The Secretary General’s Address to the Commission on Social Development
Date of Meeting: 08 Feb 2016
Meeting Organizer: Commission on Social Development
ISJC Staff Present: Luke Cozens
Reporter: Luke Cozens
Which SDG does this topic cover? 1, 8, 10, 11, 17
Type of meeting: Commission on Social Development
Brief summary of presentation of information made
- The Chair, H.E. Mr. Ion Jinga, Permanent Representative of Romanian to the United Nations, welcomed the Secretary General and the commission and in particular acknowledged the presence of representatives of older persons, younger persons, and persons with a disability. He noted the Secretary General’s belief in the power of relationships
- Secretary General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ban-Ki Moon, began his address by noting that the Commission on Social Development (CSocD) was the first of the functional commissions of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to meet in 2016. He said that “we are living in a crucially important period for humanity” particularly after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the adoption of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. He noted that he had called 2015 “a year of global action” and suggested that 2016 needs to be “a year of global traction” – we need to get things moving! He said that “we are living in a world of turmoil and trouble” and noted that “a thriving economy is not enough to eradicate poverty”. In particular the Secretary General highlighted the effects of inequality on poverty reduction and social exclusion saying that “too few economies have achieved sustainable and inclusive growth.” He said that the United Nations would continue to work closely with civil society and noted the general need to establish stronger partnerships. He informed the commission that he had recently submitted to the General Assembly of the United Nation an outline of critical milestones necessary to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. He said that we must ensure that global follow up and review is anchored in the reality of people’s lives.
- The Chair, then reflected on the Secretary General’s statement. He noted that the Secretary General had outlined the mechanism and vision of the 2030 Agenda and the need to deliver on it. He then briefly summarized the history of the work of the commission noting that it was particularly concerned with poverty eradication, the effects of the global economic crash on poverty, and the effects of conflict, violent extremism and terrorism on social development. He said that the main focus of the commission should be on translating the Sustainable Development Goals into result orientated action. He noted the suggestion that the commission provide a forum for the sharing of best practice. He acknowledged that this year’s session had a focus on policy and outlines some policy recommendations that had been made. These recommendations included policy advice on how to “leave no one behind” in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, and the need to not focus solely on economic growth which he said was insufficient to tackle poverty or inequalities.
What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?
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Older persons, younger persons and persons with a disability are seen as key in achieving the 2030 agenda.
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This year is particularly important to achieve movement towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
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There is an emphasis on the importance of partnership, including with civil society (of which The Salvation Army is considered part.)
Web links for more information
Commission on Social Development: