His Excellency, Mr. Krzysztof Szczerski, Chair of the 63rd Commission session,
His Excellency, Mr. Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council,
His Excellency, Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy
Ms. Liana Almony, Chair of the NGO Committee for Social Development,
Distinguished Delegates,
Let me start by congratulating you, Mr Chair, and the Bureau of the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development, for your diligent work on this ambitious agenda before us.
As your Secretariat, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs will continue supporting your work towards a successful outcome.
Distinguished Delegates,
In 1995, the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and its Programme of Action established a path-breaking consensus for people-centred development. This vision was reaffirmed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, committed to leave no one behind.
While progress in social development goals has been remarkable over the past three decades, it has been fragile and uneven, facing increasing risks, insecurities, and vulnerabilities.
Geopolitical, environmental and socioeconomic crises, compounded by megatrends like digital transformation and ageing populations, threaten hard-won development gains, jeopardizing solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion.
692 million people are still living in extreme poverty, and 733 million are facing hunger. Inequalities are on the rise, decent work is scarce, and health care, social protection and quality education remain a luxury for the few, rather than a right for all.
Modest economic growths in many countries has hindered social progress. Due to unprecedented shocks and prolonged monetary tightening, projected global GDP growth of 2.8 per cent for 2025 remains below the pre-pandemic average.
Many developing countries face high debts, limited fiscal space and slow productivity growth, hampering their ability to invest in human capital, infrastructure and essential services.
While the green transition and digital technology offer growth opportunities, these may disproportionately benefit developed economies, leaving many developing countries behind.
We must step up our efforts and confront these challenges and development gaps, with determination and a collective resolve. This means a deepening of trust, both among people and in public systems. It also means increasing investments in decent work, social protection and quality health and education, underpinned by effective and fair tax policies.
Distinguished Delegates,
Societies built on inclusion, social justice and solidarity can more easily scale up investments in policies advancing social progress.
Meaningful consultation with stakeholders, especially marginalized populations, on policy design, implementation and follow-up, is critical.
This November, world leaders will convene in Doha for the Second World Summit for Social Development. This Summit must deliver not just a declaration, but a concrete action plan with clear timelines, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms.
Your discussions here are crucial for shaping that plan.
Building on the Copenhagen commitments you can provide guidance on a social perspective for accelerating implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Together, let us forge a path towards a people-centred world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you.