UN Commission For Social Development:
India’s permanent representative to the UN recently chaired an insightful member-state briefing in preparation for the 62nd UN Commission for Social Development.
- UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD) formerly known as the Social Commission, is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
- It has been in existence since the very inception of the United Nations, advising ECOSOC and governments on a wide range of social policy issues and from the social perspective of development.
- Its primary purpose is to advance social development and formulate policies and recommendations to address global social issues.
- It focuses on topics such as poverty eradication, social inclusion, and the promotion of equitable and sustainable development.
- Since the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, the CSocD has been the key UN body in charge of the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action.
- Originally 18, membership has been increased several times, most recently in 1996, and now stands at 46.
- Members are elected by ECOSOC based on equitable geographical distribution for four-year terms.
- The CSocD meets every year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in February.
- During its meetings, member states, international organisations, and civil society representatives come together to discuss and address various social development issues.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
- It is one of the six principal organsof the UN, which was established by the UN Charter (1945).
- It is responsible for the direction and coordination of the economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities carried out by the UN.
- Decisions are taken by a simple majority vote. The presidency of ECOSOC changes annually.
