Subprogrammes
(UNESCAP Programme of Work, 2006-2007)

Subprogramme 8 - Social development, including persistent and emerging issues

Objective of the Organization: To improve access for socially vulnerable groups to basic services (including health care), income and productive assets, the physical environment and decision-making.

Expected accomplishments of the Secretariat

(a) Increased national capacity to promote accessibility of services for socially vulnerable groups, taking due account of gender dimensions and the rights-based approach for persons with disabilities
(b) Increased national capacity to monitor progress in achieving the internationally agreed development goals contained in the Millennium Declaration and the outcomes of major United Nations conferences pertaining to poverty reduction, gender equality, health and socially vulnerable groups

Strategy

The subprogramme’s strategic direction derives from the internationally agreed development goals, including those on poverty eradication, gender equality and empowerment of women, and combating HIV/AIDS, as well as on issues relating to youth, older persons and population and development, contained in the United Nations Millennium Declaration and in the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and international agreements since 1992. The Second Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012, also provides strategic direction for regional activities towards the achievement of an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for persons with disabilities.

The subprogramme will accomplish its objectives through the convening of regional meetings and training workshops; the identification, analysis, dissemination and customization of good practices; the promotion of partnerships, including with non-governmental organizations and civil society; the compilation, review and dissemination of information; technical assistance, at the request of members and associate members; and limited inter-country research.