Social issues

The legacies of conflict, colonialism and a lopsided global financial system took centre stage as drivers of inequality — and in turn, homelessness — as the Commission for Social Development continued its general discussion today.

Tackling homelessness throughout the world means tackling social issues as vast and varied as income inequality, housing shortages, racism and women’s empowerment, the Commission for Social Development heard today, as speakers who have personally experienced homelessness shared their thoughts with Member States and representatives of non-governmental organizations on the third day of its fifty-eighth session.

Despite development strides which have lifted more than 1 billion people out of poverty in recent decades, soaring inequality and exclusion continue to pose challenges around the globe, delegates heard today, as the Commission on Social Development continued its fifty-eighth session.

Homelessness is a global problem that affects people in both developed and developing countries, regardless of economic, social and cultural backgrounds, and addressing it in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will require both innovative policies and inclusive partnerships, the Commission on Social Development heard today as it opened its fifty-eighth session.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the opening ceremony of the Doha International Conference on Disability and Development, in Doha today:

Following is UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ message for World Diabetes Day, observed on 14 November:

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres launched the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech today, as he delivered an informal briefing to Member States.

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks on Social Justice for Sustainable Development:  How to build a new relationship with each other and with creation to meet the SDGs, as prepared for delivery in London today:

The Commission for Social Development, acting by consensus on the final day of its fifty-seventh session, decided to forward three draft resolutions to the Economic and Social Council for adoption — including one focused on harnessing the potential of tax policies, wage floors and safety nets to combat inequality.

A more inclusive and responsive approach is needed to support families, as they are the fundamental social unity of society, the Commission for Social Development was told as it concluded the general debate of its fifty-seventh session.