The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are expected to become the basis of the new development paradigm after the conclusion of the Millennium Development Goals in 2015. The concept of sustainable development rests on collective responsibility to strengthen three interdependent pillars – economic development, inclusive social development and environmental protection.

Social policy is at the core of any progress towards sustainable development. It is the main instrument to ensure that strong economic performance is married with social cohesion, stability with freedom, solidarity with competition, equity with merit. It is the essence of a holistic and long-term approach that aims at ensuring the well-being of present as well as future generations. Sustainable development requires the inclusion of all social groups into mainstream society, a fair distribution of income and opportunities, an investment in education, health and housing, as well as social accountability.

Objectives:

• Supporting governments in the region to make progress towards achieving these goals through social policy research and analysis, by monitoring social development trends in the region and by providing advisory services;
• Serving as a regional platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, and as a link to global processes; and
• Developing strong partnership with key stakeholders as a basis to further social development in the Arab region.