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

The 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), a pivotal annual gathering within the United Nations framework, convened in New York City from February 10th to 14th, 2025. This commission serves as the primary UN body responsible for overseeing the implementation and follow-up of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, a landmark agreement adopted at the World Summit for Social Development in 1995. Representing the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis at this significant meeting were Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, and Counsellor, Mrs. Sonia Boddie-Thompson. The CSocD63 session served as a critical platform for global dialogue and collaboration on pressing social development issues, setting the stage for the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development scheduled for November 2025 in Qatar.

The Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, the cornerstone of the Commission’s work, center on a people-centric approach to development, emphasizing the full participation of all individuals in the development process. The Declaration identifies three core objectives for social development: eradicating poverty, promoting full and productive employment, and fostering social inclusion. These objectives remain central to global development efforts and are intricately linked to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The CSocD63 session provided a forum for member states to review progress, identify challenges, and strategize on accelerating the implementation of these critical objectives.

The priority theme for CSocD63, “Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration… as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” underscores the interconnectedness of these global agendas. The discussions at CSocD63 focused on bolstering international cooperation and reinforcing social safety nets to address pervasive inequalities and vulnerabilities. The session highlighted the importance of social resilience and social development, themes that resonate strongly with the policy priorities of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly its focus on building a sustainable island state.

The emphasis on social resilience and social development aligns closely with the vision articulated by the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew. In his 2025 Budget Address, Prime Minister Drew emphasized that job creation is not solely an economic imperative but also a crucial factor in enhancing social stability, poverty reduction, and resilience to external shocks. This perspective emphasizes the multifaceted nature of development, recognizing that economic growth must be accompanied by social progress to achieve true sustainability. The participation of St. Kitts and Nevis in CSocD63 demonstrates the nation’s commitment to these principles and its active engagement in the global dialogue on social development.

The CSocD63 session holds particular significance as it serves as a preparatory forum for the Second World Summit for Social Development, slated for November 2025 in Qatar. This summit, convening thirty years after the landmark Copenhagen summit, will bring together Heads of State and Government to reaffirm the principles of the Copenhagen Declaration, address existing gaps in implementation, and revitalize global efforts towards achieving social development goals. The summit is expected to provide a renewed impetus for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on strengthening international cooperation and fostering inclusive and sustainable development pathways.

The upcoming Social Summit in Qatar represents a crucial opportunity for the international community to recommit to the principles of social justice, equity, and human dignity. It will provide a platform for world leaders to address the complex challenges facing societies worldwide, including rising inequalities, social fragmentation, and the impacts of climate change. The summit aims to forge a renewed global partnership for social development, building on the lessons learned over the past three decades and charting a course towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. The participation of St. Kitts and Nevis in both CSocD63 and the upcoming Social Summit underscores the nation’s commitment to these global goals and its active role in shaping the international development agenda.