As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is witnessing first-hand how digital technologies help to confront the threat and keep people connected. At the same time, some communities are facing tremendous technological challenges, with almost half of the world’s population having no access to the Internet. “The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that access to the internet should be a basic right that helps protect people’s health, jobs, and lives. Unfortunately, considerable gaps remain in realizing universal and affordable access to the digital world,” said María del Carmen Squeff, Chair of the 59th Session of the UN Commission for Social Development.
This month, the Commission for Social Development will discuss “Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all”, particularly through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 8 to 17 February 2021, the 59th session of the Commission (CSocD59) will meet largely virtually for the first time ever. A variety of speakers, representing not only governments but also NGOs, businesses, municipal authorities, and academia, will share their experiences and innovative solutions that have used digital technologies to promote social development and well-being for all.
The delegates will give special attention to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the disadvantaged, marginalized, or vulnerable groups and communities. “The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges to social development and the well-being of people worldwide, because poverty has deepened and pre-existing inequalities have exacerbated, with the most vulnerable hit the hardest,” said Ms. Squeff.
The Commission will conclude with recommendations on how countries can make further progress on these issues of digital cooperation, social inclusion, and development.
The CSocD59 will feature five virtual high-level panel discussions including a ministerial forum on “Promoting multilateralism to realize inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 in the context of the Decade of Action and delivery for sustainable development and its social dimensions”, general debates, as well as over 50 side events organized by Member States, UN Agencies and Organizations accredited to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
In addition to the main theme, the Commission will look closer at the emerging issue of “Social policy to promote a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery: Building back better post COVID-19 for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the Decade of Action and delivery for sustainable development”.
The side events will cover a broad range of related issues, such as digital inclusion for all, digital education, digital technologies and older persons, ending homelessness, social protection, financing for development, good governance, the social impact of COVID-19, multilateralism for social justice, youth and digital technologies, and national initiatives in various regions. In addition, the NGO Committee on Social Development will host a Civil Society Forum starting on 9 February to forge partnership among stakeholders.
When Everyone is Included, Everyone Benefits.
For more information about the 59th Commission for Social Development: https://bit.ly/un-csocd59
