This session will focus on challenges to and opportunities for social policy in the contemporary context. The discussion will revisit recent trends in development thinking (i.e., conceptual framing of “development”, such as revitalizing people-centred, inclusive development, equality and equity, values and norms emphasizing social justice, etc.), and identify challenges that will need renewed attentions from social development perspectives. It will also identify opportunities to strengthen social development, to address challenges, which will lead to a discussion on the broader social development framework.

Guiding Questions

• What are new trends in development thinking?
• In your view, what are the most pressing emerging challenges, and why?
• Can current social policy frameworks effectively address these challenges? If not, what needs to be done and how?