Tercera Comisión, 7ª sesión plenaria, Asamblea General, 81° período de sesiones
Asamblea General
Date: 6 October 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/es/ga/c3/81/7/2?lang=en
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

---

3rd Committee · Chair [14:47]:

Colleagues, we'll resume in just a moment, but just to give you a quick heads up. Colleagues, thank you very much for being here on time. Enormously appreciated, and congratulations on concluding the general debate so efficiently. The seventh meeting of the Third Committee of the General Assembly at its 81st session is called to order, and I now invite the committee I now invite the committee to begin its consideration of agenda item 24, entitled social development, and its sub-items A to C. The documentation under agenda item 24 and its sub-items is listed on iGov. The committee will now begin its general discussion on that item. Let me remind, if you will, delegations to adhere strictly to the time limits. Four minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group of States, and three minutes for interventions by individual delegations. As all of you know very well, the microphones will blink 30 seconds before the expiration of the time limit, and the microphones will be automatically switched off when the time is up. I also wish to remind delegations that the list of speakers for this item will close at the end of the meeting or when the list is exhausted, whichever is sooner. I would encourage delegations to monitor the live list to ensure that they are ready to speak at their allotted time slot. Should a general discussion conclude after exhausting the list of speakers who are ready in the room, the discussion will be closed and there will be no opportunity to deliver the general statement under the item for that session. I apologise in advance if that impacts adversely any colleagues, but if you would be good enough to take that into account in advance of engaging in this session. So we now move to our list of speakers. All of you will have access to that list. And in the first instance, I give the floor to the distinguished representative, in fact, the distinguished permanent representative of Vietnam, speaking on behalf of ASEAN, the PR of Vietnam. You have the floor.


Viet Nam · ASEAN · Permanent Representative [17:59]:

Mr. Chair, good morning. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN. And let us, first of all, congratulate you on your election as chair of the Third Committee. It is indeed a personal pleasure to see you at the helm of our work. In view of the time limit, I will deliver an abridged version of our statement, and the full version will be circulated in the UN journal. Mr. Chair, more than three decades after Copenhagen, its central message remains as relevant as ever. Social development must place people at the center of development. The Doha Political Declaration renewed this commitment amid profound changes in how people work, live, and care for one another, and shocks that can quickly reverse hard-won gains. Poverty eradication, employment and social inclusion must therefore be pursued as mutually interrelated and reinforcing pillars. This is also the direction of ASEAN 45, our shared future, now in its first year of implementation. ASEAN has made tangible progress with the share of our population living below national poverty lines declining from 13.3% in 2016 to 10.8% in 2023. We must ensure that progress is resilient and benefits all. ASEAN is moving towards more integrated, life-cycle-based social protection that supports people at different stages of life, responds to changing forms of work, and prevents shocks from becoming crises. More than 7 million migrant workers have benefited from ASEAN-led social security and labour frameworks. Our leaders have also called for more inclusive, adaptive and responsive systems, particularly for those in vulnerable situations. As technology transforms our societies, ASEAN is advancing inclusive and trusted digital transformation through the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030 and the ASEAN Communication Masterplan 2026-2035, while addressing digital disparities and misinformation. Population ageing, likewise, requires forward-looking approach. ASEAN has advanced an ASEAN Family Development Network and convened a high-level forum on unlocking the silver economy, while continuing to address the disproportionate burden of unpaid care borne by women. Inclusion also means enabling people to shape decisions that affect them. ASEAN is strengthening the participation of youth and persons with disabilities, including through regional work on climate resilience and the next Enabling Master Plan. Mr. Chair, taken together, these efforts reflect a shift towards systems that are better connected, more adaptive and more accountable. ASEAN is strengthening its results framework and monitoring mechanisms to translate long-term aspirations into measurable improvements in people's lives. We will continue working closely with United Nations through the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action 2026 to 2030. As we carry forward the Copenhagen commitments renewed in Doha, our focus must be on durable progress that can withstand future shocks and reach those who remain furthest behind. I thank you, Mr. Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [21:38]:

I thank the Permanent Representative of ASEAN. I now pass the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation, to be followed by the representative of Thailand. Russian Federation, you have the floor.


Russian Federation [21:52]:

Mr. Chairman, the comprehensive implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit for Social Development and the 24th Special Session of the General Assembly as well as the second World Summit in Doha continue to be relevant. This also contributes to implementing many aspects of the 2030 agenda. However, we must remember that social development is not equal to sustainable development, and it should not be reduced exclusively to issues of human rights. Its goal is not to study the linkages between the social and economic dimensions, but rather to stimulate progress on certain specialized topics. strengthening national social protection systems, supporting families, youth, children, persons with disabilities. The key forum for discussing these issues remains the Commission for Social Development of the United Nations. As before, we oppose attempts to reformat that platform. Mr. Chairman, the Russian Federation attaches particular importance to persons with disabilities. For 10 years, we have successfully been implementing a program for creating an accessible environment. We have been exchanging cutting-edge practices and We will do so once again in Moscow this year. We also attach equal importance to supporting aging persons. In Russia, we are implementing the second stage of our older generation program, which is aimed at ensuring that older persons can flourish, participate in public life, and ensure their financial well-being as well. There are also regional programs under the general title of active long years of life. We look to the World Programme of Ageing on Youth when it comes to our youth policies. Currently, Russia is implementing a national youth and children programme, and a youth festival recently heard in Yekaterinburg brought together some 10,000 young people from 191 countries. Russia attaches great importance to the institution of the family. In 2021, we established a strategy for family and demographic policy, as well as promoting large families, preserving traditional values, and increasing the role of the family in social life, as well as improving living conditions for families. Chair, in conclusion, we would like to oppose the unilateral coercive measures in the area of developing international scientific and educational cooperation that have been introduced by some countries, as well as campaigns to limit access to Russian language and culture. We believe that such actions have a negative impact and the implementation of SDG 4. Thank you very much for your attention.


3rd Committee · Chair [24:33]:

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. I now pass the floor to the representative of Thailand, followed by Brunei Darussalam. Representative of Thailand, you have the floor.


Thailand · Youth Delegate [24:45]:

Chair, distinguished delegates, fellow youth delegates, it is an honor for us to address the Third Committee as the UNGA youth delegates and represent the voice of Thai youths at the United Nations. We have joined the discussion as the United Nations is selecting its next Secretary General and reforming its work. One year after the World Social Summit in Doha, 1.2 billion youths are asking a simple yet fundamental question, how will these changes affect their lives? Allow me to share from my recent experiences. While countries spend years debating on how to address the issue of climate change and disaster, just two years alone, I have seen how effects of floods, earthquakes, and drought undo years of social development. Just last week, a sudden flood in Bangkok disrupted people's livelihood, including that of young people. Many effects are more than physical. It's long-lasting psychological effects and lost future opportunities. While there are efforts made to help us cope with impacts, they are never in time and not enough. We are always there and we are ready to work with everyone to be a part of the solution. My colleague will now continue with our statement.

While governmental policies focus on projects and their outputs, it is the people, the youth, who keep the effort going on the ground. For example, as the Ministry of Education in Thailand adopted tsunami evacuation guidelines for schools in the south, it is teachers and student leaders who developed their school's evacuation guidelines together. Young people carry this plan home to their family. Thailand has built strong foundations for youth engagement, such as the children and youth councils with representatives elected by youth across the country and resources to support their engagement from national to local level. We ask, therefore, for three things. First, resources and training to help youth engagement grow and last. Second, the answer. When young people share their ideas, they want to hear how it can be used or improved upon. Third, seats where decisions are made. Or as they said, nothing about us without us. To the government, the United Nations, and partners, let us design and let us move from listening to deciding with youth. And to young people worldwide, let us show what we can do. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [27:34]:

I thank the representatives of Thailand. I pass the floor to representative of Brunei Darussalam, followed by Ghana. Brunei Darussalam, you have the floor.


Brunei Darussalam [27:47]:

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Brunei Darussalam is pleased to align itself with the joint statement delivered by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN. Mr. Chair, Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, the theme this year, Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation, United Nations that Delivers for All, reminds us that building trust within transformation requires everyone's collective and meaningful participation. As we advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we must ensure that families, youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities are empowered to shape and benefit from society together. Their inclusion is imperative to build resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Brunei Darussalam reaffirms our steadfast commitment towards inclusive social development, guided by Brunei Vision 2025 and Brunei Darussalam Social Blueprint, and strengthening our human capital, social protection, future talents, community participation, and effective policy governance, built through a whole-of-nation approach. Mr. Chair, please allow me to share some of Brunei Darussalam's recent developments. First, Brunei Darussalam has adopted the Plan of Action on the Family Institution 2025-2029 to invest in our families. The plan, guided by our core family values of love, responsibility, respect, and care, aims to strengthen family wellbeing and resilience across generations, enhance support for vulnerable families, and promote evidence-based policy-making. Second, Brunei Darussalam has finalised our Plan of Action on Successful Ageing 2025-2030.

