Eliminating Poverty Hinges on Global Community Addressing Structural Obstacles, Delegate Notes, as Commission for Social Development Concludes Its Discussion
The international community’s multiple and simultaneous crises can be summarized as “inequality”, requiring a redoubling of efforts to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in States that are struggling, delegates told the Commission for Social Development today as it concluded its general discussion.
Addressing the priority theme of “fostering social development and social justice through social policies to accelerate progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication” (document E/CN.5/2024/3/Corr.1), a number of delegates warned that recent years have witnessed reversals in some advancements, driven by a number of factors from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change.
The representative of Luxembourg warned that the United Nations finds itself at a pivotal moment — in a state of regression, both in sustainable development and the protection of human rights. Social development remains key to the SDGs, while the Secretary-General’s report notes that half the world’s population remains on the sidelines, requiring the international community to address the structural obstacles that prevent the elimination of poverty and inequality.
Nigeria’s representative stressed that many developing countries are on the verge of famine, calling on the UN to continue championing inclusive, just and sustainable development for all. Unfortunately, those countries are also disproportionately affected by more climate induced disasters, pushing their populations into extreme poverty, increased food insecurity, inflation and malnutrition, requiring more meaningful collaboration among States and partners to reduce poverty around the world.
Also sounding a note of alarm, the representative of Bangladesh emphasized that 575 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030 if the trend of stagnation or reversal in social development, which began in 2020, continues. Against this backdrop, he noted that 16.7 per cent of his country’s national budget is allocated to social security programmes. Pointing out the global education crisis, he urged for comprehensive efforts.
Malawi’s representative highlighted her country’s need to leverage digital transformation through investments in infrastructure for connectivity, ensuring easy access to public services for vulnerable groups in society. Malawi had made commendable progress towards achieving its national vision as outlined in Malawi 2063, and consequently the 2030 Agenda; however, multiple crises including devastating cyclones keep reversing that progress.
The representative of Haiti emphasized that her country is experiencing a multidimensional crisis characterized, among other things, by armed gang violence. This crisis, which has already lasted too long, does not promote the creation of an environment conducive to economic growth, social justice and the social development of Haiti’s people. As the challenges are vast and its means limited, her delegation once again called for stronger international solidarity and cooperation.
The representative of Nicaragua denounced unilateral coercive measures imposed by imperialist countries on over 30 nations, stressing that they hamper implementation of the right for development of more than 2 million people. Nicaragua favours promotion and inclusion of national policies that restore the economic, social and cultural rights of peoples, she said.
Other delegates affirmed that halting the backslide and making progress is possible through concerted, united effort. Noting that his Government holds the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), Brazil’s representative affirmed that “fighting hunger, poverty and inequality is a priority of our term”. Pointing to the national programme regarding caregiving, he noted that women currently dedicate an average of 21 hours a week to unpaid domestic and care work, twice as much as men. That sector, however, holds significant economic promise.
The representative of Viet Nam turned to the education sector — its top priority in terms of policy and investment — noting that a minimum of 20 per cent of the State budget is allocated to this domain, resulting in the population’s literacy rate reaching 95.7 per cent. She further highlighted achievements in reducing poverty from 9.2 per cent in 2016 to 4.3 per cent in 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s delegate noted that his country has established housing programmes and health coverage and is making efforts to reduce the unemployment rate. Riyadh has also provided vaccines to many countries, he said, further highlighting an initiative to lighten the debt burden on least developed States.
In a different register, the representative of the United States expressed concern that the Commission’s purview has become so broad that “it not only overlaps with various United Nations bodies but also dilutes its capacity to examine subjects in an effective and in-depth manner”. Accordingly, he recommended negotiating a single annual thematic Commission outcome document on a theme that is not within the purview of other United Nations bodies.
In addition, some two dozen non-governmental organizations and international advocacy agencies addressed social developmental gaps and reversals affecting poorer countries, but also women and girls, youth, the elderly, disabled persons, migrants and other vulnerable people and communities in countries at every level of the socioeconomic ladder.
