Social issues

The Commission for Social Development concluded its 2025 annual session today, recommending four resolutions, including a text on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, to the Economic and Social Council for their adoption.

At one of two panel discussions held today by the Commission for Social Development, speakers stressed that the Second World Summit for Social Development must advance humanity’s fight against structural inequalities by promoting quality employment for young people, closing digital divides, addressing the challenges of ageing populations and tackling the climate crisis.

During one of two round-table discussions held today by the Commission for Social Development, panelists emphasized the importance of governance, preparedness and investment in human capital to strengthen “social resilience” — the ability of individuals and societies to prevent, absorb, adapt and recover positively from crises.

Solidarity and social inclusion are more important than ever as the world grapples with multiple emergencies such as the climate crisis, democratic backsliding and repeated human rights abuses, high-level ministers said today at a panel discussion at the 2025 session of the Commission for Social Development.

Global solidarity is more essential than ever to address poverty, hunger, inequality and other pressing challenges facing humanity, speakers emphasized today at the opening of the 2025 annual session of the Commission for Social Development, calling for increased investment in social protection to meet these urgent needs.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Bjørg Sandkjær of Norway as Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Education, observed on 24 January:

The General Assembly adopted 47 draft resolutions and one decision recommended by its Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, covering a wide range of issues, from countering violence against children and combating the glorification of Nazism to protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and ensuring the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) sent nine draft resolutions to the General Assembly today, including texts on the elimination of violence against women and girls, the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the report of the Human Rights Council.

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) approved 11 draft resolutions today, including texts on the right to food, the right to development, refugee protection and the impact of unilateral coercive measures on humanitarian assistance.