Social cohesion is strengthened

For everyone to have the opportunity to pursue higher needs, people must be able to form, participate in and rely on social groups. Such social cohesion is crucial to building trust and respect among individuals, communities and institutions. Here we consider actions which contribute to this.

View the Positive Pursuits Guide (v2.3) View online

About this Positive Pursuit

For everyone to have the opportunity to pursue higher needs, people must be able to form, participate in and rely on social groups. Such social cohesion is crucial to building trust and respect among individuals, communities and institutions.

Barriers to social cohesion exist at many levels, in and between groups. These barriers can be seen across social divides, economic divides and physical barriers but social cohesion is strengthened when these divides are reduced or overcome.

This Positive Pursuit encompasses any action which achieves such an outcome.

Why it’s needed

Millions of people are fleeing violence and conflict.
There were 22.5 million refugees worldwide in 2017, over half of them under 18 years of age.
There is a global feeling of social friction.
An FBI report in the United States found that hate crime reports were up 17% in 2017, marking a rise for the third year in a row.

SDGs this will contribute to

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Growth in productivity and incomes, and improvements in health and education, require innovation and investment in critical infrastructure such as transport, irrigation, energy, and information technology.
Learn more about SDG 9
10. Reduced inequalities
Economic growth reduces poverty only if it is inclusive, yet inequality persists within and among countries, and large disparities remain in terms of access to health and education services and other assets.
Learn more about SDG 10
11. Sustainable cities and communities
Half of humanity now lives in cities, and the number is increasing. For cities to thrive we must address the pressures that rapid urbanization is placing on freshwater, infrastructure, air quality and people’s health.
Learn more about SDG 11
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Trust is the foundation of a strong and resilient society. To foster trust, we must ensure that institutions at all levels are accountable, transparent, inclusive and just.
Learn more about SDG 16