This plan will promote.

Healthy, active and dignified ageing through strengthened governance, comprehensive services, community participation, technological innovation and enhanced monitoring. Third, Brunei Darussalam remains committed to our obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ASEAN Enabling Masterplan, guided by the principle of "Nothing about us without us".

Our National Plan of Action on Persons with.

Disabilities 2026-2030 is currently under review and takes into consideration the resolutions and recommendations from the National Conference on Persons with Disabilities held in June 2025. The plan aims to strengthen early intervention, inclusive education and employment, lifelong support, accessibility, and cross-sector collaboration. Bruar Darasalam also continues to strengthen inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities through the different ability design guidelines for accessible infrastructure and a guideline on inclusive employment of persons with disabilities in the public service to promote inclusive recruitment, reasonable accommodation and equitable workplace practices. Last month, Brunei Darussalam also took another significant step towards a more inclusive society with the establishment of the Centre for Inclusive Learning and the National Intervention Centre for Early Child Education, strengthening early intervention, inclusive education and specialised support so that every child, regardless of ability, is empowered to learn, participate and realise their full potential. Mr. Chair, looking ahead, Brunei Darussalam stands ready to work closely with Member States in the spirit of multilateralism and international cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and deliver meaningful outcomes for all. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [30:42]:

I thank the representative of Brunei Darussalam, and I pass the floor to the representative of Ghana, followed by Romania. Ghana, you have the floor.


Ghana [30:56]:

The microphone. Ghana welcomes the Secretary General's report and recommendations on this agenda item. Our shared commitment is clear, eradicate poverty, promote sustained, productive employment, and build inclusive societies. Our task is to turn these commitments to better lives and great opportunities. Ghana, therefore, highlights four priorities. First, Social protection must reach people to every stage of life and respond swiftly to crisis. Ghana is working to implement the Social Protection Act 2025 alongside its National Shock Responsive Social Protection Strategy, supported by integrated services and improved household data. Second, social protection must open pathways to decent work. Ghana National Apprenticeship and Ajumara programs support vocational training and youth entrepreneurship. While 1 million coders build digital skills, these investments must connect young people to jobs, finance, and market. Third, literacy and lifelong learning must equip people to seize these opportunities. Ghana's complementary education agency combines literacy and occupational skills. Sustained investment in educators, adult learning, and accessible digital education is essential. Fourth, older persons and persons with disability must have an equal voice and opportunity in development. Ghana is reviewing its national aging policy and has increased disability allocation within the district assemblies common fund from three to 5%. These measures must deliver income security, healthcare, care services, and accessibility to those concerned helping to ship decisions. Mr. Chair, delivering these priorities requires financing and partnership that strengthen national ownership. The Acra Bricet Initiative, now Global Dialogue, championed by the President of Ghana, calls for stronger institutions, sustainable finance, and an equitable development, cooperation with health at its heart. Ghana urges predictable development assistance, affordable long-term finance, and effective action on debt vulnerabilities matched by domestic resource mobilization and accountable spending. Ghana stands ready to work with all member states to deliver these results in a very intentional fashion that will align to the benefits of the people we serve. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [33:45]:

I thank the representative of Ghana. I now pass the floor to the permanent representative of Namibia on behalf of the African group. You have the floor.


Namibia · Africa Group · Permanent Representative [33:55]:

Thank you, Chair. The African group congratulates you and your successful election in that of your bureau. We are confident that your able leadership will lead us to fruitful proceedings. You can count on the African Group's full support and cooperation, proudly represented by our sister Flavia from Rwanda. Mr. Chair, the African Group aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The African Group thanks the Secretary-General for his report submitted under this agenda item and takes note of the recommendations contained therein. Mr. Chair, three decades after the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, the world is still facing inequality within and among nations, which continues to erode the gains made in eradicating poverty, in access to basic social services such as education, health, and social protection. Global systems of trade, finance, and technology remain unequal. and exclusionary, undermining the very foundations of social development. In Africa, poverty, unemployment and social exclusion have become a daily reality, and the most affected are women and youth. Mr. Chair, the African Group believes that it is imperative to find ways to advance the pledges made in Copenhagen in 1995 and to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda including three agreements reached during the Summit of the Future. It is therefore imperative to focus on how to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and inclusiveness of social societies and creation of decent work, especially for the youth, including by drawing references from the fields of social protection, health systems and education. Mr. Chair. It is vital to ensure that the integration of information and digital technologies into social policies is guided by social inclusion, as well as broader development objectives and perspectives right into development. Moreover, access to affordable connectivity, devices and digital skills must become universal. The Group welcomes the recent adoption of the Doha Political Declaration on Social Development, which reaffirms the validity and relevance of the three core commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration to eradicate poverty, promote full and productive employment and decent work for all, and foster social integration. This declaration is a renewed global pledge to translate principles into action and build cohesive and resilient societies for next generations. Mr. Chair, in the last decades, Africa has made significant strides in certain areas of social and economic development, including through establishment of a social policy framework, which operationalization implies consistent and predictable financial support. However, soaring rate of external debt severely constrains our capacity to invest in social development and achieve the sustainable development goals. Therefore, it is an urgent need to broaden and strengthen partnerships to ensure supportive international frameworks for trade, market access, taxation, technology transfer, and climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to sustain long-term human development and for sufficient, predictable, and well-coordinated finance, seen for development in line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, including nation budgets. ODA, in the same vein, the group.


3rd Committee · Chair [38:04]:

I thank the permanent representative of Namibia, and I pass the floor to the representative of Romania, to be followed by Cuba. Romania, you have the floor.


Romania · Youth Delegate [38:19]:

Honorable chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is an honor to address this committee as the youth delegate of Romania to the United Nations, especially as we mark the 20th anniversary of Romania's youth delegate program. Our country believes that inclusive and sustainable social development must place people at the center of public policies and ensure that no one is left behind. Young people must not be seen merely as beneficiaries of public policies, but as active partners in shaping and implementing them. And this partnership must begin with education. Quality education doesn't stop at the school gate. It also starts with learning how to be an active citizen. Just one week ago, in Romania, thousands of students peacefully protested a proposed return to mandatory school uniforms by simply wearing black to school. The representative body argued that students had not been sufficiently consulted regarding the proposal. And this example reveals what happens when the perception of young people is that their voices and their participation matter. And it is important that these voices are listened to. So today, we call for the transition from tokenistic participation to making youth participation a legal part of decision making, to invest in civic education, protect young people's rights to participation, and create meaningful spaces where their voices can shape the decisions that affect their future. And now I will give the floor to my fellow delegate, thank you.

Honorable Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, we are no longer only the children who grew up with social media. We are also the first generation to grow up using artificial intelligence. AI is rapidly shaping how we consume information, connect, and understand reality. It is entirely rewriting the job market before we even enter it. Right now, millions of young people are sitting in classrooms, studying for professions that algorithms are already learning to do. This situation creates an unprecedented wave of anxiety. We are told we must adapt, but adaptation requires frameworks and a solid plan. If social development is to be truly inclusive, our education systems must urgently integrate comprehensive AI literacy. Early career experience has become a luxury. However, young people are not passively accepting this reality, as the European Youth Forum's relentless campaign to legally ban unpaid internships across the EU shows. Their advocacy is a prime example of meaningful youth participation. They didn't just highlight the grievance, they drafted legal arguments and forced binding institutional change onto the table. We urge member states to include young people, not just in the digital transition, but in its governance, and to treat early employment as a matter of human dignity by abolishing exploitative labor practices worldwide. We are ready to lead, but we need a forward-looking education and a job market that values our potential enough to invest in it. Because a future shaped by technology must still be driven by humanity, and that humanity must truly include the voices of youth.


3rd Committee · Chair [41:21]:

I thank the representatives of Romania and I pass the floor to the representative of Cuba, followed by Tunisia. Cuba, you have the floor.


Cuba [41:37]:

Chairperson.