In other business, the Acting Director of the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs updated the Commission on its proposed programme plan for 2025. Further, the Director of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development then introduced the nomination of members of its Board, as transmitted by the note of the Secretary-General (document E/CN.5/2024/5), calling upon the Commission to nominate four new members to fill outstanding vacancies for a term beginning on the date of confirmation by the Economic and Social Council and expiring on 30 June 2028.
Proposed Programme Plan for 2025 and Other Matters
JOHN WILMOTH, Officer-in-Charge and Acting Director of the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, updated the Commission for Social Development on the Division’s proposed programme plan for 2025. Since 2020, the strategic framework and proposed programme of work have been aligned with the annual programme budget cycle, approved by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/72/266A. In resolution A/RES/77/267, the Assembly decided to lift the trial period effective from 2023, and requested the Secretary-General to continue with the submission of the programme plan budget on an annual cycle. The 2025 annual programme plan budget will be finalized in the first half of 2024.
PAUL LADD, Director of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, then introduced the nomination of members of its Board, as transmitted by the note of the Secretary-General contained in document E/CN.5/2024/5. He recalled that the Board is composed of 10 members nominated by the Commission and confirmed by the Economic and Social Council for a term of four years, renewable once for a further two-year term, so that each nominated member of the Board should not have a total term of office exceeding six years. As contained in E/CN.5/2024/5, the term of office of Godwin Murunga will expire at the end of June 2024, and he is eligible for nomination for an additional two-year term expiring on 30 June 2026.
He further called upon the Commission to nominate four new members to fill outstanding vacancies for a term beginning on the date of confirmation by the Economic and Social Council and expiring on 30 June 2028. The four nominees are: Leila Patel of South Africa; Diego Sánchez-Ancochea of Spain; Dzodzi Tsikata of Ghana; and Timo Voipio of Finland. In the absence of any other candidates, the Commission decided to nominate Mr. Murunga for an additional term beginning on the date of confirmation by the Economic and Social Council and expiring on 30 June 2026; and Ms. Patel; Mr. Sánchez-Ancochea; Ms. Tsikata; and Mr. Voipio for a four-year term beginning on the date of confirmation by the Economic and Social Council and expiring on 30 June 2028.
Statements
MERCY DINHA, Deputy Minister for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of Zimbabwe, acknowledged the importance of today’s session’s theme, with only six years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Drawing from Zimbabwe’s economic blueprint, effective social development is identified as a pivotal factor in reducing poverty, addressing inequality and fostering inclusive growth, she said. With 62 per cent of the population in Zimbabwe under the age of 25, she pointed out initiatives to retain young people in the country and combat drug abuse through multisectoral approaches. In addition, in line with the Madrid international plan of action on aging, Zimbabwe is dedicated to promoting the well-being of older persons, ensuring an enabling environment for their health and development. Turning to the rights of vulnerable children, she emphasized the Government’s legislative reforms and interventions spanning health care and child protection, putting a spotlight on the efforts to combat child marriages and to maintain high literacy levels in the country.
In the labour market, Zimbabwe aims at generating economic growth through various initiatives “in the quest to position the country as the food basket of Africa”. Also, agriculture initiatives, supported by Government schemes, aim “to achieve zero hunger and ensure food and nutrition security”. She further highlighted social safety nets, including unconditional social cash transfers and food assistance programmes, as instrumental in reducing poverty and empowering vulnerable households, thereby mitigating risky coping strategies such as child labour and early marriages. “Effective social protection structures, policies systems and programmes play a major role in reducing poverty, redressing inequality and in promoting inclusive growth and development of human capital,” she concluded.
The representative of Luxembourg, aligning himself with the European Union and the LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex] Core Group, stated that the United Nations finds itself at a pivotal moment — in a state of regression, both in terms of sustainable development and the protection of human rights. In order to achieve the SDGs, social development remains key, while the Secretary-General’s report notes that half the world’s population remains on the sidelines. He emphasized that social development, in particular the eradication of poverty, is seriously hampered by the lack of access to affordable health services, quality education and universal social protection systems. Achieving the SDGs by 2030 requires addressing the structural obstacles that prevent the elimination of poverty and inequality. He recalled that each year, Luxembourg devotes 1 per cent of its gross national income to public development assistance, with particular emphasis on the least developed countries and the most vulnerable populations.
