SOUTH AFRICA CHAMPIONS ECONOMY OF WELL-BEING AT UN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

By Precious Mupenzi

• Countries could continue to grow their economies for the benefit of the few, or forge a new way of placing people, dignity, and fairness at the centre of social development, said South Africa’s Acting Director-General of Social Development, Peter Netshipale.
• He underscored the importance of prioritising social investments that enhance long-term economic resilience during an event on the sidelines of the UN Commission for Social Development on 13 February 2025.
• Economic growth devoid of social justice was unsustainable, Netshipale noted, pointing out that nations prioritising social well-being enjoy higher productivity, lower crime rates, stronger economic resilience, and greater innovation.

“We are at a crossroads,” declared South Africa’s Acting Director-General of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, addressing a distinguished audience at the 63rd session of the UN Commission for Social Development.

“We can either continue on the well-worn path of economic growth that benefits the few while leaving many behind, or we can forge a new way forward – one that places people, dignity, and fairness at the centre of social development.”

Netshipale was speaking at a high-level side event co-hosted by South Africa and Qatar under the theme “Towards the World Summit for Social Development: Economy of Well-being Approach and Social Justice as Investments for Future Generations.”

The discussion, held at the UN headquarters in New York, brought together global leaders, including Kaisa Juuso, Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland; Laura Thomson, Assistant Director-General of the International Labour Organisation; Dr Wener Obermayer, Director of the World Health Organisation office to the UN; and Mario Nava, Director-General, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion at the European Commission.

In his remarks, South Africa’s top social development official underscored the importance of prioritising social investments that enhance long-term economic resilience. He stressed that the economy of well-being is not merely about financial indicators like gross domestic product but about ensuring that economic progress translates into real improvements in people’s lives.

He noted that economic growth devoid of social justice is unsustainable, pointing out that nations prioritising social well-being enjoy higher productivity, lower crime rates, stronger economic resilience, and greater innovation.

South Africa has embraced this approach by making strategic investments in youth through early childhood development, free primary healthcare, and free basic education.

“Since younger people constitute a significant portion of our population, we needed to ensure that they would become active economic citizens,” he emphasised.

Crucial drivers of economic growth

Education, healthcare, housing, and social protection, he argued, should not be seen as acts of charity but as crucial drivers of economic growth and stability.

The acting director-general also highlighted the need for robust social protection systems, ensuring that grants, unemployment support, and social services empower citizens rather than create dependency. He advocated for stronger job creation efforts, particularly targeting marginalized communities, and emphasised the role of labour policies in ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions to build a more motivated and productive workforce.

As the world prepares for the 2nd World Summit for Social Development, Netshipale called for a whole-of-society approach in which governments, the private sector, and civil society collaborate in building an economy of well-being.

He reiterated South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that no child goes hungry, no youth is left without opportunity, and no family is abandoned in times of hardship.

“In South Africa we have learnt that economic growth that leaves people behind is not sustainable.  We have noted that it has taken decades to address the structural elements of apartheid in our country.  This is why we stress that social justice is not just a moral imperative; it is an investment in the future. When we ensure that every child has access to quality education, we are creating the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow,” he said. 

Finland’s Juuso emphasised the importance of both health and social care in driving the economic well-being of future generations.

She stressed the need for developing tools that can positively impact economic well-being. “Comprehensive social security must be prioritised, especially for those who require help the most,” Juuso stated.

She further highlighted that issues of inequality and exclusion are global trends, and social policy should respond accordingly to ensure no one is left behind.

The side event concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring that future economic growth is inclusive, equitable, and people-centred – laying the foundation for a world where prosperity is truly shared.