Social Justice in an Open World: The Role of the United Nations
The objective of achieving greater equality between countries in terms of development presupposes that "development" is a clear concept agreed upon by all concerned and accepted as being in the common interest of humanity, including future generations. This might have been the case in the 1960s and 1970s, but many believe today that the dominant pattern of economic development is physically, politically and morally unsustainable. It encourages and actually feeds on acquisitiveness, consumerism and a predatory attitude towards nature. Others are convinced that development is a superfluous notion, as what matters most is a freeing of economic initiative-the pursuit of economic justice-and participation in the world economy through trade and openness to foreign investment. For both those committed to the search for a different meaning of economic and social progress and proponents of the laissez-faire political philosophy, ranking countries on a scale defined by a few economic aggregates and then trying to bring them all to the top of this scale is an artificial exercise. Finally, even if inequality in development among countries is considered a legitimate issue, assigning it priority diverts attention from the pressing problem of growing inequalities among people and, within this context, the extreme poverty that persists in various parts of the world. The worst problems of inequality and inequity exist within societies. Notwithstanding the trend towards globalization and interdependence, States still have the capacity to alleviate or aggravate these problems. Inequality among countries, particularly inequality between developed and developing countries, is a long-term problem of growth and development. However, social injustice, inequalities and inequities within societies can be more immediately and effectively addressed by a wide range of policies and decisions at the local and national levels that might, for example, bring about changes in tax systems and in the institutions delivering public services. International organizations are in a position to at least influence these decisions. Sensitive to these arguments, the Forum nonetheless agreed that international justice, and particularly its developmental component, should remain high on the agenda of the United Nations for two compelling reasons: First, States remain the indispensable building blocks of a viable international community. International organizations should be modified, expanded and created to address global problems and respond to global aspirations. In particular, global economic and financial powers need to be checked and balanced by global political institutions whose primary function is to represent the peoples of the world and endeavour to define and promote the common good. The viability and efficacy of such institutions, including the United Nations, hinges upon the active participation and informed consent of strong and responsible States genuinely seeking to act in the best interests of their citizens. A peaceful world community cannot emerge from the will of a few powerful countries or from the