MR. Chair,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of G77 and China.

At the outset, the Group congratulates you and the members of the Bureau on your election. We welcome the convening of 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development under the priority theme: "Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Program of Action of the World Summit for Social Development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development".

The Group of 77 and China thanks the Secretary-General for his reports and takes note of the recommendations contained therein.

Member States of G77 + China have made progress to promote social and economic inclusion, the provision of social protection, and inclusive learning, placing the social inclusion of young people, elderly persons and persons with disabilities at the center of their actions. However, challenges such as poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme and multidimensional poverty, hunger and malnutrition, coupled with persistent socio-economic consequences, financial crises, armed conflicts and wars, growing global food insecurity, biodiversity loss and other challenges affect the economic and social progress of developing countries.

We hope that the deliberations of the Commission at this session will enhance the response of the international community to these challenges.

Mr. Chair,

At the world Summit for Social Development, held in Copenhagen in 1995, an international consensus to put people at the center of development was established. This vision remains relevant to the present day and is at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its pledge to leave no one behind. Although progress has been achieved in key social development goals, it has stalled in many areas due to multiple and aggravating crises, amongst other factors. The pandemics, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and climate change are negatively impacting progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

The second World Summit on Social Development, to be held in Doha in 2025, is a timely opportunity to advance a global consensus to step up investment in human capabilities and access to fundamental services and opportunities to end poverty everywhere, reduce inequality and leave no one behind. By forging concrete commitments to promote inclusive, just and socially cohesive societies based on equity and equality, supported by solidarity and trust, the summit would lay a solid foundation for accelerating social progress to achieve the objectives of Copenhagen Declaration and the sustainable development Goals.

Strengthening multilateralism is crucial for supporting Member States in their policies for social inclusion. Multilateral cooperation is essential to support global commons and global public goods, such as public health, a socially sustainable global economy, and an equitable and healthy planet. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require a renewed commitment towards solidarity and trust, to manage global challenges in accordance with the principles of equity and social justice.

Lack of access, affordability, and skills are the main determinants of digital poverty. We emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation and increased investment to bridge the digital divides, particularly for people living in poverty and disadvantaged communities. Ensuring affordable and meaningful digital connectivity, along with access to digital skills training, will be crucial for inclusive development. Actions are needed at the national, regional and international levels to bridge digital divides and to fully connect people living in poverty.

The compounding impact of poverty, food insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation call for a sustainable livelihood approach. This can be best realized by reaffirming the commitment to achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions - economic, social and environmental - in a balanced and integrated manner through, inter alia, the creation of employment opportunities for all and strengthened climate adaptation and mitigation.

Finally, unprecedented times call for an unprecedented response from the international community based on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and global solidarity. There is an imperative need for North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation, to support national efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger, and to realize the commitments made in Copenhagen Declaration as well as those contained in the 2030 Agenda. To save the present and succeeding generations from the scourge of poverty and hunger, the international community should build a global architecture based on the developmental needs of peoples - a global system in which no one is left behind.

I Thank you