24 July 2012: The Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) has announced the launch of a web portal on social development, called the UN Social Development Network (UNSDN). In the context of increased internet use in developing countries, and the expansion of social networking, the portal is meant to serve as “a major interface between DESA and the department’s global partners,” DESA notes.

The portal is designed to: facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practices in social development; support the UN’s knowledge management in the area of social development; and raise awareness of social development issues (employment, indigenous peoples, poverty eradication, technology and civil society, among others).

Daniela Bas, Director of DSPD, said the portal aims to assist Member States to develop policies and practices that promote the goals of the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD). [DESA News]