This book invites readers to think about future directions in social development. The book succinctly presents the historical context and progress of social development. By reflecting on the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals, it discusses the increasing global relevance of several critical themes and issues such as human rights and good governance, participation, peace, gender, environment, religion and spirituality, aging, social protection and partnership. It appreciates the importance of goals and targets, but calls to look beyond them to visualise future directions in social development. The book argues that values-driven social development need to focus on knowledge creation, dissemination and training, draw on multidisciplinary knowledge and professionals, promote conscientious consumption, creating less unequal societies and engage in innovation that brings happiness to everyone.

Outlines the history and current state of social development, as well as exploring future issues Enriches our understanding of social development by examining it in the context of conflict, gender equality, the environment, global ageing and religion Reviews community participation and global cooperation in social development, and provides suggestions for broadening the scope of social development

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