We align with the statement delivered by Uruguay at the general debate on behalf of the G77 and China and by China on behalf of a group of countries. Allow me to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau for your election. And I may also to assure you of our support as you fulfill your tasks. The international community has before it the enormous challenge of stopping the growing inequality and working towards a democratic and equitable order that is free of unilateralism and doctrines of subjugation that actually contributes to the inclusive social development of nations. It is absolutely crucial that we redouble our efforts for international cooperation and solidarity in order to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and build more just and inclusive societies. The full implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration Programme of Action on Social Development and the follow-up of the Second World Summit on Social Development of Doha should feature at the core of international efforts in the area of social development. This is the only way to once again place people, social justice and the eradication of poverty at the core of the international agenda. Chairperson, the promotion and protection of human rights and care for persons with disabilities, the elderly, young people and their families have been unwavering priorities for the Cuban state. Our 2019 constitution, the new family code and the new code on children, adolescents and youth strengthen the legal guarantees for these groups. However, Chair, the escalation of the aggression of the United States against Cuba, including the reinforcement to unprecedented levels of the blockade, the restrictions on fuel, the result of the energy stranglehold, and the maintenance of Cuba on the unilateral list of supposed state sponsors of terrorism is having devastating consequences for our people. in all areas of social development. These criminal measures directly impact access to fuel, electricity, food, medicines, health services, and other essential goods, and they have a particularly grave impact on elderly persons, persons with disabilities, women, children, and Cuban families. These represent a violation of the right of our nation to development and a deliberate obstacle to the implementation of Agenda 2030. Speaking of resilience becomes very complex in these circumstances. Our social indicators have fallen to unthinkable levels, despite the huge efforts of our people. And even though there are those who would try to deny that there is a blockade, its impacts speak for themselves. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [44:36]:

I thank the representative of Cuba and pass the floor to Tunisia, followed by the permanent representative of Vietnam. Tunisia, you have the floor. Microphone to Tunisia, please. Sorry. Thank you. Yes, you're red now.


Tunisia [45:00]:

Mr. Chair, 30 years after the Copenhagen Summit, the promises of social development remain far and removed from the reality of millions of people's poverty, inequality, unemployment, and the lack of basic services are not mere indicators in reports. They are a daily reality that affects human dignity and shapes people's future. Tunisia affirms that social justice begins with recognizing the right to development as a right of all peoples and all states without discrimination or conditions within a more just and equitable international order. Mr. Chair, Today we speak of the digital revolution and artificial intelligence, and of schools where books and notebooks are being replaced by tablets. Yet, in parts of the Global South, the question is simpler and harsher: is there a school at all? And is there a road that a child can take to reach it? This is not only a digital divide. It is a gap in the right to education itself. Technological progress must not become a new privilege added to existing ones. If technology is to shape the economy, education, and work in the future, then technology transfer, capacity building, and access to technology must all be part of our collective responsibility, Mr. Chair. It is difficult to speak of genuine social development under an international economic system that forces many countries into a hard choice between servicing their debt and investing in their people. We speak of young people, while many of them are losing faith in the future. We speak of women's empowerment, while millions of women still work and care for their families without pay or adequate protection. We speak of an interconnected world, while the place where a person is born still largely determines the opportunities available to them in life. The Doha Political Declaration is an important milestone for renewing our collective commitment to social development. It is also an opportunity to strengthen joint action so that commitments translate into tangible impact on people's lives. We must not become so absorbed in building an advanced future that we forget those who still lack the most basic conditions of the present and decent living. The right to social development is not a promise for the future. It is a right that must be realized today, I think.


3rd Committee · Chair [47:41]:

Thank you, Tunisia. I pass the floor to the Permanent Representative of Vietnam, followed by Kuwait. Vietnam, you have the floor.


Viet Nam · Permanent Representative [47:50]:

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor again, speaking this time in my national capacity. Mr. Chair, the effectiveness of social policy ultimately depends on the capacity to deliver, to mobilize resources, to adapt public services to changing circumstances, and most importantly, to reach those most in need. For Vietnam, placing people at the center of development has gone hand in hand with strengthening public institutions and social systems. This approach has helped reduce multidimensional poverty in Vietnam to about 1.3% in 2025. Recent policies have also further expanded social investment, including tuition free public education from preschool through to the 12th grade. to expand health insurance coverage of over 95% of the population, as well as the national rollout of free annual health checkups. Digital transformation is further extending the reach of social services, helping narrow geographic and social gaps in access. To advance the implementation of commitments we made in Doha, we believe there are three priorities that deserve attention. First, developing countries need adequate fiscal space as well as predictable and accessible financing to sustain long-term social investment and strengthen resilience. Second, international cooperation should help build lasting institutional and human capabilities through technology transfer, public digital infrastructure, strong data systems, and skills development, including through South-South and triangular cooperation. And third, national ownership remains central. Support from the United Nations and development partners should respond to national priorities, promote greater coherence across sectors and institutions with the aim to strengthen national capacity. Vietnam stands ready, Mr. Chair, to work with all partners to turn the commitments of Copenhagen and Doha into lasting progress for all. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [50:04]:

I thank the permanent representative of Vietnam. I pass the floor to Kuwait, followed by Indonesia. Representative Kuwait, you have the floor.


Kuwait [50:15]:

Mr. Chair, at the outset, my country expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for the report submitted under the item on social development. We welcome the recommendations on advancing inclusive social development, protecting the rights of older persons, achieving inclusive development for persons with disability, and affirm the people at the heart of the development policies here we welcome that we are moving from commitments to implementation following the adoption of the doha political declaration of the social second world summit for social development we stress the importance of continued International effort to eradicate poverty promote decent work and Foster social integration through integrated National policies and effective International cooperation at the national level in May 2026 the state of Kuwait launched the government family protection program 2026 It comprises 86 initiatives implemented jointly by 13 government bodies, strengthening the links between prevention, protection and social support for families. The State of Kuwait attaches particular importance to the rights of older persons and to promoting their autonomy and active participation in society. To that end, the State of Kuwait is preparing a national strategy for older persons in cooperation with ESCWA. It also has established the national team for older persons to unify and coordinate national effort and to develop an integrated institutional approach to aging issues. The State of Kuwait also continues its effort to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to achieve inclusive development for persons with disabilities. In this regard, we adopted a code for accessibility based on universal design. This will improve safe and independent access for persons with disabilities. In closing, we stress the importance of building on the outcome of the Doha political declaration through integrated social policies that place people and their dignity at the heart of development. Such policies should strengthen social protection, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and help build more inclusive and resilience so that everyone benefits from the fruits of development, I think.


3rd Committee · Chair [52:25]:

Thank you, Kuwait. I now pass the floor to Indonesia, followed by Oman. Representative of Indonesia, you have the floor.


Indonesia [52:34]:

Thank you, Chair. Indonesia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN. Last year in Doha, we renewed our collective commitment to a more just, inclusive and people-centered future. Our task is now to turn the Doha Political Declaration into results that people can see and feel. In this regard, allow me to highlight three points. First, social development must begin with people and the family as a foundation of society. The Secretary General's report reminds us that demographic change, migration, urbanization, technological transformation, and climate change are reshaping the conditions in which people live, work, and care for another. Our policies must therefore strengthen households, intergenerational support, and community resilience, while ensuring the essential services reach people throughout the course of life, from childhood to older age. In Indonesia, this means investing in nutrition, education, health, and social protection to universal health coverage. Second, social development is not an expense, but an investment. As the Secretary General's report notes, social spending strengthens resilience, productivity, and social cohesion. As Indonesia advances toward Vision 2045, one principle remains clear: progress ultimately be measured by the well-being, dignity, and resilience of our people. Social development is not charity. It is an investment in a more equal and inclusive society. Last, we must keep development at the heart of the global agenda. Amid conflict, geopolitical tensions, and constrained financing, social development must not be pushed to the margins. With less than four years to 2030, we must turn commitments into concrete action, stronger partnerships, and tangible improvement in people's life. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [54:27]:

Thank you, Indonesia. I now pass the floor to Oman, followed by India. Oman, you have the floor. Microphone for Oman. Yes.


