UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD)

The UN Commission for Social Development is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD)

About UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD)

  • CSocD, formerly known as the Social Commission, is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
  • It has been in existence since the very inception of the United Nations, advising ECOSOC and governments on a wide range of social policy issues and from the social perspective of development.
  • Purpose:
    • Its primary purpose is to advance social development and formulate policies and recommendations to address global social issues.
    • It focuses on topics such as poverty eradication, social inclusion, and the promotion of equitable and sustainable development.
    • Since the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen , the CSocD has been the key UN body in charge of the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action.
  • Membership:
    • Originally 18, membership has been increased several times, most recently in 1996, and now stands at 46.
    • Members are elected by ECOSOC based on equitable geographical distribution for four-year terms. 
  • Meetings:
    • The CSocD meets every year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in February.
    • During its meetings, member states, international organisations, and civil society representatives come together to discuss and address various social development issues.

Key Facts about Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

  • It is one of the six principal organs of the UN, which was established by the UN Charter (1945).
  • It is responsible for the direction and coordination of the economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities carried out by the UN.
  • Decisions are taken by a simple majority vote. The presidency of ECOSOC changes annually.
  • Members:
    • It has 54 members, which are elected for three-year terms by the General Assembly.
    • Four of the five permanent members of the Security Council have been continuously re-elected.
    • This is because they provide funding for most of ECOSOC’s budget, which is the largest of any UN subsidiary body.
  • Functions:
    • ECOSOC is responsible for coordinating the social and economic fields of the organization, specifically in regards to the 15 specialized agencies, the five regional commissions under its jurisdiction and eight functional commissions.
    • It also serves as a central forum to discuss international social and economic issues and formulate policy recommendations addressed to the member states and the United States system.

Q1) What is the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action?

They were both adopted at the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995, attended by 186 countries joined by 2,300 representatives from 811 non-governmental organizations . The summit aimed to address global social challenges and promote social development as an integral part of overall development efforts.The Copenhagen Declaration is a political document that reflects the commitment of world leaders to address social issues and promote the well-being of people globally. It emphasizes the importance of social development as a key component of sustainable development.

Source: Ruchira Kamboj chairs briefing ahead of 62nd UN Commission for Social Development

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on June, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Prelims Test Series
UPSC Prelims Test Series
₹6000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now