Zambia has concluded its participation at the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD64), reaffirming its commitment to inclusive social development and strengthened international cooperation.
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary for Administration, Angela Kawandami said on the sidelines of the session, Zambia held strategic bilateral engagements with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, aimed at strengthening cooperation and sharing best practices.
Dr Najat Maalla M’jid commended Zambia for its systems-based reforms, prevention-focused child protection strategies and efforts to strengthen the social service workforce.
Ms Kawandami added that a bilateral exchange with Jamaica provided valuable lessons on multidimensional poverty measurement, resilient social protection systems and care-economy-based employment models.
She further noted that the Commission adopted 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.
Meanwhile, Ms Kawandami said during the main session, Zambia reiterated its resolve to translate international social development commitments into coordinated national action, guided by the principle of leaving no one behind.
She explained that the forum followed the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration and focused on practical, people-centred implementation strategies.
The Permanent Secretary delivered Zambia’s national statement, reaffirming Government’s commitment to poverty eradication, inclusive economic growth and social justice.
She highlighted progress made in expanding social protection programmes, promoting youth employment, advancing gender equality and strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Ms Kawandami also emphasized the use of digital platforms to improve efficiency, transparency and access to social services.
She stressed that social development cannot be achieved in isolation and underscored the need for strengthened international cooperation and enhanced inter-ministerial coordination to promote inclusive and sustainable progress.
Ms Kawandami said Zambia also participated in high-level panel discussions where she shared the country’s experiences in programme-based budgeting, integrated financing approaches and digital payment systems aimed at improving service delivery.
The session was held from February 2 to 10, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York under the theme, “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies.”
