The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael highlighted the steadfast commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to promote fair, effective, and inclusive social policies.
In the margins of the 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, the Ambassador pointed out in her address that “despite the progress achieved in key social development goals since the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen in 1995, significant challenges remain in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Ambassador Michael said that ongoing inequalities and the instability caused by conflicts, climate change, and pandemics pose serious challenges to social resilience, hindering the implementation of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration for Social Development and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Permanent Representative of Cyprus highlighted the steadfast commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to promote fair, effective, and inclusive social policies, with a particular focus on providing accessible, affordable, friendly, and targeted social services. This approach is based on human rights and takes gender perspectives into account, emphasizing the needs of vulnerable groups.
“Solidarity and social inclusion are keys to building a cohesive and resilient society,” she noted.
As examples of Cyprus’ social policies, Ambassador Michael referred to the minimum guaranteed income, the healthcare system, and the education system.
Cyprus, she mentioned, is committed to investing in social policies to address inequalities, stressing that the upcoming 2nd World Summit for Social Development is an opportunity to renew the commitment to social development.
“Cyprus is committed to investing in resilient and effective policies anchored in human rights and fundamental freedoms,” she concluded.
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Source: CNA