Oman [54:47]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. The Sultanate of Oman affirms that social development is the cornerstone of sustainable development. Investing in people and improving their quality of life. lay the foundation for building cohesive societies that are able to meet challenges. In this context, the Sultanate of Oman attaches ongoing importance to strengthening social protection and empowering all groups in society through its integrated social protection system. The system covers child benefits and benefits for older persons, persons with disability, orphans and widows, as well as family income support, alongside social insurance and job security programs. The Sultanate of Oman also continues to support women, young people, children, and persons with disabilities through programs for empowerment, rehabilitation, and greater participation in society, and by providing opportunities for education, employment, and care. These efforts promote equal opportunity and uphold human dignity. Data from the Social Protection Fund show that more than 97% of children and more than 95% of older persons receive the relevant benefits. Mr. Chair, in line with the In line with the Secretary-General's report, which stresses the importance of continued international effort to advance social development and place people at its heart, the Sultanate of Oman affirms its commitment to continue translating these principles into concrete national policies and programs. These are designed to strengthen social protection, reduce poverty and inequality, and promote equal opportunity and the active participation of all. The Sultanate of Oman also affirmed its commitment to fulfill the pledges reaffirmed in the Doha Political Declaration of the Second World Summit for Social Development. These include, in particular, eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, social protection and social integration, and building more inclusive and just societies, thereby contributing to social development for all. The Sultanate of Oman believes that social development is a shared responsibility. It requires stronger international cooperation, the exchange of expertise, and support for developing countries in building their capacity, taking into account their national priorities and their economic and social circumstances. We renew our commitment to continue working towards a more inclusive and just society that ensures protection, empowerment, and opportunity for all its members, and that contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a better future for generations to come. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [57:29]:

Thank you, Oman. I pass the floor to India, to be followed by Ethiopia. India, you have the floor.


India [57:37]:

Chair, I take this opportunity to assure the Chair and the Bureau of India's full support and constructive engagement during the 81st session of the Third Committee. My delegation appreciates the opportunity to present the progress achieved by my country in the field of social development. Chair, India's social development journey is a story of transformation at scale, guided by the vision of Viksit Bharat, develop India at 2047, and the spirit of Antoday, reaching the last person first. In the last decade, sustained reforms, convergence of welfare schemes, and digital innovation have lifted approximately 250 million Indians out of multidimensional poverty. Financial inclusion has been a cornerstone of this progress, Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, nearly 590 million bank accounts have been opened, over 320 million of which are held by women, bringing previously unbanked citizens into the formal economy. Food and health security have expanded significantly, free basic ration reaching over 800 million people. India's healthcare landscape is also undergoing a digital transformation with digital health solutions being leveraged to enhance accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. Besides strengthening primary health infrastructure, the Ayushman scheme provides government-backed health coverage of up to 5 lakh Indian rupees annually to 600 million citizens. India is also implementing the world's largest affordable housing program for the poor, with over 37 million houses having been built for low-income families under this program. In addition, India's model of SDG localization has successfully integrated the 2030 agenda from national to local governance, all the way to individual households. India's unemployment rate declined from 6% to 3.2% between 2017-18 and 2023-24, alongside a near doubling of women's workforce participation. Initiatives such as E-SHRAM portal for unorganized workers, the introduction of four labor codes, consolidating workers protection and self-help group mobilizing millions of women have strengthened both formal and informal livelihood. Social inclusion efforts have also been strengthened, extending support to vulnerable communities. The Accessible India Campaign and UDID cards have improved access and services for persons with disabilities. Women and children have received special attention in India's efforts for social development, leading to a sharp decline in maternal and child mortality rates. India's trajectory on social development is guided by the motto "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," placing people at the center of development, ensuring that growth translates into dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for every citizen. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:00:36]:

Thank you, India. I pass the floor to Brazil, to be followed by South Africa. Representative of Brazil, you have the floor.


Brazil [1:00:43]:

Thank you.

Mr. Chair, social development has long been a priority of Brazil's foreign policy. As a developing country, we are convinced that discussions on human rights and on peace and security cannot advance if people lack access to adequate food, quality education, health services, decent work, and opportunities for social inclusion. According to the World Social Report 2025, two-thirds of the world's population live in countries where income inequality is increasing. Such levels of inequality are neither inevitable nor sustainable. Addressing them requires public policies that promote inclusion, expand opportunities, and strengthen social protection systems. Brazil's experience underscores the importance of policies aimed at reducing poverty, combating hunger, expanding access to housing, and supporting educational attainment, particularly among vulnerable groups. Such policies can contribute to building more resilient, equitable, and prosperous societies. At the same time, social policies must pay particular attention to those who face overlapping and structural forms of disadvantage. Poverty and exclusion disproportionately affect women and girls, as well as people of African descent. Advancing social development, therefore, also requires confronting gender and racial inequalities, removing barriers to equal access to opportunities, and ensuring that public policies reach those who have historically been left behind. Hunger and poverty, however, cannot be overcome by national action alone. International cooperation, solidarity, and an enabling environment for sustainable development remain indispensable. In this regard, Brazil has consistently advocated stronger international efforts to support poverty eradication, food security, and inclusive development. Brazil remains committed to working constructively with all delegations so that the commitments made in Copenhagen and renewed in Doha translate into tangible improvements in people's lives. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:02:46]:

Thank you, Brazil. I pass the floor to South Africa, followed by Ethiopia. South Africa, you have the floor.


South Africa [1:02:54]:

Mr. President, South Africa extends its sincere congratulations to you and the Bureau on your election. I assure you of our delegation's full support and constructive engagement throughout the Committee's deliberations. South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Africa Group and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive, equitable, and people-centered social development. At a time when poverty, inequality, unemployment, conflict and climate change continue to undermine human dignity, the international community must demonstrate renewed political will to ensure that no one is left behind. South Africa remains deeply concerned by widening inequality within and among countries. As the Secretary-General's report on Doha implementation emphasises, financing is essential. Commitment must be matched by adequate, predictable resources, while debt, poverty and unequal access to affordable finance must not prevent developing countries from investing in their people. We call for stronger international cooperation, concessional finance and debt relief to expand fiscal space and sustain investment in social protection and essential services. At national level, South Africa has developed its Doha implementation plan and is reviewing its social development policy to strengthen alignment with commitments made in Doha and Copenhagen, centered on poverty eradication, decent work and social integration. We are exploring financing measures to support implementation, connecting social protection, decent work and accessible services to address inequalities, support families and include youth and persons with disabilities. Another key pillar Under our social development aspiration is to advance an equal and inclusive society where women and girls can exercise their right and access to sexual and reproductive health services without barriers. We call upon the international community to uphold and safeguard hard-won gains. In conclusion, Inclusion must extend across generations, as the Secretary-General's report on ageing made it clear. Through the South African policy for older persons and older grant, we seek to protect dignity and income security while recognising older persons' contribution including older women's unpaid care. This effort reinforces our support for intergovernmental universal legally binding instrument to protect older persons' human rights. Ultimately, our commitment must find expression in people's lives in this generation and future generations, in support and opportunities they receive, the freedoms and the rights they can exercise to live in a life with dignity. Our decision and actions must advance that purpose. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:05:49]:

Thank you, South Africa. I pass the floor to Ethiopia, followed by Azerbaijan. Ethiopia, you have the floor.


Ethiopia [1:05:57]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation congratulates you, Ambassador, and your bureau for your successful election. We are confident that your able leadership will steer the works of the Committee towards fruitful deliberations. Ethiopia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the Africa Group. My delegation appreciates the Secretary-General for his reports under this agenda item. The centrality of social development for peace and prosperity has long been recognized and shaped by landmark summits. The Copenhagen First World Summit for Social Development has laid a strong foundation based on three pillars of development, namely poverty eradication, productive employment, and social integration. After three decades, the 2025 Doha Summit has geared the global momentum towards this implementation in an effort to respond dynamically to emerging challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and inequalities exacerbated by the glaring digital divide. This global frameworks underscore that social development is imperative for building resilient societies, thereby accelerating the implementation of the SDGs. Mr. Chair, within this global context, Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in advancing social development, guided by a national vision of inclusive growth, Ethiopia has achieved tangible progress in poverty eradication, access to education, and expansion of health care coverage, including for people with disabilities. The Green Legacy Initiative, which has mobilized communities to plant billions of trees, has contributed to job creation, food security, and public health, on top of environmental stewardship, in the last seven years. Furthermore, our Urban renewal projects also offer a range of economic benefits in boosting local economy while contributing to sustainable development. Yet, Mr. Chair, we are fully cognizant that much remains to be done. The impacts of climate change and economic shocks further deepen social vulnerabilities and threaten to reverse the progress made. This pressing challenge depicts that no nation can achieve lasting change while working in silos. Global solidarity and genuine partnership are indispensable, particularly in terms of access to finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. This will eventually foster an enabling environment where every nation can thrive to realize the right to development for its people. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, Ethiopia reiterates its commitment to advancing social development and call upon all development actors to renew their collective resolve to build just and equitable societies. I thank you, Chair.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:08:43]:

Thank you, Ethiopia. I pass the floor to Azerbaijan, to be followed by Burkina Faso. Azerbaijan, you have the floor.


