New Delhi: India participated in the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, reaffirming its commitment to advancing social development through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies.
The Indian delegation, led by Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, delivered the national statement during the session. Thakur said India’s approach to social justice and social protection is grounded in constitutional guarantees and aligned with the country’s long-term vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
She highlighted “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” as the guiding principle shaping India’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society framework, aimed at ensuring that development efforts reach every section of society.
Outlining key national initiatives, Thakur pointed to parity in girls’ and boys’ participation in education, supported by improved school infrastructure and residential schooling facilities in remote regions. She also cited the large-scale expansion of basic services such as piped drinking water, clean cooking energy and sanitation, noting their impact on women and vulnerable communities.
India’s progress in financial inclusion was highlighted through the opening of hundreds of millions of bank accounts, with women emerging as major beneficiaries of entrepreneurship and credit-linked schemes. The country has also put in place nationwide protection and support systems for women and children through dedicated helplines and integrated service centres.
The statement further noted the reach of maternal, child health and nutrition programmes, which together cover more than 100 million beneficiaries. Expanded social security measures for the elderly, persons with disabilities, unorganised workers and transgender persons were also highlighted as part of India’s inclusive policy framework.
India emphasised the role of digital public infrastructure and Direct Benefit Transfers in improving transparency, efficiency and accountability in public service delivery. Stressing that global social challenges require shared solutions, the delegation expressed support for stronger multilateral cooperation, capacity building initiatives and South-South collaboration to advance social development outcomes.
The 64th session was presided over by the chair of the Commission, Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations. The session also featured addresses by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed, President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, ECOSOC President and Permanent Representative of Nepal Ambassador Lokbahadur Thapa, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at DESA Bjorg Sandkjaer, and Chair of the NGO Committee on Social Development Gillian D’Souza-Nazareth. More than 100 UN member states participated in the session.
BI Bureau
