The 64th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) took place between 2-10
February here in New York City. CSocD64 focused on the priority theme: “Advancing Social Development
and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies,” and its emerging issue:
“Eradicating Poverty and Ensuring Dignity through Resilient Care and Support Systems.”
At the conclusion of the commission, the outcomes included the resolution of the priority theme, and an
emphasis on efforts to achieve gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. The 70th
session on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will start on 9 March, bringing together civil
society organizations from across the globe to New York City to participate in UN advocacy with Member
States and other relevant stakeholders.
CSW is an important time for civil society organizations, who are oftentimes underrepresented in the UN
system–while sessions occur inside of UNHQ, civil society will be hosting thousands of different sessions
outside of the UN, many in collaboration with Member States, UN agencies, and other relevant
stakeholders.
This year’s priority theme is “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,
including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies,
and practices, and addressing structural barriers.” This affirmation of gender equality during CSocD, will
surely come up once again during CSW. Advocacy work at the UN connects the most pressing issues of
our society today, with similar key words like “inclusivity,” and “policy making” coming up during
commissions such as CSocD and CSW. As civil society anticipates the start of CSW, we look forward to
seeing the collaborative efforts put forth!
From CSocD to CSW: Thinking on the Reaffirmation of CSocD goals during CSW
