The 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), held from February 10 to 14 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, concluded with a resounding call for global solidarity and coordinated action to address the pressing challenges of poverty, inequality, and social injustice.
Over the course of the week, delegates from member states, international organizations, and civil society engaged in robust discussions, culminating in the adoption of critical resolutions and a renewed commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The session also set the stage for the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled for November 2025 in Doha, Qatar, which aims to reset global priorities and accelerate progress toward social justice and inclusive development.
The final two days of the session—Meetings 8, 9, and 10—were marked by impassioned speeches, data-driven presentations, and a collective recognition of the urgent need for transformative policies. As the world grapples with the lingering effects of evolving inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, the Commission underscored the importance of placing social outcomes at the center of policymaking at both national and global levels.
Addressing Inequality and Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation
The eighth meeting, held on February 13, opened with a reflection on the state of global poverty. It was an Interactive dialogue with senior officials of the UN System on Preparations for the World Social Summit under the title “the Second World Summit for Social Development”
The moderator was Mr. Navid Hanif, the Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). He acknowledged the progress made in reducing poverty rates worldwide but warned that inequality remains a persistent challenge. “If the status quo continues,” the moderator cautioned, “more people, particularly women, will continue to live in poverty.” This sentiment set the tone for the discussions that followed, as speakers emphasized the need for bold and innovative approaches to social development.
Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), took the floor to highlight the evolving nature of social challenges. “We are at an inflexion point,” she declared, “where the gaps we seek to close will only widen unless we act decisively.” Dashti outlined the progress made by Arab states in collaboration with ESCWA, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in addressing issues such as youth unemployment and gender inequality.
Speaking on behalf of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Laura Thompson echoed the call for ambitious action. She reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting the adoption of a robust political declaration at the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development. “In today’s challenging multilateral context,” Thompson stated, “the ILO stands ready to support efforts to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.”
Magdalena Carmona, the newly appointed director of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), brought a fresh perspective to the discussions. She called for “bold and new ideas” to place social outcomes at the heart of policymaking. Carmona’s remarks resonated with delegates, who acknowledged the need for innovative solutions to address the root causes of inequality and exclusion.
The session also featured detailed presentations from regional perspectives. Srinivas Tata, Director of Social Development Integration at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), provided a comprehensive analysis of the progress and challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. He underscored the enduring relevance of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, which laid the foundation for global efforts to promote social justice and equity. Rodrigo Martinez, Director of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), followed with a similarly data-rich presentation highlighting the region’s efforts to combat poverty and inequality.
Delegates from the Philippines, Zimbabwe, the European Union, Chile, Iran, and Brazil contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the importance of job creation, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. Representatives from Burkina Faso and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also shared their perspectives, all mentioning the critical role of grassroots initiatives in driving social progress.
Cooperatives and the Path to Inclusive Development.
The ninth meeting, also held on February 13, shifted focus to the role of cooperatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was a Multi-stakeholder Forum on Promoting Solidarity and Social Cohesion through Cooperatives, the Social and Solidarity Economy as a path for achieving the SDGs. Moderated by Konstantinos Papadakis, the session highlighted the potential of cooperative societies to promote equality, social inclusion, and economic resilience.
Carlos Jorge Paris Ferraro delivered a compelling presentation, emphasizing the transformative power of cooperatives in addressing inequality and fostering sustainable development. Ankhbayar Nyamdorj, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations, echoed these sentiments, sharing insights from his country’s experience with cooperative models.
NGO representatives and delegates from Chile, Burundi, and Burkina Faso joined the discussions, offering examples of how cooperatives have empowered marginalized communities and contributed to social development. The panelists fielded questions from the audience, providing thoughtful and cogent responses that underscored the importance of cooperative initiatives in achieving the SDGs.
Resolutions and a Vision for the Future
The tenth and final meeting, held on February 14, focused on programmatic questions and the adoption of key resolutions. Charles Katanga, Director of the Division for Inclusive Social Development at the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, opened the session by outlining the Commission’s achievements and the road ahead.
Magdalena Carmona was given the floor to introduce the work of the UN Research Institute for Social Development and the modalities for nominating its board. Her presentation sparked a lively discussion, with delegates expressing their support for the institute’s mission to generate cutting-edge research on social development.
The session culminated in the adoption of resolutions, addressing the priority theme, methods of work, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), youth, and the review modalities of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). Delegates from Burundi, Djibouti, Senegal, Portugal, Hungary, and Iran delivered statements reflecting the diverse perspectives and priorities of member states.
A particularly poignant moment came when the delegate from Senegal voiced strong opposition to a provision in one of the resolutions that appeared to conflate the categorization of sexes, stating that at least in the eyes of Senegal, gender should only refer to a man or a woman.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Doha
As the session drew to a close, the chair expressed optimism about the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. The summit, themed “Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies,” represents a pivotal opportunity to reinvigorate global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA/UN Correspondent.
