(United Nations, New York) – St. Kitts and Nevis was represented by Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams and Counsellor, Mrs. Sonia Boddie-Thompson at the Sixty-third Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), which was held from 10 to 14 February 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Commission, which meets annually in February is the key United Nations body with the responsibility for the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, which was adopted in Copenhagen, Denmark on 12 March 1995, at the historic World Summit for Social Development. The Declaration aspired to “place people at the centre of development by ensuring full participation by all”, focusing on three key objectives of social development, namely, eradicating poverty, promoting full and productive employment, and fostering social inclusion.
The Priority theme of CSocD63 was “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”.
The emerging issues considered at CSocD63 were social resilience and social development, which are critical aspects of the Government’s robust policies aimed at transforming St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state. They align with Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew’s remarks, in his 2025 Budget Address, wherein he said, “creating jobs is not just about economic growth-it is about strengthening stability, reducing poverty and building resilience against external shocks.”
CSocD63 is significant to States as preparations are currently underway for the convening of the Second World Summit for Social Development, in the State of Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025, after thirty years.
The Social Summit which will bring together Heads of State and Government, aims to address gaps and reaffirm the principles outlined in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action, while also providing momentum for States to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.