Mercy at the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development, Focusing on Advancing Social Justice

The 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) took place from 2-10 February at UN Headquarters, focusing on the Priority Theme "Advancing Social Development and Social Justice Through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies," and the Emerging Theme "Eradicating Poverty and Ensuring Dignity through Resilient Care and Support Systems." You can read Mercy’s written statement to CSocD64 here.

Only three months after the adoption of the Doha Declaration at the Second World Social Summit, this year’s Commission for Social Development marked an important milestone in mobilizing action to implement and follow up on social development commitments.

Cecilie Kern, MGA's Global Policy and Research Advocate (pictured above), moderated the closing panel of the CSocD Civil Society Forum, and delivered a statement to the Commission as Chair of the NGO Committee on Migration. In her closing remarks during the Civil Society Forum, she emphasized the importance of vibrant civil society engagement:

*"*At a time of rising polarization and weakened institutions, as even limited spaces for civil society engagement are narrowing, it is more critical than ever to protect and expand them. The Civil Society Forum stands as a model - a practice that makes our collective work more inclusive, more responsive, and ultimately more effective."

Next year, the Commission for Social Development will explore the Priority Theme "Strengthening social development through intergenerational approaches for achieving sustainable development and the implementation of the Copenhagen and Doha commitments towards 2030 and beyond.” Later this year, the Mercy Global Action team will draft a written statement on this theme and invites people from the global Mercy community to share how they see intergenerational approaches in their work.

ENDS