Zambia Champions Inclusive Social Justice and Global Cooperation at UN CSocD64
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive social development and strengthened international cooperation following its participation in the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD64), held from 2 to 10 February 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The session was convened under the theme “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies” and brought together Member States to advance global dialogue in the aftermath of the Doha Political Declaration, with a strong focus on people-centred implementation.
Zambia’s delegation underscored the Government’s resolve to translate international social development commitments into coordinated national action, guided by the principle of leaving no one behind.
Delivering Zambia’s national statement, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Ms Angela Kawandami, reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to poverty eradication, inclusive economic growth and social justice.
She highlighted progress in expanding social protection programmes, promoting youth employment, advancing gender equality, strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance service delivery, efficiency and transparency.
Ms Kawandami emphasised that social development cannot be achieved in isolation, stressing the importance of strengthened international cooperation and enhanced interministerial coordination to drive inclusive and sustainable progress.
Zambia also participated actively in high-level panel discussions, during which Ms Kawandami shared the country’s experiences in programme-based budgeting, integrated financing approaches and the use of digital payment systems to improve the reach and effectiveness of social programmes.
On the margins of the session, Zambia held strategic bilateral engagements, including discussions with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. The Special Representative commended Zambia for its systems-based reforms, prevention-focused child protection strategies and efforts to strengthen the social service workforce.
A bilateral exchange with Jamaica provided valuable insights into multidimensional poverty measurement, resilient social protection systems and care-economy-based employment models.
The Commission adopted several key resolutions by consensus, including a landmark resolution on promoting care and support systems for social development, reinforcing global commitments to dignity, gender equality and inclusive social policies.
The United Nations Commission for Social Development plays a central role in advising on social development policies, monitoring the implementation of major UN commitments and promoting inclusive development worldwide.
