Promoting social integration through social inclusion A/RES/72/142 Recognizing further that social inclusion policies and systems play a critical role in promoting an inclusive society and are also crucial for fostering stable, safe, harmonious, peaceful and just societies and for improving social cohesion and inclusion so as to create an environment for developme nt and progress, Reaffirming the important role of corporate social responsibility and accountability in contributing to an enabling environment to promote inclusive economic growth and social integration, Recognizing that social inclusion policies also strengthen the democratic process and play a critical role in progressively realizing economic, social and cultural rights for all, Stressing that social inclusion policies should promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and equal access to opportunities and social protection for all, in particular for those in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations, including women who experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence, Reaffirming the importance of ensuring the social integration of older persons and the promotion and protection of their rights, as an integral part of development policies at all levels, and recognizing that older persons can make a significant contribution to sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic, social and environmental, Reaffirming also that youth participation is important for development, and encouraging Member States to explore and promote the participation of young people in relevant decision-making processes and monitoring, including in designing and implementing policies and programmes involving them, while implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Recognizing the important role played by civil society, including non-governmental organizations, in promoting social integration, inter alia, through social programmes and support for the development of socially inclusive policies, Acknowledging that the participation of persons in vulnerable or marginalized groups or situations is crucial to formulating and implementing social inclusion policies that effectively achieve social integration, as appropriate, Reaffirming the important role of cooperatives, especially in developing countries, in reducing inequality within and among countries and e nsuring social inclusion while promoting more inclusive and equitable growth in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with the aim of leaving no one behind, Recognizing that each country has primary responsibility for its own economic and social development, and reaffirming the essential role of national policies and strategies in promoting sustainable development in all of its forms, particularly the promotion of social inclusion, Recognizing also the importance of an enabling international environment, and stressing the importance of enhanced international cooperation to support national efforts towards promoting social integration through social inclusion in every country, including the fulfilment of all commitments on official development assistance, debt relief, market access, financial and technical support and capacity-building, Expressing concern that, in times of economic and financial crisis and ongoing concern about energy and food insecurity, social exclusion can be exacerbated, an d stressing in this regard that sustainable and reliable social inclusion policies and programmes can play a positive role, 17-22930 3/5