The 62nd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD62) is set to unfold from 5 to 14 February 2024 at Conference Room 4 in the United Nations Headquarters, New York. This annual event serves as a pivotal platform for global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on key issues related to social development.
This year’s session focuses on “Fostering Social Development and Social Justice through Social Policies to Accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication.”
Priority Theme: Addressing the Core Concerns
The chosen theme underscores the vital connection between social development and social justice as foundational to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes the role of social policies in accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda and, ultimately, the eradication of poverty. These issues are at the core of the International Council on Social Welfare’s (ICSW) concerns, and their active participation in the Commission’s work is crucial.
Commission’s Responsibilities
As a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council, the CSocD reviews issues related to the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development. Additionally, it addresses the outcomes of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly, ensuring the global commitment to social development.
Emerging Issues
In addition to the priority theme, CSocD62 will focus on the emerging issue of “The Influence of Digital Transformation on Inclusive Growth and Development: A Path to Achieving Social Justice.” This highlights the ever-evolving landscape of social development in the digital era. Moreover, the Commission will commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, acknowledging its significance in the context of global social development.
Civil Society Engagement
The NGO Committee on Social Development plays a crucial role in engaging civil society in discussions around social development issues. The committee hosts a Civil Society Forum on February 9th 2024, jointly organized by UNDESA-DISD, the NGO Committee on Social Development, and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Foundation. This forum serves as a space for NGOs worldwide to share insights, collaborate on position papers, and actively contribute to the discussions at the Commission.
Nairobi to Host 2026 World Conference on Social Work
In parallel to the CSocD62, a significant announcement has been made regarding the World Conference on Social Work and Social Development in 2026. Nairobi, Kenya, has been chosen as the host city for this prestigious event. The tripartite committee comprising the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), ICSW, and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) expressed delight in selecting Nairobi as a hub for global social work and development practitioners. The conference aims to provide a platform for sharing experiences, fostering dialogue, and developing strategies to address contemporary social challenges.
Conclusion
The CSocD62 marks a critical juncture for global leaders, policymakers, and civil society to come together and address pressing issues in social development. The chosen theme reflects a commitment to fostering social justice and accelerating progress towards the SDGs. The parallel announcement of Nairobi as the host city for the 2026 World Conference on Social Work further underscores the international community’s dedication to advancing social work and development on a global scale. As the Commission unfolds, the discussions and outcomes are anticipated to contribute significantly to the global commitment to social justice and development. The live broadcast of CSocD62 can be accessed on UN Web TV.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA and UN Correspondent.
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