The representative of Nicaragua, aligning herself with the Group of 77 and China and the Group of Friends of the Family, warned that the world is moving further away from achieving the SDGs. She expressed support for national policies in developing countries to drive sustainable development efforts, stressing unity, solidarity and cooperation for a fairer world. Denouncing unilateral coercive measures imposed by imperialist countries on over 30 nations, she stressed that they hamper implementation of the right for development of more than 2 million people. Nicaragua favours promotion and inclusion of national policies that restore the economic, social and cultural rights of peoples, she said, expressing “unconditional solidarity with the fight and just cause of the Palestinian people”, whose development and social justice continue to be impeded by the occupation. Highlighting her country’s efforts to strengthen social cohesion and stability for development, she stressed the commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, prioritizing poverty eradication.
The representative of Malawi highlighted her country’s need to leverage digital transformation through investments in infrastructure for connectivity, ensuring inclusivity and easy access to public services for vulnerable groups in society. Her country had made commendable progress towards achieving its national vision as outlined in Malawi 2063, and consequently the 2030 Agenda; however, multiple crises including devastating cyclones keep reversing that progress. She cited significant accomplishments including registration of approximately 3.3 million households through the Unified Beneficiary Registry, while the social protection sector is collaborating with financial service providers to promote saving and loan groups targeting 1.8 million members with over $8.8 million in savings. In the education sector, she noted that Malawi is implementing electronic based learning platforms through the use of tablets in primary schools, while it is employing digital interventions to combat gender-based violence, foster early childhood development and enhance child protection.
The representative of Ecuador, aligning himself with the Group of 77 and China, stressed the interlinked nature of peace and development, noting that “the primordial responsibility for the international community should be to continue the quest for international peace and security.” Despite technological advancements and globalization, the world remains far from achieving the 2030 Agenda, especially in regions plagued by armed conflict, organized crime, climate change and emerging social issues. Therefore, full realization of the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all people requires the design and implementation of comprehensive social policies aimed at protecting families, eradicating poverty and promoting social inclusion, he stressed. In this regard, he highlighted his country’s efforts to fight corruption and organized crime as well as to democratize access to basic services like water and education, including initiatives to combat child labour and support populations in human mobility situations, particularly children and adolescents.
The representative of Israel recalled that the World Bank has found that countries with broader social safety nets fared better during the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing the vulnerability of small island developing States to climate change, he affirmed that the international community cannot build healthy societies without meeting its global responsibilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Israel has a comprehensive social welfare system, and also shares its expertise in social programmes, offering scholarships to professionals from developing countries, and helps increase smallholder farm income, as the main sponsor of UN resolutions on agricultural technology and entrepreneurship. Citing the importance of democracy and accountable governance, he stressed that “the horrendous acts of 7 October proved to us just how devastating” their absence can be. If Hamas had focused on its people instead of prioritizing terror and hate, he noted that the region would have enjoyed the social development and prosperity it deserves.
The representative of Viet Nam said her Government makes efforts to enhance social development and justice, particularly in meeting human needs for security, education, work, health and well-being. Turning to the education sector — Viet Nam’s top priority in terms of policy and investment — she said that a minimum of 20 per cent of the State budget is allocated to this domain, resulting in the population’s literacy rate reaching 95.7 per cent. With over 92 per cent of the population covered by insurance, Viet Nam places great emphasis on guaranteeing social protection and support to vulnerable groups, she said, while highlighting achievements in reducing poverty from 9.2 per cent in 2016 to 4.3 per cent in 2022. Turning to the environmental protection, she recalled her country’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Highlighting the shared nature of social development, justice and poverty eradication, she called for increased international cooperation, capacity-building and technical assistance for developing countries.
The representative of Brazil noted that the international community’s multiple and simultaneous crises can be summarized as “inequality”. As of December 2023, Brazil took over the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), and “fighting hunger, poverty and inequality is a priority of our term,” he stated. His Government welcomes the convening of the “Second World Summit on Social Development” — a valuable occasion to confront inequality, the growing digital divide, and the shortage of income and individual advancement opportunities, particularly for youth. Pointing to the national programme regarding caregiving, he noted that according to national data, women currently dedicate an average of 21 hours a week to unpaid domestic and care work, twice as much as men. Accounting for approximately one-fourth of Brazil’s total workforce, the caregiving sector holds, however, significant economic promise. The National Care Policy of Brazil aims to promote the restructuring and equitable distribution of social obligations concerning caregiving.
