The first part of the statement was delivered by Cordula Kleidt, Director for International Affairs at the Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth

Madam Chair,
distinguished delegates,

first of all: thank you for your dedicated work.

Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.

We are living in a time of profound change. Around the world, social cohesion, social security systems and public trust in government and global institutions are under pressure. Poverty, inequality, war, and global crises have a compounding effect – hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

That is precisely why social development is not an abstract goal but a concrete obligation towards every human being.

The Doha Declaration marks a milestone – also for multilateralism to which Germany is firmly committed.

We must now work together to seize this momentum with determination. Let us build on what we achieved at the World Social Summit. We do have the clear mandate to act now and to make a difference – each and every one of us in our own spheres of influence.

Governments are responsible for creating a reliable framework, for strong social security systems and for protecting human rights.

Civil society, social partners, local communities and private investors are equally essential. Effective interaction between all stakeholders is valuable to inspire new ideas and collaboration – for example on the Doha Solutions Platform.

Universal social rights mean that children have prospects for the future, women have equal rights, people with disabilities and older people can live a life in dignity, work provides financial security and societies stand together.

Education plays a key role in promoting social cohesion and keeping our democracies resilient and future-proof.

Distinguished delegates:

How can we achieve this?

By encouraging and empowering young people to get involved, to participate and shape our common future– not tomorrow but today:

In this spirit, I am pleased to hand over to our committed youth delegates Sahra and Dania in just a moment.

But before that, I would like to thank our oldest delegation member: Renate – 88 years old – is here with us to underline the importance of intergenerational solidarity.

So, across generations, let me assure you: Germany is looking forward to fruitful discussions, many synergies and new opportunities to collaborate.

The second part of the statement was delivered by Sahra Rezaie and Dania Schulze, Germany's Youth Delegates.

We speak here as Germany’s UN Youth Delegates —

two voices from a generation already taking responsibility — in our communities, in movements, online and offline. Standing up for inclusion, equality, and social justice.

And yet, not enough young people are in this room. Our lived realities are missing in these debates.

UN resolutions and discussion feel distant, abstract, and disconnected from the realities they are meant to address, even though their topics revolve around our daily lives: Can I afford my rent? Can I access education, healthcare, and digital spaces equally? Will tomorrow be better than today?

These questions do not exist in isolation. They are shaped by what we see on our timelines every day: Kurdish children being denied social inclusion, Afghan girls being systematically excluded from education, or homelessness rising in wealthy countries like Germany.

This fuels disbelief. Disbelief that institutions will protect us. And that commitments apply equally.

We need concrete policies, national commitment, and measurable action. Credibility begins with policies outside of this conference room, turning global commitments into improved lived reality. And that work must be guided by:

Accountability, Equity and Participation meaning measurable indicators, sustainable financing and accessible decision-making processes.

Social justice is not achieved through declarations alone. So if each of you leaves this Commission with one concrete idea, one new partnership, one renewed commitment to implementation, then you are not only doing what young people around the world do every day.

You are restoring trust. You are confronting disbelief. And you are bringing this institution closer to keeping its promise.

Because social justice is not a future goal. It is a present responsibility.

Thank you.