Subcommittees

NGO CSocD Subcommittees offer valuable opportunities for members to engage in the work of the Committee and amplify their voices on issues related to social development at the UN.

The Advocacy Subcommittee brings together members who are interested in reaching out to Member States to influence ongoing work on resolutions, especially during the Commission for Social Development (CSocD). Concretely, the advocacy subcommittee convenes monthly meetings to prepare draft statements on current events or in relation to the priority theme of the Commission, identifies emerging issues, and prepares talking points and position papers to be shared with the UN system and Member States during Mission Visits. In the last two years, the subcommittee also prepared draft resolutions to influence the outcome of the CSocD.

The NGO Committee for Social Development uses digital communication platforms to amplify our message and advocacy efforts, improve real time information dissemination, and expand our reach. This includes updating our website, developing and sharing promotional materials, and maintaining our social media presence across a variety of platforms. NGO CSocD social media accounts are managed by current subcommittee and committee members, and views published reflect the Committee’s position on topics/issues referenced.

The Education Subcommittee works to equip members with the essential knowledge and resources needed to conduct impactful work. By organizing education sessions led by multi-stakeholder experts on a variety of topics, the subcommittee provides key insights on global social development issues, UN processes and rhetoric, and advocacy strategies. This creates a space for members to reflect on the realities of the poorest and most marginalized communities our NGO Committee represents at the United Nations, and better understand the actions needed to address the root causes of their vulnerabilities worldwide. Education sessions are facilitated either by external guests or by members of the Executive Committee, and cover topics such as: child poverty, right to participation, human rights approach to poverty eradication, financing for development, etc.

The Grassroots Subcommittee aims to elevate the voices of those at the grassroots around the world into UN deliberations on matters important to social development. The subcommittee conducts surveys to gather data from projects and programs in local communities and rural areas in diverse countries. Usually, the surveys focus on themes set for the sessions of the UN Commission for Social Development. The data is shared with member states, the UN Secretariat and other NGOs through published reports and sponsored side events at UN meetings. The subcommittee also plays a vital role in informing those at the grassroots level about key developments and discussions happening at the United Nations, ensuring they have the opportunity to engage with global processes that directly impact their lives.

This sub-committee invites passionate volunteers to support Member State engagement, including coordination with Members of the Bureau and Members of the Commission. Volunteers will help set meetings, facilitate year-round dialogue, and track progress on shared advocacy priorities. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with Member States, ensuring that social development policies are coordinated, inclusive, and people-centred. Volunteers will contribute to organising member state meetings, planning, follow-up, and advocacy priorities dissemination helping to strengthen member state collaboration throughout the year. – Lead structured outreach and relationship‑building with the member states of the Commission.