The representative of Japan emphasized the need for a holistic approach that prioritizes the “dignity” of each individual in addressing complex challenges hindering the achievement of the SDGs. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of adopting a “human security” approach as a catalyst for realizing the SDGs. Turning to the challenges faced by children, he highlighted his country’s policy aimed at building a society in which all youth can build a foundation for lifelong character development, adding that “no child should be left behind when it comes to protecting their rights.” “Education is another important foundation for lasting peace and an enabler for the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said, stressing the need to ensure access to quality education for children under conflict and other humanitarian situations. Detailing his country’s efforts to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities, he pointed out the Amended Act on Disabilities which obliges businesses to accommodate reasonable requests from such persons.
The representative of Iran, aligning himself with the Group of 77 and China and the Group of Friends of the Family, cited widening divides and gaps caused by the lack of resources for social development and the unequal economic opportunities between developed and developing countries. The international community, including the developed countries, should fulfil commitments to provide financial support and technical assistance to ensure sustainable and inclusive social development. He noted that Iran has hosted millions of refugees, displaced persons and migrants from neighbouring countries, sharing resources and facilities for education, nutrition and health in the absence of meaningful international support. However, illegitimate unilateral sanctions remain among the most pressing challenges and hindrances, while economic blockades also deny nations their inherent human rights, particularly the right to development. He called for the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in Gaza, to be addressed as a high priority.
The representative of the United States, while commending the important work of both the Commission and its Bureau, expressed concern that the former’s purview has become so broad that “it not only overlaps with various United Nations bodies but also dilutes its capacity to examine subjects in an effective and in-depth manner”. Accordingly, he recommended improving the Commission’s efficiency by negotiating a single thematic outcome document each year on a theme that is not within the purview of other United Nations bodies. This approach will enable the Commission to make a unique impact on dimensions of social development that have gone unaddressed, and it would focus discussion on solutions to a single set of pressing social development challenges, he stressed. Also, reducing the annual session to three or four days should be considered.
The representative of Nigeria, aligning herself with the Group of 77 and China and the African Group, warned that many developing countries are on the verge of famine, calling on the UN to continue championing inclusive, just and sustainable development for all. Unfortunately, those countries are also disproportionately affected by more climate induced disasters, pushing their populations into extreme poverty, increased food insecurity, inflation and malnutrition, requiring more meaningful collaboration among States and partners to reduce poverty around the world. She emphasized that Nigeria’s Government has developed an 8-point agenda including food security, poverty eradication, economic growth and job creation; access to capital; improving security; and fighting corruption. When fully implemented, she noted, it will improve livelihoods and the standards of living of Nigerians. Furthermore, the Government recently passed a law establishing a student loan scheme to provide financial assistance to poor individuals from underprivileged backgrounds.
The representative of Haiti, aligning herself with the Group 77 and China and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), noted that much remains to be done to achieve the 2030 Agenda, particularly for low-income countries such as hers. Haiti is experiencing a multidimensional crisis characterized, among other things, by armed gang violence. This crisis, which has already lasted too long, does not promote the creation of an environment conducive to the country’s economic growth, social justice, and the social development of the Haitian people. Haitian authorities officially launched two joint programs in 2020: the national policy of social protection and promotion; and addressing sovereignty, food security and nutrition. However, this cannot materialize without rebuilding Haiti’s security. As the challenges facing Haiti are vast and its means limited, her delegation calls, once again, for stronger international solidarity and cooperation.