Azerbaijan [1:08:51]:

Mr. Chair, the core pillars of social development, namely poverty eradication, promotion of full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social integration, require an enabling environment for their realization. However, as the Secretary General notes in his report, rising inequality, economic insecurity, conflict, environmental degradation, and displacement seriously impede progress in social development. The policy program entitled Azerbaijan 2030 National Priorities for Socioeconomic Development approved by the president identifies five national priorities: competitive economy, dynamic and inclusive society based on social justice, competitive human capital, the Great Return Program, and the clean environment and the country of green growth. Azerbaijan is carrying out comprehensive reforms in the fields of labor, employment, social protection, and social services. aiming to reduce inequalities, expand access to decent work, and ensure effective and targeted social protection for vulnerable groups. As a result of the measures taken, the minimum wage has increased by 3.1 times, the average monthly salary by two times, the minimum pension by three times, and the average pension by 2.6 times. And the funds allocated to social benefits and allowances have increased by five times over the last eight years. Mr. Chair, in recent years, Azerbaijan has also made significant progress in post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, allocating more than $16 billion to rebuild cities, towns, and villages destroyed during the conflict. Through measures implemented under the Great Return Program, 96,000 people are now living, working, and studying in newly constructed communities across 48 residential areas. However, these efforts continue to be seriously hindered by extensive presence of landmines and other explosive remnants of war across more than 13% of Azerbaijan's territory. number of post-conflict mine victims in Azerbaijan has risen to 440, including 73 fatalities and 367 people who have sustained serious injuries. The overwhelming majority of the victims are civilians. And in this regard, Azerbaijan has declared humanitarian demining as its 18th national sustainable development goal. At the same time, the scale and gravity of this challenge calls for greater accountability and adequate international assistance. In conclusion, we reiterate our firm commitment to the full, effective and accelerated implementation of international agreed frameworks, in particular the 2025 Doha Political Declaration, to advance social development and strengthen social justice and solidarity. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Chair [1:11:49]:

Thank you, Azerbaijan. I pass the floor to Burkina Faso. You have the floor.


Burkina Faso [1:12:03]:

Thank you, Chair. The issue of social development is at the heart of Burkina Faso's national priorities. Health, education, nutrition, social protection are at the center of all medium and long-term national projects. The population is currently estimated at 24 million people, and the majority is youth and women. Children represent a major share. Their human potential is an opportunity and also a challenge for social development, Chair. For over a decade, my country has been facing a security crisis due to terrorist attacks carried out by criminals sponsored by external forces with imperialist designs, and this has had a major impact on development efforts. Nonetheless, under the leadership of the President Ibrahim Traore, my country has resolutely committed to a path of sovereign development through its national efforts. Thus, Burkina Faso has adopted a national development plan which seeks to carry out structural transformations based on national priorities. And this testifies to our government's commitment to fully carry out its essential social functions, even in times of crises. Thus, despite the security challenge, economic growth in the country has reached 6.3% in 2025. Likewise, enormous social progress has been seen on the ground based on the outcomes of presidential initiatives for quality education, health, agricultural production, food self-sufficiency, and community development. For example, the agro-pastoral and fishery initiative has led to a significant 38% rise of cereal production, thus covering 126% of the country's needs of grains. In terms of strengthening social protection, my country has been working on ensuring medical coverage. Also, thousand jobs have been created to combat youth unemployment. This has been supported by national funds. Chair, these results, among others, show that we have chosen resilience and dignity as well as sovereignty. We welcome the support of partners, including UN partners, who continue to focus on our priorities. Burkina Faso will remain committed through the ideals of its revolution to ensuring living, dignified living conditions for all of its citizens. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:14:53]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Burkina Faso. I now give the floor to the distinguished delegate from Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia [1:15:09]:

Madam Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, my country attaches the utmost importance to social development, and this includes a system that strengthens the economic empowerment and social protection, including the most vulnerable citizens. We have implemented a social protection system, and the beneficiaries of that system have now reached record numbers. There are 100,000 beneficiaries in 2026, and this includes employment, economic support, as well as small projects. This supports the independence and social integration of these people. We support youth as well. This is a pillar of society and we must invest in their skills because this is an investment in our progress. We have launched a youth strategy through 2036 and we are working on the basis of a unified approach to allow youth to participate in development and improve their standards of living. Youth must participate in our Saudi Arabia 2040 vision. Families are the center and the fundamental unit of society, and they also contribute to progress. Families underscore the values of society. It is also important to ensure equality between men and women and protection for children. In this regard, my country supports policies to support the independence of families so that they can play their rightful role. In particular, we have a program called Kura, which provides financial assistance to the most vulnerable families. This helps them to find employment, and maintain a balance, a work-life balance. We also launched in 2021 a strategy for older persons so that they may enjoy life in dignified conditions. And this approach also determines the respective responsibilities. We are aware of the issues of aging, and we have established a group of friends of older persons, which numbers 13 States. This is meant to support the SDGs while also supporting older persons. We also have a strategy in place since 2023 for the integration of persons with disabilities so that they may participate in social life on an equal footing. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:18:06]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Myanmar. Microphone to Myanmar, please.


Myanmar [1:18:26]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, at the outset, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to you and the Bureau on your well-deserved elections. Please be assured of our delegation's full support and cooperation throughout. The pursuit of global justice, peace and equality faces numerous challenges and the path toward achieving the sustainable development goal has been compounded by complex hurdles. Since February 2021, Myanmar has been unable to pursue the goals set under these agendas, not due to a lack of will, but because of the illegal military coup and the military junta's atrocities. For over five years now, Myanmar has been engulfed in crisis and our people have been subjected to tragic circumstances with their fundamental right to social development systematically denied by the military junta. The people have been experiencing the military junta's systematic human rights abuses, indiscriminate airstrikes and the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The scale and the frequency of these military atrocities continue to reach unprecedented heights with each passing day, month, and year. Furthermore, the junta's forced conscription and widespread violence have stripped our youth of their future. For the people of Myanmar, a pervasive sense of uncertainty and vulnerability has become their daily existence. Yet, our people refuse to submit. We continue to stand resilient. The National Unity Government, alongside with ethnic partners and local civil society, continues to uphold the mantle of social development. Here, I wish to convey two crucial messages. The military junta in Myanmar is committing horrific war crimes and crimes against humanity in total defiance of IHL and IHRL. The National Unity Government, ethnic partners, and resistance forces are making every effort to protect, deliver, and build social development in Myanmar. Therefore, we ask the international community to take note of this stark construct and recognize that a military junta that wages war against its own populace can never be a partner in our social development. Finally, Myanmar calls on the United Nations to take three urgent actions. reject the military junta, hold its perpetrators accountable for these atrocity crimes, and stand in resolute solidarity with the people of Myanmar in our pursuit of justice, human dignity, and peaceful federal democratic union. I thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:21:13]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Myanmar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.


Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [1:21:24]:

Venezuela wishes the Bureau and the Secretariat of the Third Committee every success in their work. 30 years following the Copenhagen Summit and following the World Social Development Summit in Doha, we reaffirm our commitment to the eradication of poverty our commitment to full employment and decent work and to social inclusion, as well as to the reduction of inequalities. Social development should remain at the heart of the multilateral agenda with public policies that will guarantee opportunities and protect fundamental freedoms and rights. We support the efforts of the United Nations to strengthen international cooperation and to protect vulnerable communities. In Venezuela, the goal is not just to attend to need, But it also takes on the idea of social development as a state policy, as a part of the recovery and national transformation. We are seeking to create conditions to benefit the population as a whole through social protection, human development, social mobility, and equality of opportunity. This means creating conditions for families to be able to study, to work, advance, and access quality services in order to sustainably improve their living conditions Our country continues to point out the adverse impacts of the unilateral coercive measures on development and well-being of people. International relations should be governed by international law, the Charter of the United Nations and cooperation. This reality becomes even more relevant in the face of emergency situations and disasters. The earthquakes on the 24th of June in Venezuela represented an additional challenge for national response capacity and for reconstruction. This reveals the importance of international solidarity to support the affected families. In the face of this, the government of Venezuela has maintained that social protection and access to food, health care, education and housing as a priority. We welcome the civil commitment and highlight the need for predictable, affordable and sustainable financing for developing countries. 80 years following the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, we reaffirm that multilateralism is the fundamental instrument for dealing with the challenges of social development. We value the fact that the Doha Declaration recognizes the family as the central agent of social development. Public policies should strengthen this and protect families' rights. Venezuela is living through a new stage of national transformation Venezuela is being reborn and is determined to strengthen its productive social institutional capacities together with people, families and communities placing them at the center. Solidarity, cooperation and unity between peoples are indispensable for building more inclusive, resilient and prosperous societies. We reiterate our conviction that the true purpose of multilateralism is to improve the living conditions of our peoples. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:24:29]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali. Microphone for Mali, please. May I now?


