2 February 2026 - When the Commission for Social Development convenes this month, it will be the first global gathering after the Second World Summit for Social Development. It offers a key opportunity to start turning the commitments made to advance social development into action. We asked the team in UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development what we can expect from the Commission’s work this year.
 

How does the Commission for Social Development help shape the future of social progress?

“The Commission for Social Development (CSocD) is the UN’s primary intergovernmental body dedicated to advancing the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Doha Political Declaration agreed upon at the First and the Second World Summits for Social Development, held in 1995 and 2025 respectively. It provides a global forum where Member States translate high‑level political commitments into actionable policy pathways, share national strategies, and identify solutions to eradicate poverty, promote decent work, and build inclusive societies. Through resolutions, expert dialogues, and broad multistakeholder participation, the Commission guides, reviews, and accelerates implementation of social development priorities—especially crucial in today’s context of inequality and eroding trust.”


What can we expect at the Commission this year?

“The 64th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64), held from 2 to 10 February 2026, marks the first formal moment of accountability for the commitments made at the Second World Summit for Social Development. Under the priority theme “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies,” Member States will present early actions taken to implement the Doha Declaration. The session will feature high‑level debates, expert panels, and dialogues aimed at strengthening policy coherence, improving data and planning capacities, and scaling inclusive and equitable social policies. It will also help guide countries toward the achievement of the SDGs as the world enters the final stretch to 2030.”
 

The Doha Political Declaration was adopted at the Social Summit last year. How will the Commission follow up to make sure the world’s pledges are fulfilled?

“CSocD64 represents the first major platform for reviewing progress since the Doha Summit. Member States are encouraged to demonstrate concrete steps such as national strategies, reforms, and new initiatives, aligned with Doha’s call for whole‑of‑government, people‑centered, and inclusive approaches. The session will also set early direction for the 2031 review cycle mandated by Doha, helping to sustain momentum and ensure accountability for commitments on poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion.”
 

Inclusion is at the heart of social development. How does the Commission make sure that the annual meeting is inclusive?

“The Commission ensures inclusivity not only in its agenda but also in its working methods. Governments, civil society, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders participate in panel discussions, expert forums, and dialogues. This broad engagement ensures that diverse voices inform policymaking, reinforcing legitimacy and helping ensure that social development solutions leave no one behind.”

UN DESA’s Division for Inclusive Social Development leads the efforts coordinating, preparing and supporting the work of the Commission for Social Development, one of the functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Learn more about this work here. 


For more information: 64th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64)