The Commission for Social Development is the key UN body in charge of the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. The 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) will take place from 10 to 14 February 2025, in Conference Room 4 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York addressing this year’s Priority Theme: 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 of the World Summit for Social Development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
About The Civil Society Forum
During the UN Commission for Social Development, NGO CSocD is dedicated to raising awareness on the Priority Theme and bringing the voices, experiences, and recommendations from the grassroots. The NGO Committee on Social Development holds a Civil Society Forum and other capacity-building and networking events for each Commission annually.
Civil Society Forum 2025 Engagement
Key Resources & Takeaways
Civil Society Forum 2025 Key Takeaways
Civil Society Orientation 2025 Breakout Groups Key Takeaways
Grassroots Voices at the 2025 Civil Society Forum
Civil Society Forum Program
Opening Panel
The purpose of the Opening Panel is to welcome participants, provide introductions and set the overall context for the Civil Society Forum. The NGO CSocD also looks forward to presenting the Civil Society Declaration and hearing from key UN and civi society leaders who will be involved in this event.
Thematic Session 1
GRASSROOTS PERSPECTIVES AND INTERGENERATIONAL COLLABORATION IN STRENGTHENING SOLIDARITY, SOCIAL INCLUSION AND SOCIAL COHESION.
Thematic Session 1 aims to uplift voices from the grassroots level and promote collaboration across generations to address social development challenges. The session will feature speakers representing diverse perspectives, including grassroots organizations, youth representatives, and experts on intergenerational collaboration. The session will emphasize ensuring regional balance and including voices from underrepresented groups. This thematic session aligns with the broader goals of the Civil Society Forum and the Commission for Social Development, which aim to promote inclusive approaches to social development and prepare for the upcoming World Social Summit in 2025.
Thematic Session 2
tOWARDS THE SECOND WORLD SOCIAL SUMMIT: sAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE.
Thematic session 2 will focus on looking ahead to the upcoming World Social Summit and how civil society can effectively engage and contribute. Thematic session 2 aims to explore strategies for civil society to ensure their priorities and proposals are reflected in the summit agenda and outcomes. The session will also address the broader imperative of “safeguarding the future” – examining how civil society can play a role in addressing global challenges like conflicts, environmental crises, and human rights issues that impact sustainable development. The goal of this session is to give participants a clear sense of purpose and an action plan for civil society’s role in the World Social Summit process.
Closing Session
The closing session is intended to tie together the discussions from the earlier thematic sessions and provide a forward-looking, solutions-oriented perspective. This time can be used for final comments, announcements, and informal discussions.