Mali [1:24:57]:

Okay.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:24:58]:

But the timer is on, so shall we restart it, please? Yeah. I'm sorry, Bets. Could you turn the mic off and turn it on again? Thank you.


Mali [1:25:16]:

Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:25:21]:

Thank you.


Mali [1:25:23]:

Madame Chair, allow me to congratulate your Bureau on behalf of the delegation of Mali. I can assure you of our full support. We are so grateful to the Secretariat. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, and by Namibia on behalf of the African Group. Mali fully aligns itself with the Doha Declaration and the Copenhagen Declaration. Social development is a major pillar of its policy in the context of a security crisis that we have been experiencing for a decade, which deprives our population of the most basic rights. We are working on restoring basic services, supporting IDPs, and implementing development projects in the context of the Alliance of Sahel States. We are working on the areas of defense, development, and diplomacy, defending our territory and protecting the dignity of our people. These efforts continue to the maintenance of international peace and security, and they deserve the support of the international community, in particular through greater financing for humanitarian needs and to support the resilience of the communities in the Sahel. help to our countries must be aligned with our priorities and respect our sovereignty without preconditions or attempts at political instrumentalization. Debt burdens must be alleviated. The international community might also take measures against state sponsors of terrorist groups. Madam President, There can be no peace without social stability, without fairness, equity and development. Mali calls for a multilateralism that respects the principles of the Charter for a better and more just world. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:27:12]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Mali. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Serbia.


Serbia · Youth Delegate [1:27:22]:

Madam Chair, Excellencies.

It is an honor to address this committee on behalf of the young people of the Republic of Serbia as the 10th generation of your delegates. The Republic of Serbia continues to build a strong youth policy framework. Through our Ministry of Tourism and Youth, the Law on Youth, and the Youth Strategy, the government provides young people with opportunities to participate, develop skills, and contribute to their communities. For many young people, however, the most important question remains, will I have the opportunity to build an independent life? This is why youth employment must remain at the centre of our efforts. Too many young people face the same paradox. They cannot get a job without experience, and they cannot gain experience without a job. One of the ways through which our country tackles this issue is through the Youth Guarantee programme, an EU initiative that supports young people's transition from education to the labour market. The program is being piloted in three districts of our country, and as of the next year, the program will be available throughout the country. Yet, a job is only the beginning. Young people need decent work, the very promise of the Sustainable Development Goal 8. Internships are a first step for young people in the labor market. That is why Serbia is planning to adopt the law on internships, ensuring that every intern is paid, mentored, and respected. Madam Chair, my fellow delegate will take over.

Madam Chair, artificial intelligence is rewriting the playbook. Critical thinking and digital literacy are no longer advantages, they're foundations. Member states therefore need to adopt innovative programs that give every young person the digital competences this new world demands. Serbia has embraced opportunities offered by artificial intelligence through our national AI development strategy, our Institute for AI Research and Development, and our leadership within the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. Preparing young people for the future also means protecting their mental health. We need societies where seeking help is a strength, and care is accessible, affordable, and stigma-free.

Our message is simple.

We want a transition from school to work that leads to security, inclusive digital transformation and independence that never costs young people their mental health. Madam Chair, allow us to extend an invitation from May to August. Serbia will host Expo 2027 under the theme Play for Humanity, Sports and Music for All. Serbia has long stood at the crossroads, and we invite this committee to join us as we turn that crossing into a meeting place. What no nation can do alone, nations can do together. As young people, we are ready to carry the spirit of cooperation forward, together and for all. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:30:24]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Serbia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar. Microphone for Qatar, please. Can you press the mic?


Qatar [1:30:54]:

I say that, Rais.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow us to congratulate you on your election as chair of the Third Committee of the current session of the General Assembly. Madam Chair, in line with its distinguished record of hosting most major important international conferences, the State of Qatar had the honor of hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development. which was held in the city of Doha in November 2025. It brought together world leaders once again, three decades after the first world summit was held in Copenhagen. In this context, the Doha Political Declaration emerged as a highly significant document and contributes to advancing many of the issues discussed within the framework of the Third Committee. including promoting social development, ensuring quality education and decent work for all. As noted in the Secretary-General's report under this item, the Doha Political Declaration and the Copenhagen Declaration provide a strengthened framework for accelerating progress in social development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Madam Chair, the State of Qatar has achieved tangible progress and made important successes across all the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 outlines the next phase of Qatar's development journey towards realizing its goals and aspirations. The national strategy of the Ministry of Social Development and the Family for the period 2025 to 2030 under the slogan from care to empowerment. This strategy is an integrated framework for developing social policies and programs. It aims to support families, to empower women, to enhance the participation of persons with disabilities, and to support senior citizens. Madam Chair, along with Qatar's commitment and steadfast dedication to supporting disability issues, we will be honored to host the fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028. The Sense Center of Excellence is the first center of its kind in the region at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. The center integrates artificial intelligence and sensory technologies to advance autism research and focus on early detection, personalized interventions, and the development of future research leadership. The empowerment of youth is an important issue among Qatar and it's among its top priorities. Qatar will host the Arab Youth Forum for Peace and Security, cooperation with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States. In closing, the State of Qatar will spare no effort in supporting initiatives aimed at advancing social development for all and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. I thank you for your kind attention.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:33:48]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.


Algeria [1:33:58]:

For Algeria, social development is measured by its impact on people's.

Daily lives, access to education and health care, decent housing, social protection, and full participation in society. Algeria's development model is founded on social justice, national solidarity, and territorial equity, combining universal access to essential public services with targeted measures for persons and families in vulnerable situations. Extreme poverty remains below 0.5%, while social protection coverage increased from 55.2% in 2015 to 67% in 2024. Social security now covers 30.7 million beneficiaries, and the fixed solidarity allowance reached approximately 1.2 million beneficiaries in 2024. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 1.7 million housing units were distributed, strengthening access to decent housing and essential services.

Madam Chair, Algeria considers health and education fundamental rights.

Life expectancy has reached 79.6 years, while maternal mortality has declined by 20%. Primary school enrollment has reached 100%. Higher education counts more than 1.7 million students, of whom 65.7% are women, while vocational training welcomes more than 700,000 trainees annually. Algeria has also strengthened the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities, notably through the Law 25-01 of February 2025, alongside measures promoting accessibility, social protection, and economic inclusion. Particular attention is devoted to older persons through social security, geriatric care, specific allowance, and community-based support. Women and youth are also at the center of Algeria's social policies through measures supporting women's economic empowerment and access to microcredits, as well as youth entrepreneurship, vocational training, and employment, with particular attention to rural women and young people seeking access to economic opportunities. Through solidarity proximity cells, multidisciplinary teams provide vulnerable households, including in remote areas, with support in health, education, access to rights, and economic inclusion. Madam Chair, these achievements reflect Algeria's conviction that social development must translate into dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for every.

Citizen.

As we move towards 2030, Algeria will continue to consolidate its social model and calls for strengthened international solidarity and cooperation to address persistent inequalities and ensure that no one is left behind. I thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:36:41]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of North Macedonia.


