This text shows how the visible hands of public participation and democratic governance are crucial in creating a decent society. The World Summit for Social Development in 1995 laid out an ambitious agenda to create an economic, political, social, cultural and legal environment for social development. This volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the progress to date, exploring efforts to reassert the value of equity and social cohesion in an increasingly individualistic world. It reveals the failings of unregulated markets and the importance of a well-run public sector, as well as a healthy and educated population.