Welcome to the United Nations
With renewed urgency to tackle inequalities and restore trust in public institutions, the 63rd session of the UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) will run from 10 to 14 February in New York. It will focus on scaling up investments in inclusive economic and social policies and fostering governance grounded in equity, transparency, and participation—ultimately guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Held under the theme “Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” the Commission will host five panel discussions with prominent speakers, a civil society forum and more than 50 side events. The 63rd Commission will be a crucial stepping stone to the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025. The session provides a great opportunity to take stock of where we stand, discuss our common vision for the Summit and how we can make it a true success.
This year’s session will also take place on the 30-year anniversary of the Copenhagen Declaration for Social Development, in which world leaders committed to placing people at the centre of progress. It will examine the importance of strengthening social resilience against interconnected crises such as climate change, pandemics, and conflicts, and it will explore the consequences of digital transformation, changes in the world of work, and demographic transitions. Addressing these challenges will require comprehensive social protection systems, equitable climate action, robust preparedness through early warning systems, and forward-looking governance, ensuring no one is left behind.
WHEN: 10-14 February 2025, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST
WHERE: Conference room 4, UN Headquarters in New York . Follow live on UN Web TV
WHO: Ministers, senior UN officials, experts from academia, the private sector, civil society organizations and local innovators.
The opening session on Monday, 10 February, will include statements by:
• H.E. Mr. Krzysztof Maria Szczerski, Chair of the Commission for Social Development
• H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council
• H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly
• Mr. Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy
• Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General, Department of Economic and Social Affairs
• Ms. Liana Almony, Chair of the NGO Committee for Social Development
• Ms. Judy Kipkenda, Co-Chair, Global Indigenous Youth Caucus (virtual/pre-recorded video)
Follow LIVE on UN Web TV
More details, including the programme and list of side events, may be found here: https://social.desa.un.org/csocd/63rd-session
Hashtag: #CSocD63
