Chair,
Distinguished delegates,

Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and its Member States as well as with the statement by the UN LGBTI Core Group.

This year´s 63rd session of the CSocD lays the foundation for the Second World Social Summit to ensure that the important progress in social development is further accelerated, challenges are addressed and all Member States work together to combat global crises. We therefore support a new Social Contract that relies on all the cultural and societal diversity existing in the world.

Sustainable development aims to secure a life in dignity for current and future generations at all scales and within the planetary boundaries. Hence, we need to further intensify our efforts for a just transition. With the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs, the world community has agreed on a global blueprint to transform our world in this regard.

Yet we urgently need to accelerate our efforts to implement these shared and universal goals. And we can only achieve sustainable development, if all disadvantaged and vulnerable social groups are included and protected against crisis. Effective social protection systems including effective social protection floors are key to ensure no one is left behind. Women, LGBTIQ+ persons, older people, children and youth as well as persons with disabilities, indigenous people and many more minority groups have unique perspectives and challenges that have to be included to accelerate global progress.

All our efforts towards sustainable development must take this into account, while recognizing that social inclusion, underpinned by universal social protection is a key enabler of progress for all.

Moreover, we strongly urge the inclusion of human rights for people of all genders in the upcoming World Summit for Social Development. Human rights and social rights are inextricably linked. Both are the foundation for strong, resilient communities that can withstand global challenges.

As national governments, we hold a responsibility to advance social cohesion and strengthen social inclusion to accelerate global development outcomes. The shared goals of eradicating poverty, reducing inequality in all their dimensions, and addressing their root causes are the guiding principles for our political decision-making.

The CSocD builds the bridge between the Summit of the Future, the World Social Summit and the Sustainable Development Goals – it is our common challenge to make sure that we are well positioned for our ambitious goals - especially in this year´s shortened session of the Commission.

The Pact for the Future – as our shared roadmap – highlights the importance of intergenerational fairness, solidarity and partnerships. For this, I will now hand over to our German youth delegates Alina and Hannah who will deliver their speech on their own behalf.

Thank you, Chair!

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Honourable Chair,
distinguished Delegates,
dear fellow Youth Delegates,

As we gather here at the Commission for Social Development, we do so under a priority theme that underscores the importance of social cohesion. But what does this truly mean in today’s world?

At a time when we witness a global rise in authoritarianism, the need for inclusive and resilient societies has never been greater. Especially for young people, however, this often means facing an uncertain future, where their voices are overlooked in shaping the solutions to global challenges. If we are to foster genuine social cohesion, we must ask ourselves: How can we ensure that young people feel heard, valued, and recognized as full members of their community?

Too often, blame is misplaced. Even within these halls, we see narratives that divide rather than unite: trans* people are not responsible for rising gas prices, young people are not “lazy” for demanding fair working conditions, and immigrants are not taking away jobs. True social cohesion can only be achieved when we move beyond division and work together, guided by the principles of intersectionality.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda - a milestone that highlights the vital role young people play in building peace and strengthening societies. The implementation of this agenda, along with its five pillars: participation, protection, prevention, partnerships and disengagement and reintegration are not just a matter of peacebuilding - they lay the foundation for social cohesion. It is essential especially for young women and girls in all their diversity, for young boys, LGBTIQ+ persons, for those living with a disability, for older persons, for future generations, for the mother fleeing conflict with her children, and for the single father striving for a secure future for his daughters.

Social cohesion is only possible when all members of society are meaningfully engaged in decision-making - transparently, equitably, and with genuine commitment. In these challenging times, we must bring young changemakers to the forefront of social development, ensuring that their visions, solutions, and initiatives are not just acknowledged but actively integrated into global policymaking.

Not just for young people. But for us all.

Thank you.