At the conclusion of the World Summit for Social Development that was held in 1995 in Copenhagen, Denmark - the largest gathering yet of world leaders - 117 heads of state or government, including Canada, adopted a Declaration and Programme of Action to put people at the centre of development. The conference resulted in 10 commitments, including commitments to elimate poverty, create full employment, and foster stable, safe and just societies.

A Steering Committee, co-chaired by the CCSD and the Canadian Consortium for International Social Development, is spearheading discussions across the country to evaluate Canada's progress towards these 10 commitments. Consultations will take place in selected cities across the country, and the information gathered will help inform the federal government and NGOs in preparing for a follow-up session sponsored by the United Nations in June 2000 (known as WSSD+5).

For more information, contact Pierre LeBlanc at the CCSD, tel: (613) 236-5868, ext. 223 or consult the WSSD+5 website at www.wssdplus5.org.

Canadian Council on Social Development, 190 O'Connor Street, Suite 100, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2R3