The opening session of the 64th Commission for Social Development consisted of two major parts. There was an introduction of the priority theme titled ‘advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies’. This was delivered by a panel and the Chair of this committee. The second stage was the general discussion where countries gave their views on the priority theme. Often country’s reports were on the behalf of other countries or groups of nations. Some reports were very general and offered their support broadly for the ideas of the priority theme. Others updated on their country’s progress or lack thereof in a more data-based manner, providing more in-depth insights.
The opening session’s general discussion highlighted the urgent need for coordinated inclusive social policies to address rising inequality, climate pressures, and digital transformation. Amina J. Mohammed (the deputy Secretary-General) highlighted the vital leadership of civil society, with NGOs contributing more than half of Doha commitments and strong participation at this session. Discussions centred on advancing social justice through equitable policies, strengthening financing for social protection, and ensuring no one is left behind (especially persons with disabilities, older persons, youth, migrants, families, and women, including those pregnant or lactating, and those who are mothers in particular). Member States and civil society reaffirmed that social development is essential to peace and resilience as well as economic growth. Many called for multilateral cooperation, data-driven action, and meaningful inclusion to translate global commitments into tangible national impact. It was emphasised by some that the financial contribution of governments towards social development’s advancement as well as SDGs for 2030 was a choice that could ultimately bring greater economic prosperity to a country and should be financially supported.
In the general discussion, the countries who participated were as follows… Cyprus (on behalf of the EU), Uruguay (on behalf of the Group of 77 and China), Chile (on the behalf of group of friends of older persons), Belarus (on the behalf of the Group of Friends of the Family), Liberia (on behalf of the African Group), Venezuela (on the behalf of the group of friends in defence of the charter of the UN), Qatar, Peru, Austria, Cyprus (representing their own country individually), Sweeden, Finland, Zimbabwe, Portugal, Turkey, India, Guatemala, Poland, Philippines, Azerbaijan and Egypt.
Final notes from the end of the meeting were that the commission was going to re-convene on that day for a High Level Panel Discussion on the priority theme. Then, the general discussion was going to continue the following day.
Author: Clare Tuckwell, Youth Intern Australia
