MEDIA STATEMENT
Pretoria, Wednesday, 12 February 2025: South Africa is participating in the 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) currently underway at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America. Social Development is the lead government department to the 63rd Session which is scheduled to take place from 10-14 February under the priority theme: “Strengthening Solidarity and Social Inclusion and Social Cohesion”.
The CSocD plays a vital role in promoting social policies that support the overall development goals of the United Nations, particularly in relation to eradicating poverty, advancing social integration, promoting inclusivity, equity, and sustainability across the globe. The 63rd Session coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development.
In alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development universal pledge: “Leave No One Behind”, the 63rd Session will take stock of UN Member Countries’ progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enable knowledge-sharing and peer-learning, as well as identify critical success factors in areas where countries are lagging behind.
The plenary, high-level panel and side events discussions of the 63rd Session are focused on deepening global cooperation, with particular focus on South-South Cooperation especially in light of the current geopolitical risks and threats. South-South Cooperation, which offers solutions through solidarity, rather than competition and dominance, is key to helping developing countries like South Africa to build collective self-resilience and promote more sustainable and equitable economic growth.
The discussions are also focused on deepening global collaboration to address the vulnerabilities of the world’s poor populations and improving resilience post-COVID 19 pandemic in the face of growing crises, including the high cost of living and climate change-related challenges such as floods, droughts and food insecurity.
The South African delegation is led by the Acting Director-General for Social Development, Mr Peter Netshipale. During the presentation of South Africa’s Statement on Tuesday, 11 February, Mr Netshipale highlighted government’s policies and initiatives aimed at consolidating significant gains of the 30 years of freedom and democracy.
“South Africa provides one of the best social protection in the form of monthly social grants to over 44% of the population. These grants are well targeted, and proven successful over the years in reducing hunger, poverty and inequality while also demonstrating positive spillover effects on economic growth, building social cohesion and social stability”, said Mr Netshipale.
The delegation will participate in a number of bilateral engagements and share South Africa’s experience during the discussions on emerging issues such as universal rights-based social protection systems.
The 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development is a precursor to the 2nd World Summit for Social Development which is scheduled to take place from 4-6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar at the level of Ministers and Heads of State.
Its primary objective is to advance social development globally and provide renewed momentum for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The first World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1995.
ENDS.
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Mr Bathembu Futshane on 0711621154 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
