(July 7, 2004)
To establish a new international system of peace, justice, interdependence and joint development, and to implement the millennium goals set in Millennium Summit Conference of United Nations, we, sociologists from all over the world, representatives of international organizations and NGOs, and people concerned with world social development from all walks of life, gather in Beijing and issue Sociologists’ Beijing Manifesto at the convocation of 36th IIS Congress.
I. Principle of the New International System
Human beings, whatever their gender, age, nationality, ethnicity, nation, religion, and culture, should adopt a principle of equity, mutual benefit, coexistence, cooperation and joint development. They should make every effort to avoid the threats of hunger, disease, ignorance, oppression and violence, to share a living of happiness and social prosperity, and to establish the new international system of 21st century.
II. Economic Growth and Social Development
Economic growth is a base of social development, but the ultimate goal and genuine content of development is social advancement and the happiness of human beings. Growth does not equal to development, and development must be concerned with social values, such as the education of common people, medical health, employment, income distribution, social welfare, poverty relief, and ecological issues.
III. National and Regional Development
In the course of world economic growth, there has been a tendency of an enlarging gap of development among countries and regions. The developing countries and regions should make an effort to increase GDP and improve social welfare by means of reforms in political structure and economic system, and the developed countries and regions should bear more responsibility for narrowing the gap in development, and for decreasing poverty. Therefore a relationship of mutual benefit and universal prosperity among countries and regions can be achieved.
IV. Humanity and All-round, Harmonious and Sustainable Development
Social development should base on humanity, pay attention to all-round, harmonious and sustainable development, and emphasize the harmonious development in political, economic and cultural issues, and the harmonious relationship between human beings and nature.
V. Sharing in Income Growth
A rapidly enlarged gap between the rich and the poor is a threat to social development and stability. Under the conditions of promoting economic growth and safeguarding social justice, institutions should be designed so that all people will be able to share the benefits of economic growth and social development.
VI. Technology Innovation and Employment Enlargement
Employment has been a social problem in many nations in the world, and innovations and progress in technology do not necessarily bring about more employment opportunities. Therefore employment enlargement and the well-being of people should become an important aspect of social development.
VII. Globalization and Cultural Diversity
Acknowledging and respecting the cultural diversity of different countries and regions, economic globalization should be guided into a way that leads to social openness, cultural mixture and optimized allocation of resources.
We appeal to all countries, governments, international organizations, enterprises, NGOs and people from all walks of life to bear the responsibility of making an effort to establish a new international system of peace, justice, mutual-dependence and joint development.
Organization Committee of 36th IIS
Beijing, China
(China.org.cn July 7, 2004)
