St. Kitts and Nevis Prioritizes Solidarity, Social Inclusion, and Development at the 63rd Commission for Social Development.

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis actively participated in the 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from February 6th to 15th, 2024. The delegation, led by Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Ian McDonald Liburd, underscored the nation’s commitment to strengthening social development, social inclusion, and global solidarity, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic’s lingering impacts and emerging global challenges. Saint Kitts and Nevis aligned its interventions and contributions with the priority theme of CSocD63, “Reconstruction, rehabilitation, and recovery: Building social inclusion and social cohesion in a post-COVID-19 world,” emphasizing the importance of targeted policies and international cooperation to address multifaceted social and economic vulnerabilities.

Saint Kitts and Nevis articulated its commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient society by highlighting its national strategies and programs aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, fostering social cohesion, and promoting sustainable development. The delegation emphasized the critical need for robust social protection systems, accessible healthcare, quality education, and decent work opportunities as fundamental pillars for post-pandemic recovery and long-term social development. They also drew attention to the specific challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Saint Kitts and Nevis, including limited resources, vulnerability to climate change, and external economic shocks, advocating for greater international support and tailored solutions to address their unique circumstances.

A key focus of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ engagement at CSocD63 was the importance of leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable development. The delegation stressed the necessity of targeted interventions for marginalized groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and older persons, ensuring their equitable access to opportunities and resources. They underscored the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development and the need for integrated approaches that address systemic inequalities and promote holistic well-being. Furthermore, Saint Kitts and Nevis advocated for strengthened global partnerships and enhanced collaboration among UN Member States, international organizations, and civil society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to social development.

The delegation actively participated in interactive dialogues, panel discussions, and side events, sharing national experiences and best practices in social development with other Member States. Saint Kitts and Nevis highlighted the importance of data-driven policymaking and the need for robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and ensure accountability in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They emphasized the role of community-based initiatives and participatory approaches in fostering social inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The delegation also called for increased investments in social development programs and emphasized the importance of aligning national development strategies with the SDGs to achieve transformative change.

Saint Kitts and Nevis reiterated its commitment to multilateralism and the vital role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation for social development. The delegation emphasized the need for a strengthened global partnership for development and called for greater support from developed countries to assist developing countries in achieving the SDGs. They stressed the importance of sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to address global challenges collectively and build a more equitable and sustainable world. Saint Kitts and Nevis also called for enhanced coordination and coherence within the UN system to ensure that its work on social development is effectively integrated and aligned with other development pillars.

Through its active engagement at CSocD63, Saint Kitts and Nevis demonstrated its steadfast commitment to advancing social development, fostering social inclusion, and promoting global solidarity. The delegation’s interventions underscored the nation’s dedication to building a more just, equitable, and resilient society, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable development. Saint Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with other UN Member States and international partners to achieve the SDGs and create a better future for all. Their participation exemplified the crucial role of small island developing states in advocating for global solutions to shared challenges and highlighted their unique perspectives on building more resilient and inclusive societies in a post-pandemic world. Their emphasis on data-driven policymaking and the importance of international cooperation underscores the nation’s proactive approach to achieving sustainable development and its commitment to learning from and contributing to the global community.