PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 11th February 2026 – Zambia has concluded its active participation in the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD64), held from 2nd to 10th February 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The session convened under the theme “Advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies.”
Zambia’s engagement at CSocD64 reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to translating international social development commitments into coordinated national action, with a focus on leaving no one behind. The session provided a critical platform for global dialogue following the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, focusing on concrete, people-centred implementation.
During the session, Ms. Angela Kawandami, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, delivered Zambia’s national statement where she reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to poverty eradication, inclusive growth, and social justice.
Ms. Kawandami highlighted Zambia’s progress in expanding social protection programmes, promoting youth employment, advancing gender equality, strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and leveraging digital platforms to improve service efficiency, transparency, and access.
And Ms Kawandami reaffirmed that social development cannot be achieved in isolation. She underscored strengthened international cooperation among nations and enhanced interministerial coordination strategies for inclusive and sustainable progress.
Zambia also actively participated in high-level panel discussions, where Ms. Kawandami shared the country’s experiences in programme based budgeting, integrated financing approaches, and digital payment systems.
On the margins of the session, Zambia held strategic bilateral engagements. These included a meeting with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, who commended Zambia for its systems-based reforms, prevention-focused child protection approach, and efforts to strengthen the social service workforce. A bilateral exchange with Jamaica yielded valuable lessons on multi-dimensional poverty measurement, resilient social protection systems, and care-economy based employment models.
The Commission adopted key resolutions by consensus, including a landmark resolution on promoting care and support systems for social development, reinforcing the global commitment to dignity, gender equality, and inclusive social policies.
The Commission advises on social development policies, monitors the implementation of key UN commitments, and promotes inclusive development.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
