INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
on a positive note.
“It is crucial to understand that social development is all about building an inclusive society, which was advocated in the 1995 Copenhagen World Summit for Social Development,” she said, adding that this was a key agenda discussed at the forum where thoughts and ideas were deliberated on by the delegates.
“Participants shared their unique experiences, knowledge and policies, challenges, research gaps and policy solutions,” she said, adding that nine resolutions were adopted at the forum themed “Building Inclusive Societies”.
Rohani had earlier told the forum that Malaysia was working on six strategies in its effort to build an inclusive society.
“The first strategy will be in strengthening the family institution through parenting skills, family values, counselling services and family support systems.
“We will optimise the potential of youth through capacitybuilding in dynamic leadership, science and technology, entrepreneurs and inspiring the spirit of volunteerism.
“Our ongoing efforts are to enhance the role of women by creating a conducive working environment, to increase the number of women in decision-making positions at high level and politics,” she said, adding that the ministry was upholding the interests of children through strengthening protection against violence, abandonment, and neglect.
“The elderly will not be forgotten. We aim to enhance their lifestyle through a supportive environment that promotes active ageing and empowers disabled individuals by providing more training and entrepreneurship skills to make them employable.”
MOST is a programme under Unesco’s Commission of Social Sciences, which aims to design, coordinate and implement programmes and activities related to social sciences, inclusivity and gender equality.
Malaysia has been appointed an Unesco executive board member from 2015 to 2019 through the Education Ministry.
MOST was launched to strengthen the dissemination of knowledge to member states by encouraging evidence-informed approaches through sustained dialogue between researchers and policymakers.