The World Social Report 2025, released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), is a critical resource for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Titled "New Policy Consensus to Accelerate Social Progress," this report highlights strategies to address global social challenges and promote equitable development. Here’s a concise summary of its key points to boost your current affairs preparation.
What is the World Social Report 2025?
The World Social Report is an annual publication by the UN DESA that analyzes global social trends and provides policy recommendations to achieve sustainable development. The 2025 edition emphasizes the need for a new policy consensus to tackle issues like poverty, inequality, and social exclusion while accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Highlights of the Report
- Global Social Challenges: The report identifies rising inequality, climate change impacts, and technological disruptions as major hurdles to social progress.
- New Policy Consensus: It advocates for collaborative, inclusive policies that prioritize social protection, equitable access to education, and healthcare reforms.
- Focus on Vulnerable Groups: Special attention is given to marginalized communities, including women, youth, and indigenous populations, to ensure inclusive growth.
- Digital Transformation: The report underscores the role of technology in bridging social gaps but warns against the digital divide exacerbating inequalities.
- SDG Progress: It evaluates global progress on SDGs, noting that many countries are off track to meet the 2030 targets, particularly in poverty reduction and gender equality.
Exam Tip: For competitive exams, focus on the report’s emphasis on SDGs, social inclusion, and global inequality. Questions may appear in prelims or mains under topics like international organizations, social development, or current affairs.
Why is this Report Important for Competitive Exams?
The World Social Report 2025 is a goldmine for aspirants as it covers topics frequently asked in exams:
- International Organizations: Understanding the role of UN DESA and its publications.
- Social Issues: Insights into global poverty, inequality, and social protection policies.
- SDGs and Development: Key data points for essays and answers related to sustainable development.
- Current Affairs: Recent reports and their findings are often tested in prelims and mains.
How to Use the Report for Preparation?
To make the most of the World Social Report 2025:
- Read the Executive Summary: Available on the UN DESA website, it provides a quick overview of key findings.
- Make Notes: Summarize key statistics, policy recommendations, and SDG-related points.
- Link with Syllabus: Connect the report’s themes to topics like social justice, international relations, and economic development in your exam syllabus.
- Practice Questions: Solve previous years’ questions on UN reports and social issues to understand the question pattern.
Sample Question: “Discuss the significance of the World Social Report 2025 in addressing global social challenges. How can its recommendations help achieve the SDGs by 2030?” (15 marks, UPSC Mains)
Conclusion
The World Social Report 2025 is a must-read for competitive exam aspirants aiming to excel in current affairs. Its focus on social progress, SDGs, and inclusive policies aligns perfectly with the syllabus of major exams. Stay ahead in your preparation by incorporating this report’s insights into your study routine.