Social inclusion and social development
Announcement of the 22nd European Social Services Conference
This article is also available in italiano
“Investing in people and communities. Social inclusion and social development” will be the theme of the 22nd European Social Services Conference 2014, which ESN announced during a special event in Rome on 3 October. The event was organised in collaboration with the Lazio Region, an ESN Board Member and key partner for the conference next year, It brought together representatives from all levels of government, the third sector, the research sector and universities who spoke passionately about social investment, social work and promoting truly inclusive communities.
Social investment starts in early childhood and continues throughout the life-course into later life. It is about improving quality of life, reducing social exclusion and poverty, as well as making a positive contribution to economic growth. Social services constitute a significant investment in people and local communities. However social needs are increasing, whilst public budgets may well be declining.
“Looking ahead to 2014, I am pleased that, whilst acknowledging the serious financial crisis affecting many of our citizens, and also because of the crisis, we need to promote social investment in our people and their communities. We need to build more responsive and more effective and sustainable public services”, commented ESN’s Chair, Lars-Göran Jansson.
The theme of next year’s conference was welcomed by Rita Visini, Councillor for Social and Family Policy, who noted that the debate on social investment could not have come at a better time, as the Lazio Region is currently involved in a process of reforms and social innovation for developing a model of community welfare that draws on the dialogue with other social partners and the wider community:
“I believe that investing in people, supporting their personal development and their inclusion – in a community context that can create growth and innovation – means to really call on to everyone to take greater responsibility and greater involvement in policy-making. This is the only way we can realise the full potential of growth in our European community.”
With the publication of the European Commission’s Social Investment Package in February, the topic of social investment has already been placed on top of the social agenda. This year’s European Social Services Conference in Dublin addressed it during its final roundtable debate. However, there needs to be better understanding of social investment – not just in terms of cost or social spending, but in terms of investing in the future, remarked Guido Magrini, Lazio’s Director of Social Services.
On a morning when the terrible news was beginning to emerge from Lampedusa, we realised how much we need to work together in Europe to care for the most vulnerable, from wherever they may come. Taking questions from the room, ESN’s Chief Executive John Halloran remarked on the strong interest from public, NGO and corporate sectors for reform – despite, or even because of the difficult economic times, and of the desire to contribute to this important and timely debate to be held at the very beginning of the Italian EU Presidency.