India reaffirms commitment to social cohesion at UN CSoCD session
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New York: India participated in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSoCD) held in New York from February 10 to 14, 2025. Led by Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, India underscored its commitment to strengthening social cohesion and solidarity. The session saw participation from 49 countries, including ministers from 16 nations such as France, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden.
India’s progress since Copenhagen summit
Speaking at the Ministerial Forum on February 11, Savitri Thakur highlighted India’s achievements since the 1995 Copenhagen Summit on Social Development. She emphasized India’s advancements in poverty alleviation, malnutrition reduction, universal healthcare, and digital public infrastructure, making the country a model for the Global South.
Women-led development and digital inclusion
India’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” was central to its address. The Minister highlighted initiatives like the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile), which has ensured financial inclusion for disadvantaged communities, particularly women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Large-scale programs aimed at bridging the gender digital divide have empowered millions of women entrepreneurs.
Social protection and women’s empowerment
India’s robust social protection model includes 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, benefits for 37.5 million mothers, One Stop Centres, and a National Women’s Helpline. Early childhood care and nutrition programs benefit over 100 million children, mothers, and adolescent girls. Nearly 100 million women are linked with self-help groups, driving grassroots leadership and economic transformation.
Commitment to universal health and housing
India reaffirmed its commitment to universal health coverage, reproductive health, and essential services like clean cooking fuel, safe drinking water, sanitation, and affordable housing. Over 40 million homes have been built for the poor, with women as sole or joint owners, improving social security for marginalized communities.
India supports resolution on social protection
India backed the resolution on strengthening social cohesion and emphasized its saturation approach to social protection—ensuring essential services reach the most vulnerable populations. The country pledged continued support to the Commission’s efforts in fostering an inclusive and just global society.
