Social Justice in an Open World: The Role of the United Nations
Is there a need for the international/global financing of social development?
If so, should such assistance be considered a temporary complement to national sources of finance or a step towards a system of global resource redistribution? What is the most sensible rationale, from the perspective of the common good of humankind, for the global transfer of resources for social development?An economic rationale, with attention focused on stimulating demand along the lines of a global Marshal1 Plan? A political rationale, based on the presumed link between prosperity, stability and peace and on the consequent need to reduce inequalities between countries and regions and to prevent the emergence of a dual world? A moral rationale, founded on the notions of common humanity, moral imperative, and solidarity and justice? What are the messages and teachings of the great religions with regard to the redistribution of financial resources for social purposes?
Theme 2: Is globalization favourable to the financing of social development? The current process of globalization, seen by many as the resumption of a secular trend interrupted by the wars and tragic upheavals of the twentieth century, is characterized by the increased mobility of ideas, technologies, capital and, to an extent, people. This process, in part because of the dissent it generates, is contributing to the emergence of a worldwide social consciousness and of forces advocating innovative approaches to financing development. In some parts of the developing world, it is helping create conditions for improved standards of living. It is facilitating the development and dissemination of a worldwide culture of initiative, dynamism, freedom and self-fulfilment in which the short-term outlook prevails and the immediate satisfaction of needs is sought. It tends to favour the private appropriation of income and wealth. The freedom of economic and financial actors to make their own choices and decisions, even with regard to their social responsibilities, is valued. There is a corresponding aversion to regulations and legal obligations. The process of globalization appears to be leading to a greater concentration of private economic and financial power. At this point, it also seems to be increasing the fragility and vulnerability of the world economy and society, perhaps because the multiple forms of interdependence it serves to strengthen are not yet adequately supported by modern public institutions with sufficient power and influence. Discussions relating to the present thematic focus prompted the following questions: Does globalization help create opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment?