Highlights from the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General’s roundtable discussion on social cohesion

On the 20th of February, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (DSG), Amina J Mohammed, met with South African representatives at the Nelson Mandela Foundation for a Roundtable on Social Cohesion. Present at the roundtable discussion were members of civil society, business and the development sector as well as the Chair of the Foundation, Dr Naledi Pandor, and the former First Lady, Gugu Mtshali, wife of former president Kgalema Motlanthe.

The roundtable discussion offered insights into the priority areas for the various sectors and voices present, with activist Tessa Dooms providing the opening context, suggesting that structural inequality is the foremost issue in our country, and that any conversation on social cohesion must be responsive to this. She further highlighted youth unemployment and widespread hunger – calling on the latter to be recognised more strongly as a key crisis.

While the roundtable was an opportunity for the DSG to glean a sense of the breadth of social concerns – from mobility and immigration to the trust deficit between the public and public governance – solutions were also put forward. Consideration for a wealth tax and stronger policy on extractive technology and digitalisation were two which yielded many nods around the table, and there was a consensus around the table that there is a need for renewed social programmes to address the challenges facing the country.

The Foundation Chairperson, Dr Naledi Pandor also added strong contributions- stating that what we need amidst these crises is national action, not national dialogue.

In closing, the DSG expressed her appreciation for the comments shared, echoing the sentiment around the table that now, more than ever, there is a need for a revolution of leadership and for institutions to tackle the root cause of issues. In linking the conversation to the global landscape, she emphasised the need for new thinking around governance reform. Recognising the contemporary international context in which we find ourselves, the DSG highlighted that we cannot have the same kind of diplomacy we have used in the past, as it will not respond to what we need now. She called on South Africa, and African nations to consider this global reset on our own terms, and to unpack the dependencies that hold us back from the kind of sovereignty and solidarity that is needed to truly change the material conditions in our countries.

Written by: Lutfiyah Suliman, Senior Researcher and published by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

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Social cohesion fosters inclusive societies where diverse individuals coexist harmoniously, enhancing community relationships and overall societal well-being. It is essential for stability, conflict reduction, and improved quality of life, promoting mutual respect and cooperation, especially in multicultural contexts. By tackling issues like racism, xenophobia, and inequality, social cohesion initiatives create environments where everyone feels valued and included, aligning with the UN's peace and development goals. Social cohesion is crucial for building resilient societies, but it can be hindered by systemic inequalities, discrimination, and socio-economic disparities. Addressing these requires collaboration from government, civil society, and local communities, promoting integration, community engagement, and supportive policies.