The representative of Ukraine noted that 24 February 2024 will mark two years since the Russian Federation’s full-scale military invasion of his country began, resulting in “one of Europe’s largest displacement crises”. This includes 14.6 million Ukrainians — around 40 per cent of the country’s population — who urgently require humanitarian assistance. Emphasizing that the war has inflicted irreversible damage on Ukraine’s demographic and human capital, presenting significant social challenges, he stressed that 5 million people have been internally displaced, with an additional 4 million fleeing to other countries. Additionally, his country is struggling with providing war-disabled citizens with rehabilitation and prosthetics, offering financial aid to those who lost jobs and fell below the poverty line, and safeguarding children’s rights. In response to the conflict, Ukraine is reforming its social support system, focusing on initiatives like developing mental health services, reforming care services for persons with disabilities and orphaned children.
The representative of Syria said his Government collaborates with civic and private sectors to achieve the first objective of the SDGs, which focuses on eradicating poverty in all its forms. To this end, a comprehensive national strategic development plan is being implemented targeting several fronts including labour market improvements and a social security programme for the most vulnerable and elderly groups of populations. Furthermore, the Government has implemented an inclusive development programme for individuals with disabilities and enhanced financial services by increasing lending for housing, commercial and industrial purposes. In response to the 2023 earthquake, special measures have been implemented to support victims, including tax exemptions and concessional lending options to facilitate the rehabilitation of damaged houses. The significant progress in achieving social development has been impeded by the imposition of unilateral coercive measures by a group of Western countries, he stressed, urging the lifting of sanctions and international support to overcome the impacts of war.
The representative of Saudi Arabia noted how economic and political crises have exacerbated difficulties in achieving sustainable development. Social development and social justice are interdependent elements, he said, adding that his country is aiming to strengthen its national economy by investing in human capital. Saudi Arabia has established housing programmes and health coverage and is making efforts to reduce the unemployment rate. His country has also provided vaccines to many countries, he said, also highlighting an initiative to lighten the debt burden on least developed States. The fight against corruption is crucial in battling poverty and hunger, he added, stressing that the resources that belong to the poorest must be used for their benefit. Also pointing to the urgent need for basic services in Gaza, he recalled the 27,000 Gazans, most of them women and children, who have fallen victim to military aggression, and drew attention to the right to life.
The representative of Jamaica, aligning herself with the Group of 77 and China and CARICOM, noted that since independence in 1962, her country has created a number of social protection policies and programmes, with the aim of redressing the historical imbalances and inequalities intrinsic to the colonial system from which it emerged — and ensuring that the needs of all persons are promoted and supported. She highlighted initiatives including a social intervention programme to empower Jamaican youths by providing them with sustainable employment, education or entrepreneurial opportunities. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, youths were assisted through grants valued at $44.4 million Jamaican dollars. The Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education — Jamaica’s flagship social assistance programme — has served more than 350,000 beneficiaries, and in the 2022/2023 financial year alone, provided income support valued at $9.5 billion Jamaican dollars.
The representative of Bangladesh, aligning himself with the Group of 77 and China, warned that 575 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030 if the trend of stagnation or reversal in social development, which began in 2020, continues. Against this backdrop, he detailed his country’s social safety net programmes, noting that 16.7 per cent of its national budget is allocated to social security programmes. Emphasizing the significance of investments in education, especially girls’ education, for achieving gender parity in primary education, he highlighted his country’s accomplishments in digitalization, enabling individuals to access health care, education, court and banking services from their homes. Pointing out the global education crisis, he urged for comprehensive efforts, including increased investment in education infrastructure and digital literacy. On the climate crisis, he called for collective ambitious financial and technological transfer measures to build resilience of the vulnerable population.
The representative of the Russian Federation, aligning herself with the Group of Friends of the Family, noted that her country is a social State aiming to create conditions that ensure a decent life and free development of its people. She recalled that the country and is implementing a number of social programmes, including helping citizens out of poverty, supporting families with children, citizens with disabilities, older people and others. The minimum wage was increased, as of 1 January, by a record 18.5 per cent, while social benefits are indexed annually at no lower than the inflation rate. Thus, from 1 February, basic social benefits were indexed by 7.4 per cent. She further highlighted a significant increase in the level of social protection of citizens: by 2025, the maximum amount of benefits for temporary disability, maternity benefits and monthly benefits for care of children up to one-and-a-half years of age will rise by 75 per cent.
The representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) called for the integration of migrants and migration in the new global consensus and commitment to promote inclusive, equitable and resilient societies. “When migration is safe, orderly and regular, it has the potential to catalyse progress towards sustainable development, boost economic growth and reduce inequality,” he said. Although migrants often lack access to social protection, they tend to contribute more to taxes and social contributions than they receive, he observed. Highlighting the role of IOM in assisting States to establish, expand and enhance regular migration pathways, he put a spotlight on initiatives like bilateral labour migration agreements, which are vital for facilitating regular migration and realizing the SDGs. He went on to underscore the importance of facilitating diaspora engagement to leverage migrants’ economic, human and social contributions, with remittances reaching $647 billion in 2022, financing sustainable development.
The representative of UNANIMA International, also speaking for several other organizations, called for a new approach that tackles not just the individual injustices of extreme poverty but also the broader systems which promote and profit from the unequal status quo in the Global North and the Global South. Highlighting her organization’s experience on the front lines, working with the world’s most socially excluded people, she said its research at the grassroots level shows that women and children experiencing extreme poverty are often marginalized further through social and cultural prejudice. A more nuanced understanding of their experiences in these contexts is necessary to inform effective policymaking and foster equitable social development. Homelessness and displacement should not be seen as personal failings but rather as the structural failures they are, she stressed. Social justice for all requires a paradigm shift which decommodifies people, places and the planet, she said.
The representative of the International Federation on Ageing said that older persons are often excluded in discussions on social development and social justice, although they are disproportionately affected by social and political environments leading them towards poverty. When reviewing United Nations programmes of action affecting older persons, she said, it is necessary to recognize interconnected issues such as an increasingly aging society, gender and climate change. Gender in poverty is a notable issue among older persons, particularly as older women are impacted by poverty due to the multidimensional discriminations they encounter across their lifetime. Turning to linkages between digital transformation and social justice, she said this can provide a unique pathway for intergenerational issues. Calling on Member States and civil society to collectively address the inclusion of older persons in policies and programmes to eradicate poverty, she said there is an urgent need to draft a United Nations convention on the rights of older persons.
The representative of Make Mothers Matter stated that “everyone has a mother”, yet a recent survey shows that a startling 95 per cent of mothers feel unappreciated, unacknowledged or invisible — and 98 per cent believe that this “invisibility” severely impacts women’s health. In addition, motherhood has economic and social costs for mothers, as women worldwide do most of the unpaid work of caring for children and other household members. The so-called “motherhood penalty” hinders their access to formal work, career advancement and perpetuates wage and pension gaps. However, when resources, laws and policies are directed towards empowering mothers, the manifold benefits have a ripple effect on children, fathers, families, communities and society as a whole. She recalled a 2014 study by the London School of Economics showing that the costs of perinatal mental health problems to society is five times more than the cost of improving maternal mental health services.
The representative of the International Relations Students’ Association of McGill, a youth-run NGO dedicated to amplifying the voices of young people in global decision-making, said that digital access should translate into opportunities for all. “Bridging the digital divide is fundamental for social justice,” she stressed, urging member States to collaborate with civil society in addressing inequalities in digital access and skills. In this regard, she called for comprehensive digital education and vocational training along with the distribution of technology at all levels of education, particularly for socially excluded groups. Member States should address the danger of digital misinformation, she said, underscoring the need for media literacy education. Calling on Member States to address the disproportionate barriers faced by youth, particularly those in the Global South, unrecognized territories and conflict zones, she emphasized that “the ability for youth to engage in high-level diplomacy should not be hindered by geopolitical or socioeconomic constraints.”
The representative of the Blue Tree Foundation, a youth NGO from the Republic of Korea, outlined three approaches for leveraging digital transformation to combat poverty. Highlighting the role of sustainable cooperation of international organizations, Governments, businesses and NGOs as one of the measures of digital transformation for poverty eradication, she proposed organizing a regular thematic United Nations conference to foster global awareness and expert discussions. She further advocated for a unified open data system across sectors, facilitating immediate partnerships between Governments, companies and activists to address challenges more efficiently and reduce policy adoption costs. The establishment of a dedicated international organization focused on digital transformation and poverty issues can support the process of finding sustainable solutions, she added.