UN Social Policy Forum Ends With Call for Action on Pledges

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The UN's main forum on social policy, the Commission for Social Development, wrapped up its annual session with a renewed push to translate global pledges into real action. Delegates stressed the need to address widening inequalities, demographic changes, and rapid digital and green transitions through integrated, people-centered policies, which they called a "moral imperative." The Commission has helped shape global frameworks on poverty, employment, social protection, and inclusion over the years, and its conclusions have informed national policies and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Why it matters

The Commission for Social Development is the UN's primary intergovernmental body for social development, playing a key role in driving progress on universal social protection, decent work, and inclusion of vulnerable groups. Its recommendations carry significant weight in shaping national policies and the global development agenda.

The details

Meeting at UN Headquarters in New York from February 2-10, the 64th session of the Commission for Social Development brought together ministers, UN officials, civil society, and youth to examine how global commitments can be translated into coordinated, inclusive policies at the national level. ECOSOC President Lok Bahadur Thapa stressed that social development policies are where "resilience, social cohesion, and trust are ultimately tested" as widening inequalities, demographic shifts, and rapid transitions place growing strain on societies worldwide.

• The Commission for Social Development held its 64th annual session from February 2-10, 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York.
• The session followed the Second World Summit for Social Development, which was held in Doha in 2025.

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