The Shared Societies Project

 

Conference organized by SAPRI in partnership with CPR -New Delhi India and Club de Madrid- Spain
9th & 10th April 2012
Hotel Taj Mahal - Mansingh Road New Delhi

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SPEAKER'S BIOGRAPHIES

 

Most South Asian economies led by India are moving steadily forward on the path of Economic Development. However, South Asia is home to the largest number of poor in the world. Sizeable numbers of citizens belong to diverse communities who do not enjoy the fruits of development. Many remain on the margins while economic growth and prosperity are enjoyed by a select few.

There remains much to be done to build economic strength and resilience, while maintaining economic dynamism and political stability.

Economic deprivation, lack of social cohesion, and political conflict are major challenges that confront South Asian countries. Ethnicity, Religion, Caste and Class create cleavages in society giving rise to violent conflict in numerous instances. The causes of discord are multi-dimensional and complex. There are different narratives of Nationhood, unfulfilled political aspirations, social differentiation and lack of economic opportunity. These have been major impediments to prosperity in the Region.

Delivering inclusive and harmonious development is at the heart of avoiding conflict, while building stable and prosperous societies. It requires a holistic approach which encompasses public policies, programs and targeted interventions, as well as robust institutional arrangements and the capacity for free and informed public participation that addresses the multi-dimensional nature of the problem.

Accelerated economic growth is crucial for addressing these challenges within a positive sum framework. However, it is not sufficient for achieving stability and shared prosperity. Growth is one element of a multi-faceted approach which would include the political and human dimensions, aimed at maximizing inclusivity.  Delivering harmonious development for all, entails the involvement of all, resulting from the delivery of equal rights and benefits of growth to all.

Sustainable Economic Development

The Conference proposes to examine a few of the salient issues concerning equitable development.
They are:

1. Education /Skills development
2. Infrastructure development
3. Income generation/ Job creation
4. Policies to promote social mobility such as labour market reforms and financial inclusion

 

 

  

 

 

Social Inclusion

History is replete with examples of States and Governments employing the concept of the “other”, represented in the form of the “enemy”, as a tool of Government management. For a large part of human history the “enemy” has helped forge national unity as well as to entrench weak rulers and Governments in power. Governments whip up hatred against the “other” by maintaining the myth of the dichotomy, between ”us” and “them”. This requires the oppression of the other and the denial of his rights. South Asia abounds with examples of Leaders/Governments who have used the above said means for purposes of managing Governments.

However, exclusion takes place not only through outright hostility but also through neglect of minority groups. The assertion of their rights by these marginalized groups has given rise in various instances to political violence.

Nevertheless, from our region there have also emerged Leaders and thinkers who have transcended these frailties, to convey to the world a message of unity and harmony between all peoples, a vision of the oneness of all humanity. South Asia may once again produce leaders who could bridge the divide and see beyond the past to lead their Nations forward, freed from the constraints of imagined adversaries.

The paradigms presented by the challenges of the modern world differ radically from traditional concepts of State management requiring a new vision of government.

Importance has to be assigned to the social and human aspects of development and economic growth.

It is essential to refashion local and national socio-political structures to accommodate the different interests and aspirations of diverse communities living within a State, in order to create unity in diversity and to build a world safe for difference.

We are aware that building shared societies for all will play an important part in:

 

1. Sustained and sustainable economic development, which requires the engagement and involvement of the talents, capacities and good will of all citizens
2. In political stability, which cannot be achieved in the context of conflict caused by exclusion and dominance of the majorit

When the separate identities of all communities are respected and given free expression they will become a vibrant, productive part of the social and political fabric of a State. Hence, in formulating policies for development, it is essential that the programmes adopted have an inclusive approach, so that the benefits of growth also reach the poorer and disadvantaged sections.

The Conference will examine policies required for equitable development while building inclusive societies with a focus on the following aspects:

• Constitutional guarantee of equal rights
• Equal access to Education and skills development
• Development and access to infrastructure and employment

Important people such as Cassam Uteem (Former President of Mauritus), Prof. Gamini Keerawella, Prof. Sivaramakrishnan or Prof. Zoya Hassan.

If you want to attend to the Conference or if you want more information, please contact with Susana Mañueco - smanueco@clubmadrid.org