DISD | The Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) is part of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations Secretariat.

The generation that can change the world – if we let them

In a world where climate change wreaks havoc on our economies, societies and environment, where unemployment and inequalities are rampant and where trust in international cooperation is falling, what can keep us from losing faith that the world 2030 will be a better place for everyone? UN DESA’s World Youth Report offers one good reason for optimism: […]

Inequality must be addressed through social protection policies

Inequality has become a defining issue of the present time that must be addressed through social protection policies, including progressive taxation in favour of low-income families as well as public spending to support vulnerable populations, delegates told the opening of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD57) on 11 February 2019. “With […]

57th Session of the Commission for Social Development, 11-21 February 2019

The fifty-seventh session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD57) will take place from 11 to 21 February 2019, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Commission is the advisory body responsible for the social development pillar of global development. The priority theme this year is “Addressing inequalities and challenges to social inclusion through fiscal, […]

2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages

Languages play a crucial role in our daily lives. They are not only our first medium for communication, education and social integration, but are also at the heart of each person’s unique identity, cultural history and memory. The ongoing loss of indigenous languages is particularly devastating, as the complex knowledges and cultures they foster are […]

First-ever World Braille Day fosters more accessible and disability-inclusive societies

To raise awareness of the importance of Braille for approximately 1.3 billion people living with some form of distance or near vision impairment, on Friday the United Nations is observing the first official World Braille Day. Recognized henceforth each 4 January, the Day was proclaimed by the General Assembly last November, as a means of realizing […]

International Human Solidarity Day, 20 December 2018

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a renewed global commitment to not only end poverty and hunger but also achieve social inclusion, universal social protection, reduction of inequalities and environmental sustainability, all requiring fundamental changes in the way our societies function. The 2030 Agenda recognizes that a holistic approach is needed […]

EGM on the Role of Families and Family Policy in Supporting Youth Transitions

The Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, and the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD), is organizing an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on “The Role of Families and Family Policy in […]

New UN Report on Disability and Sustainable Development Goals

“The UN Flagship Report on Disability and Development 2018 – Realizing the SDGs by, for and with persons with disabilities shows that people with disabilities are at a disadvantage regarding most Sustainable Development Goals, but also highlights the growing number of good practices that can create a more inclusive society in which they can live independently.” UN […]