The United Nations is set to convene a pivotal gathering aimed at strengthening the foundations of social development. The 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) will take place from February 10 to 14, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
This year’s session, under the priority theme “Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion,” seeks to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reaffirm the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development commitments.
The Copenhagen Declaration, adopted at the World Summit for Social Development in 1995, marked a historic moment in global efforts to eradicate poverty, promote full employment, and foster social inclusion. Thirty years later, the world faces new, complex challenges demanding innovative solutions and renewed commitment. CSocD63 will serve as a critical platform for member states, civil society, and international organizations to address these issues and chart a path forward.
A Focus on Solidarity and Inclusion
The 2025 session comes at a time when global solidarity is more crucial than ever. The changing political landscape across the world, economic remnants of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and the climate crisis have exacerbated social inequalities, leaving millions behind. The priority theme of CSocD63 reflects the urgent need to rebuild trust, foster inclusivity, and ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion are not just ideals; they are prerequisites for a sustainable future,” said H.E. Krzysztof Maria Szczerski, Chair of the Commission for Social Development and Permanent Representative of Poland to the UN. “This session will provide a unique opportunity to translate these principles into actionable policies.”
The session will feature high-level panel discussions, ministerial forums, and interactive dialogues, bringing together policymakers, experts, and advocates from around the world. Key topics include universal rights-based social protection systems, strategies to bolster social resilience, and the role of cooperatives in promoting social cohesion.
Emerging Issues: Social Resilience in a Changing World
One of the standout features of CSocD63 is its focus on emerging issues, particularly social resilience, in the face of increasingly frequent and complex crises. From natural disasters to economic shocks, communities worldwide are being tested like never before. The session will explore policies and practices that can help societies adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of adversity.
A high-level panel discussion on February 12 will delve into the intersection of social resilience and universal social protection systems. The discussion will also highlight the importance of inclusive policies that address the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities.
A Multistakeholder Approach: The Role of NGOs and Civil Society
The Commission for Social Development has long recognized the vital role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society in advancing social development. This year’s session will feature a robust program of side events organized by NGOs, offering diverse perspectives and grassroots insights.
From addressing homelessness to promoting youth engagement, these events will cover a wide range of topics. For example, a side event on February 10, organised by the Permanent Mission of Portugal, will focus on realising the right to social security, while another event on February 13 will explore the role of cooperatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NGOs bring the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable to the table,” said Ms. Liana Almony, Chair of the NGO Committee for Social Development. “Their participation is essential to ensuring that the policies we develop are inclusive and equitable.”
Preparing for the Second World Summit for Social Development
CSocD63 will also serve as a critical stepping stone toward the Second World Summit for Social Development, slated to take place in November 2025 in Doha. The summit, often referred to as the “World Social Summit,” aims to reinvigorate global commitment to the principles of the Copenhagen Declaration and address contemporary challenges.
A high-level panel discussion on February 10 will focus on the follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development, setting the stage for the upcoming summit.
A Global Call to Action
As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, the stakes have never been higher. CSocD63 represents a critical moment for the international community to come together, share best practices, and forge new partnerships.
The session will conclude on February 14 with a Civil Society Forum, providing a platform for NGOs and grassroots organizations to share their experiences and recommendations. The forum will underscore the importance of collaboration and collective action in advancing social development.
Looking Ahead
The 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development is more than just a meeting; it is a call to action. In a world marked by uncertainty and division, the need for solidarity, inclusion, and cohesion has never been greater. As delegates gather in New York, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of millions around the globe.
The outcomes of CSocD63 will not only shape the agenda for the Second World Summit for Social Development but also influence the trajectory of global efforts to achieve the SDGs.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent.
