India on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and rights-based social development at the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Leading the Indian delegation, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, delivered the national statement on advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies, aligning India’s approach with its long-term vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
Thakur said India’s social justice and protection frameworks are rooted in constitutional guarantees and guided by the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, reflecting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to ensure no one is left behind. She outlined key initiatives, including parity in girls’ and boys’ participation in education, expansion of basic services such as drinking water, sanitation and clean cooking energy, large-scale financial inclusion with women as major beneficiaries.
Further, Thakur highlighted nationwide support systems for women and children, comprehensive maternal and child health programmes, and expanded social security for the elderly, persons with disabilities, unorganised workers, and transgender individuals.
The Indian delegation also underscored the role of digital public infrastructure and Direct Benefit Transfers in improving transparency and efficiency.
Calling for collective responses to global challenges, the delegation expressed support for stronger multilateral cooperation, capacity building and South-South collaboration to advance social development.
The session, presided over by Ambassador Khrystyna Hayovyshyn of Ukraine, saw addresses by senior UN officials, including Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, and witnessed participation from over 100 UN member states.
