Commission for Social Development Commences with Emphasis on Implementing Commitments
As global inequalities continue to widen, the Commission for Social Development has convened its sixty-fourth annual session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Running until February 10, the session aims to advance social development and justice through coordinated and inclusive policies. Key speakers emphasized the urgent need for tangible actions to address poverty, enhance dignity, and strengthen support systems, highlighting that social justice is a fundamental concern rather than a secondary issue.
Focus on Social Development and Justice
The Commission for Social Development, established in 1946, serves as a vital platform for Member States to evaluate progress in areas such as poverty eradication, social inclusion, and employment. During the opening session, Chair Khrystyna Hayovyshyn of Ukraine underscored the importance of social development and justice, stating that these issues are central to people’s daily lives and the credibility of multilateral efforts. She urged delegates to transition from commitments to actionable plans, emphasizing that the Commission is responsible for following up on the social development commitments outlined in the Doha Political Declaration, adopted at the second World Summit on Social Development in 2025.
Hayovyshyn highlighted that ensuring adequate social standards is a shared global obligation, not merely a charitable act. She called for a clear direction and sustained political momentum to measure the Commission’s credibility effectively. The urgency of the situation was echoed by Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, who stressed the need for concrete country-level strategies that link job creation with universal social protection and inclusive public services.
Addressing Global Inequalities
Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the Economic and Social Council, described the current moment as pivotal, with governments grappling with climate change, geopolitical tensions, and demographic disparities. He warned that growing inequalities are undermining trust in public institutions and called for collective action to foster a fairer and more resilient future. Thapa emphasized that investing in care is crucial, as it not only strengthens resilience but also enhances women’s economic participation and creates decent jobs.
Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly, reinforced the notion that ending hunger and poverty is not merely an act of charity but a matter of security and self-interest. She pointed out the vicious cycle where climate stress exacerbates hunger and poverty, leading to migration and conflict, which in turn deepens deprivation. Baerbock concluded that achieving social justice and development goals is both a moral imperative and a strategic investment in stability.
Collaboration and Civil Society Engagement
Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), noted that countries aligning job strategies with social protection, quality education, and health services can reduce poverty more effectively. She pledged DESA’s commitment to providing the Commission with insights and data on effective social policies and financing options.
Gillian D’Souza-Nazareth, Chair of the NGO Committee for Social Development, highlighted the need for policies that work and systems that protect, urging for genuine civil society participation in the policy-making process. She expressed concern over the shrinking space for civil society within the UN and called for streamlined accreditation processes to reaffirm participation as a core principle of people-centered multilateralism.
Riza Franchesca Regala, Lead of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, echoed the call for deeper civil society engagement. She emphasized that gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and bodily autonomy are non-negotiable rights, warning against any rollback of protections that could have devastating consequences. Regala insisted that UN reform should not regress human rights advancements made over the past two decades.
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