is based on an intervention made by Sarah Cook at a side event on ‘The Post-2015 World: Implications for Social Development’ organized by the Club de Madrid during the 52nd session of the Commission for Social Development, February 2014. While it draws heavily on the work of UNRISD, it is written in a personal capacity and the views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the institutions involved.

Explores some of the challenges of moving from the poverty-focused targets of the MDGs towards a socially sustainable development agenda, and points to directions that could help shape a fundamental rethinking of the current approach to social development

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Cook, S., Dugarova, E. Rethinking Social Development for a Post-2015 World. Development 57, 30–35 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1057/dev.2014.25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/dev.2014.25

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