The annual forum at UN HQ is one of the most significant opportunities for civil society to shape the global development agenda. NGOCSOCD’s role in organising it means we carry a responsibility – not just to our members, but to the communities we represent worldwide.
Our organising role includes:
- Planning, hosting, coordination and execution of the Civil Society Forum at the annual Commission for Social Development.
- Working behind the scenes months in advance, coordinating logistics, themes, speakers, and schedules that align with the UN’s annual priority agenda.
- Facilitating Dialogue
- Setting up panels, roundtables, and interactive sessions where civil society can engage directly with UN officials, member states, and fellow organisations.
- Drafting Civil Society Statements
- Helping consolidate the collective positions of participating organisations into official statements submitted to UN bodies.
- Digital & Communications
- Managing outreach, social media, and documentation so the forum’s outcomes reach beyond the walls of UN HQ.
Civil society is not a guest at the UN — it is a partner in building the world we want.
Every year, through careful planning, inclusive mobilisation, and meaningful dialogue, NGOCSocD helps ensure that civil society’s voice isn’t just present — it’s heard.
Commission for Social Development
Since the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995, the Commission for Social Development has been the key UN body in charge of the follow up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action.
The NGO Committee on Social Development is dedicated to raising awareness and holding discussions on social development issues taken up by the UN System and in particular by the UN Commission for Social Development. The committee holds a Civil Society Forum and other capacity-building and outreach evens on the occasion of the Commission.
Please click on the links below to learn more about each forum!
CSocD64 and Civil Society Forum 2026
Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies
CSocD63 and Civil Society Forum 2025
Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action for the World Summit for Social Development, as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
CSocD62 and Civil Society Forum 2024
Fostering social development and social justice through social policies to accelerate progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication
CSocD61 and Civil Society Forum 2023
Fostering social development and social justice through social policies to accelerate progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of poverty eradication.
CSocD60 and Civil Society Forum 2022
Inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 for sustainable livelihoods, well-being and dignity for all: eradicating poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions to achieve the 2030 Agenda
CSocD59 and Civil Society Forum 2021
Socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all.
CSocD58 and Civil Society Forum 2020
Affordable housing and social protection systems for all to address homelessness.
CSocD57 and Civil Society Forum 2019
Addressing inequalities and challenges to social inclusion through fiscal, wage and social protection policies.
CSocD56 and Civil Society Forum 2018
Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all.
CSocD55 and Civil Society Forum 2017
Strategies for eradicating poverty to achieve sustainable development for all.
CSocD54 and Civil Society Forum 2016
Rethinking and strengthening social development in the contemporary world