North Macedonia · Youth Delegate [1:37:14]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Long before we shape the world, the world shapes us. It shapes what we understand justice to mean, our expectations of opportunity, dignity, and equality, and whether we grow up believing that we have a voice in shaping our future. Today, rapid technological and demographic change, persistent inequalities and economic uncertainty are shaping how people learn, work and participate in society. These challenges bring us back to the commitments of the World Summit for Social Development, eradicating poverty, promoting full and productive employment and decent work, and advancing social integration. In North Macedonia, we have worked to translate these commitments into practice. We have strengthened social protection, continued expanding community-based social services, including services for older persons and persons with disabilities, and continued implementing the youth guarantee to support young people transitions into employment. But social development is not only about the systems we built. It is about whether people feel those systems working in their lives. Madam Chair, education is central to this effort. In a changing world, literacy must equip people not only to read and write, but to navigate complex information environments, engage critically with technology, and participate effectively in society. Member states should continue investing in inclusive education, digital literacy, and mechanisms that enable all generations to contribute meaningfully to public life. But knowledge alone does not create agency. People must also have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives. For young people, participation too often begins and ends with consultation. Meaningful participation requires more than presence. It requires influence. As a youth delegate, speaking with young people across the country has reinforced something simple. Young people are not asking institutions to surrender responsibility to them. They are asking to share responsibility for a future they will inherit. And that principle extends beyond youth. Social development succeeds when older persons, persons with disabilities, families and communities are not simply recipients of policies, but participants in shaping it. Because if the world shapes every generation that enters it, our responsibility is to ensure that every generation has the opportunity, dignity and agency to shape that world in return. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:39:53]:

I thank the distinguished representative of North Macedonia. Colleagues, we've received a request from the technicians. When taking the floor, kindly press the microphone button. Thank you. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.


Ukraine · Youth Delegate [1:40:10]:

Madam Chair, on the 24th of February 2022, I woke up in Kyiv. My school lessons were cancelled. My childhood was cancelled too. Now I am a Ukrainian youth delegate, speaking on behalf of Ukrainian mission and Ukrainian youth. In Copenhagen, the world agreed that social development rests on three pillars: ending poverty, decent work, and social inclusion. Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine attacks all three. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, poverty among families with children has risen from 43 to 65%. 3.3 million people are internally displaced. Many young people my age went to the front line instead of the university. Now, as young veterans with disabilities, they are learning to walk, to work, and to study again. 1.6 million Ukrainian children live under temporary Russian occupation, forced to take Russian passports, to serve in the Russian military, against their own land. In Ukraine, anyone can speak any language. The Secretary-General's report on literacy reminds us that learning in one's first language drives development. However, in the temporarily occupied territories, speaking Ukrainian can cost you freedom or even life. Right now, in the occupied town of Oleshky of Kherson region, more than 1,000 people, dozens of them are children, are trapped under drone mine blockade and Russia's refusal in humanitarian corridor. That's the reality in Ukraine. And yet, we keep living. We study through blackouts, we start businesses, we volunteer and rebuild. According to the UNDP, 78% of Ukrainians believe in their future. And I am one of them. There can be no social development under missiles. So we call on international community and our partners to increase pressure on Russia to end its aggression and open the humanitarian corridor for Alashky without delay. To support accessible shelters, schools, and rehabilitation. Make sure that 2031 reviews measures whether social justice reaches people in conflict.

And you know.

More than anything in this world. I wish I could stand in this committee talking not about war, not about broken lives of my peers, but only about their achievements and the real social development. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:42:56]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia.


Namibia [1:43:05]:

Thank you, Chair. Namibia welcomes the Doha Political Declaration, the most significant global recommitment to social development in three decades. It renews our shared agenda amid climate change, digital transformation, demographic shifts and persistent inequality. We also thank the Secretary-General's latest report and its call for integrated implementation, greater fiscal space for social investment, financing aligned with social priorities, and effective follow-up towards the first high-level review in 2031. At the national level, Namibia's sixth national development plan adopts a human-centered approach strengthening social protection, labour market inclusion and systems that safeguard the well-being of all Namibians. Accordingly, social sector priorities include veteran welfare, youth development, healthcare, early childhood development, education and vocational training. This sector is the second largest recipient of the development budget, with 21% of the state revenue fund allocations and 20% of resources from outside the fund. Chair, reducing inequality remains central. Namibia supports integrated family-oriented policies and community-based interventions that promote healthy child development, strengthen intergenerational solidarity, and protect vulnerable family members, including children and orphans. This commitment extends to persons with disabilities, who continue to face barriers to services and participation. In line with the Doha Declaration, Namibia supports stronger accessibility, social protection, decent work, digital inclusion and equal participation. Namibia therefore remains committed to internationally agreed disability and development frameworks, as well as inclusive education and literacy. We appreciate UNESCO's support for youth and adult literacy. which advances inclusion, resilience, and participation. Distinguished delegates, Namibia is proud to have hosted the sixth session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Social Development, Labor, and Employment earlier in 2026. The session advanced coordinated responses to unemployment, poverty, migration, and labor market informality across our continent. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:45:51]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq.


Iraq [1:46:03]:

I thank you, Madam Chair. The Government of Iraq attaches special importance to achieving inclusive social development through eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, promoting decent work and providing social protection and ensuring access to essential services. We work on empowering all segments of society to participate effectively in development. Iraq is intensifying its efforts to empower its youth and to provide opportunity for education, training, and decent employment, thereby enhancing their social and economic participation. We're also working on ensuring the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities, removing barriers that hinder the enjoyment of their rights, and guaranteeing their equitable access to education, healthcare, social protection, and essential services. Iraq attaches great importance to the family as the nucleus of society. We support policies that provide families with protection, healthcare, education, and care services, and promote a balance between work and family life. As for the elderly, Iraq provides healthcare that is preventive and curative and psychosocial support. Recently, a guide was developed for the integrated care for older persons known as ICOPE. It was implemented in primary healthcare centers, including early detection of cognitive decline assessment of risk factors, and setting up integrated care plans. Iraq is also working on preparing a national dementia strategy and activating a community-based rehabilitation program in Baghdad to deliver services to those who have a hard time accessing specialized institutions, thus preserving their dignity and their independence. Older persons also benefit from a social protection network, which includes cash assistance, food baskets, healthcare services to reduce their economic and social vulnerability. Education, literacy, and lifelong learning are essential pillars for developing human capacities and enabling individuals to participate in and adapt to economic, social, and technological transformations. Iraq is therefore committed to providing learning opportunities to everyone, especially the most vulnerable groups and older persons. Iraq considers the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and the promotion of decent work and access to essential services. We consider all of these to be interconnected pillars of social development, especially in light of the challenges facing developing countries. And this requires policies that take into account vulnerable groups to ensure equal opportunities and human rights for all. In closing, the delegation of Iraq reaffirms its commitment to developing its national policies and programs to promote human rights and to ensure the participation of all segments of society to build macrophone has been.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:49:06]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan.


Afghanistan [1:49:16]:

Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair. Afghanistan welcomes the Secretary-General's reports and the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development. Its commitment to poverty reduction, decent work and social inclusion must translate into meaningful progress for Afghan people. Five years after the Taliban's first takeover, poverty, displacement and climate shocks are compounded by policies that systematically exclude women and girls from education, employment and public life. There can be no sustainable social development while half of the population is denied its fundamental rights. UNICEF warns that if these restrictions persist, Afghanistan risks losing up to 20,000 women teachers and 5,400 women health workers by 2030. The consequences would extend across generations, depriving communities of essential services and undermining Afghanistan's recovery. Afghan men and young people also face shrinking opportunities for decent work and meaningful participation in public life. Many qualified professionals and educated youth are unable to contribute their skills through public services and productive employment. Unemployment, exclusion, and diminishing prospects are driving many to leave the country. depleting the human capital essential to Afghanistan's recovery. Sustainable social development requires opportunities for all Afghans, women and men alike, and a future in which young people can learn, work, and contribute to rebuilding of their country. We call on the Taliban to immediately reverse these discriminatory policies and restore women and girls full access to education, employment and public life. Community-based education, literacy programs and distance learning deserve sustained support, but cannot substitute for reopening secondary schools and universities to women and girls.

Madam Chair, we urge donors.

And UN partners to provide predictable support for essential services, social protection and livelihoods, including for returnees and host communities. Humanitarian assistance must be linked to opportunities for families to rebuild their lives and must not be held hostage to political deadlock. These efforts must include accessible health care, rehabilitation and income support for older persons and persons with disabilities. Young people need opportunities to learn and participate meaningfully in shaping their country's future. We also call for the removal of all restrictions on Afghan women working for the United Nations and humanitarian organizations. Lasting peace, lasting social progress requires inclusive, representative, and accountable governance grounded in the will of Afghan people, human rights, and rule of law. Afghan women and men must have a meaningful voice in determining their country's future. I thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:52:17]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Afghanistan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.


