Africa: The UN Social Policy Committee concludes its work with calls to turn pledges into action

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With inequality worsening and trust in public institutions under pressure, the United Nations’ flagship forum on social policy concluded its annual session on Tuesday with a renewed push to turn global commitments on social justice into action.

The Commission for Social Development met at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 2 to 10 February, where it held its first session since 2010. The Second World Summit for Social DevelopmentWhich was held in Doha last year.

This gathering brought together ministers, senior United Nations officials, civil society groups and youth representatives to examine how to translate global pledges into coordinated, comprehensive and equitable policies at the national level.

Opening the session, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Economic and Social Council President Lok Bahadur Thapa emphasized that social development policies are where “resilience, social cohesion and trust are ultimately tested.”

He warned against that Rising inequality, demographic change, and rapid digital and green transitions are putting increasing pressure on societies around the world.. He said responding in an integrated, people-centred way is “It is not just a political choice; It is a moral necessity“.

What is the Social Development Committee?

The Social Development Committee is the Economic and Social Council Functional committee The United Nations’ principal intergovernmental body for social development.

Established in 1946, the organization has helped shape global policy frameworks on poverty eradication, employment, social protection and inclusion, including by guiding the follow-up to landmark agreements such as the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and, more recently, the United Nations Convention against Poverty. Doha Political Declaration 2025.

Click here to United Nations News Special coverage From the Doha summit

Over the years, the Commission has led progress on universal social protection, decent work for all, and international focus on groups at risk of exclusion, including persons with disabilities, older persons, youth and families.

Its conclusions have enriched national policies, helped develop social protection grounds, and strengthened the links between social development and development Sustainable development goals.

The Committee meets annually at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, usually in February.

Click here For more information about the committee

The post-Doha moment for social policy

this This year’s priority topic – Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies – Discussions ran throughout the session, reflecting concerns that fragmented policymaking slows progress on poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion.

Addressing delegates, President of the General Assembly Annalena Burbock He confirmed Social development is not a secondary concern reserved for quieter times, but “the foundation on which peace is built” and a crucial investment in stability.

Eradicating hunger and poverty is a moral obligation and a security issue, she said, noting how deprivation fuels conflicts, migration and instability.

From commitments to delivery

In a letter to the Committee, the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed He highlighted the transformation he referred to Doha Political Declaration Away from gradual progress towards more ambitious and coordinated action.

She noted the strong participation of civil society – more than 700 NGOs registered to participate in the session – and urged governments to match this preparedness with concrete implementation.

“If Copenhagen and Doha and Agenda 2030 “Here where we drew the map, the Social Development Committee is putting us on the path,” she said.

Click here to watch Message from the Deputy Secretary-General

Policy coordination in a changing world

Throughout the session, speakers repeatedly stressed the need for greater policy coherence – aligning employment strategies with comprehensive social protection floors, inclusive education and health systems, and just transition measures.

The committee also examined emerging social challenges, including demographic change, labor market disruption, and the social impacts of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

Delegates heard that although new technologies carry risks, they can also accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals if managed inclusively and equitably.

Youth mental health in focus

Youth voices featured prominently, reflecting the Committee’s focus on inclusion. release World Youth Report on youth mental health and well-being It highlighted the growing pressures facing young people – from poverty and inequality to climate stress, conflict and digital damage.