Welcome to the United Nations
Introduction
The contribution is submitted by Mr. H.E. Mr. Cheikh Niang, the Chair of the 57th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD), held from 11 February to 21 February 2019 with the priority theme of “Addressing inequalities and challenges to social inclusion through fiscal, wage and social protection policies”. The theme of the “Emerging Issues” agenda item was “The empowerment of people affected by natural and human-made disasters to reduce inequality: addressing the differential impact on persons with disabilities, older persons and youth”. The Commission also reviewed relevant United Nations plans and programmes of action pertaining to the situation of social groups and the social dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
The Commission was attended by representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions. The Commission also heard, at the opening session, from the representative of the civil society and youth. The Civil Society Forum was held in parallel to the Commission.
The Commission adopted four draft resolutions that were recommended for adoption by the Economic and Social Council, on: (a) Future organization and methods of work of the Commission for Social Development; (b) Addressing inequalities and challenges to social inclusion through fiscal, wage and social protection policies; (c) Social dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development; and (d) Policies and programmes involving youth.
In reviewing its methods of work, the Commission re-affirmed Member States’ commitment to strengthening the Commission for Social Development as the principal United Nations forum for intensive global dialogue on social development issues and emerging issues that had a strong bearing on inclusive, equitable and sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Commission decided the priority theme for the 58th session in 2020 to be “Affordable housing and social protection systems for all to address homelessness”. It also decided to biennialize the resolution on the methods of work and to adopt a decision at the 58th session to establish the priority theme for its 59th session and the 59th session will adopt a multi-year programme of work to adjust, as appropriate, to the work of the Council, in line with the outcome of the General Assembly review of the strengthening of the Council and the process of repositioning the United Nations development system.
This note contains key messages drawn from reports of the Secretary-General prepared for the annual session, statements by Member States during the general debate, presentations and interactive discussions at the four panel discussions organized during the session, and the draft resolutions adopted.