Senegal [1:52:31]:

Madam Chair, distinguished representatives, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African Group and to the statement delivered by the G77 and China. And we wish to make the following remarks on national capacity. Over recent years, health crises, security crises, economic, climate, and migration crises have profoundly weakened our societies and aggravated inequalities and increased poverty. They have also reduced our progress towards achieving the 2030 agenda. This situation reminds us of one basic thing. There cannot be sustainable development without social justice. and there cannot be social justice without reducing inequalities. This means that we must place women, young people, children, persons with disabilities and, more broadly, all of those living in situations of vulnerability at the heart of our policies. Chair, it is in this spirit that Senegal has made social protection and inclusion a priority of our national policy and public action. Our approach is based on strengthening social safety nets, access to essential services, and the economic empowerment of vulnerable populations through our national program for family security grants and universal healthcare coverage. and community development programmes, we have sought to reduce the vulnerability of households, to facilitate access to care and to keep children in school. We have also sought to bring social services close to populations, especially those living in rural areas. We also give particular importance to education, to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, to the socio-economic integration of young people and women. Programs in favor of entrepreneurship and employment of young people show our desire to move from a approach of assistance to one of empowerment and resilience. These efforts are now part of our Senegal Vision 2050, our national transformation agenda and overall benchmark for public policy that places human capital, solidarity and equity at the heart of our ambition for development. Chair, no country can overcome these challenges alone. Current crises have shown how interdependent we are and the need for international solidarity that is renewed. Senegal thus calls for strengthened international cooperation for the benefit of more resilient social protection systems. We call for greater financing for development and equitable access to essential services and special attention to the countries and populations that are most vulnerable. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:55:07]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Holy See.


Holy See [1:55:16]:

Madam Vice Chair, at the outset, allow me to extend my congratulations to the Chair and the Bureau on your election and to wish you every success in guiding the work of this session. My delegation welcomes this discussion on social development, especially given that it is the first session following the second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha in November 2025. Pope Leo XIV states that development is truly human when it places people at the center instead of the accumulation of wealth. This principle lies at the core of sustainable development, particularly with regard to its social dimension. Every person should be provided with the conditions that respect their intrinsic God-given dignity and foster human flourishing. Poverty remains one of the greatest obstacles to achieving this goal. Therefore, eradicating poverty and ensuring effective social protection must remain central to advancing social development. At the same time, however, the poor should not be regarded merely as passive recipients of assistance. Instead, they should be active participants and protagonists in the measures and program designed to help them in their own lives. It is vital that everyone has access to quality education and healthcare, especially during childhood, as to educate means to help people to be more, not merely to have more. Furthermore, as work enables people to develop personally, support their families, and to contribute to their communities, opportunities must be available to all adults, particularly young adults entering the workforce. Indeed, when political projects and major economic decisions relegate the family to a marginal or secondary role, the authentic growth of the entire social body is compromised. The family, recognized as the natural and fundamental group unit of society, is a school of deeper humanity, where people of different generations learn and grow in ways that benefit not only the family, but also society more broadly. The family therefore requires cultural, juridical, and economic support, particularly in the face of rapid technological and social change. Madam Vice Chair, to achieve the objectives of poverty eradication, full employment, and decent work, and social integration as set out in Copenhagen and affirmed in Doha, will require sustained cooperation, creativity, and a renewed commitment to political, economic, ethical, and spiritual vision for social development based on human dignity. Thank you so much.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [1:58:17]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Holy See. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.


United Republic of Tanzania [1:58:30]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair. In a world marked by rising inequality, recurring shocks, economic uncertainty, and a growing fragmentation to commitment of the The commitment of Copenhagen Declaration and the Doha Political Declaration remain highly relevant. For Tanzania, social development is fundamentally about improving people's life, reducing poverty and inequality, creating decent employment, strengthening social protection, and ensuring access to essential services. Financing remain a critical enabler. Developing countries continue to face constrained fiscal space, high financing cost, debt pressure, and competing development needs. Despite these challenges, Tanzania has continued to invest in a healthy system, supporting service delivery, infrastructure, workforce, and medicines. These investments have contributed to significant improvement in health outcomes, including an 8% reduction in maternal mortality, while newborn mortality declined from 25 to 19, and under-five mortality from 11 to 5 per 1,000 live births. live birth. A tenal care and facilities based delivery have reached the 900% In a education, Tanzania continue to provide a fee free basic education from primary to secondary school while expanding access and inclusion. The Samia scholarship program offers expanding opportunities in priority fields including STEM, I mean science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences, including education and skill development, have also been strengthened, while the 2022 re-entry guideline enabled more than 13,000 students, including young mothers, to return to school. in water access to clean and safe water has increased to 85.2% in rural areas and 92.5% in urban areas. These are not more investment in infrastructure, they are investment in people. Chair, this year, Tanzania and Philippines will facilitate the resolution of inclusive development for and with persons with disabilities, and we call on all delegations support on this resolution toward its consensual adoption. Chair, Tanzania emphasizes that national efforts must be matched by the enabling international environment.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:01:35]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Haiti.


Haiti [2:01:50]:

Madame Chair, my delegation congratulates you and the other members of the Bureau upon your election, and we assure you of the full cooperation and support throughout your term. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by the G77 and China, and by CARICOM. The reports of the SG before us recall a fundamental reality. Social development must place the human person at the heart of our policies and support all of us throughout all stages of life. Chair for Haiti, these principles take on special significance for us today. Our country is going through a multidimensional crisis that is striking children, young people, the elderly, a person with disabilities and displaced families. More than 1.5 million people have been displaced, half of them are children, whereas 2.8 million children need humanitarian assistance. And yet, even in these exceptional circumstances, Haiti is taking action. In May last year, the government and representatives of employers and workers together with the International Labour Organization, the ILO, adopted the country program Haiti ILO 2026-2027 that is focused on social dialogue, workplace governance, creation of jobs and means of subsistence, as well as gradually broadening the social protection system. These efforts have are responding to a worrying reality. More than 91% of Haitian workers work in the informal sector. Alongside this, Better Work Haiti has contributed to preserving more than 30,000 jobs in the textile sector, together with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank. Bank, a program for the value of $43.9 million should also benefit 200,000 young vulnerable people, especially through employment, professional training, entrepreneurship, and socioeconomic reintegration. Haiti also welcomes the extension of the Hope Help Project through 2028, an important lever for jobs and economic relaunching. Chair, these efforts do not mean that our difficulties are behind us. They show that we are still at the heart of the crisis, and Haiti is choosing to build. As our Prime Minister has said before the Assembly, our ambition is to move from aid to investment, from assistance to production, from dependence to partnership, in order to generate employment and sustainable jobs, especially for young people and women. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:04:27]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Niger.


Niger [2:04:38]:

Madam Chair, on behalf of the delegation of Niger, I would like to congratulate you most warmly on your election as Chair. We also extend our congratulations to the other members of the Bureau. Please be assured of the full cooperation of our delegation throughout your work. Madam Chair, at an international context marked by multiple and successive crises, Niger is committed to guiding its public policy in order to sustainably improve the living conditions of its population and to strengthen social cohesion. This action is part of the vision of our President that is structured around security and social cohesion, good governance, economic sovereignty and social reforms, as well as part of the reform through 2029 that was adopted on 11 October last year. In the face of the economic, security and other constraints, Government is undertaking reforms to address inequalities and to strengthen protections for the most vulnerable. In this regard, special attention is given to elderly persons and to persons with disability by strengthening the framework of social protection and assistance programs and concrete measures such as the equality card, food programs and other security measures. Also, trying to include as many people as possible in the social protection scheme through food grants and other activities. Protection of family also represents a priority. Niger is thus continuing to implement programs aimed at vulnerable households through social safety nets in order to reduce poverty, increase resilience and ensure they have access to the most basic and essential services. Madam Chair, these social policies are intimately linked to our vision of food security and also our aim to reduce dependence on food imports. This is why we are implementing the Grand Irrigation Programme 2024 through 2027. This is one of the main instruments for transforming our agricultural system and it has shown some promising results. We have produced some 208,000 tons thanks to this new irrigation system. And we have even been able to produce a surplus of certain agricultural products. We have reduced imports of rice and corn and wheat by around 50% thanks to this increase in production. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:07:43]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Niger. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia.


Zambia [2:07:53]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. This is the first time my delegation is taking the floor during this session. Allow me, on behalf of the delegation, to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election. You can count on Zambia's support. We look forward to engaging constructively throughout this session. Zambia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the Africa Group and reaffirms its commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025. Madam Chair, Zambia welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the follow-up to the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family and Beyond. We note the impact of global megatrends, including technological and demographic change, urbanization, migration and climate change on families. Zambia therefore underscores the need for stronger family-oriented policies that advance social protection, work-family balance, digital inclusion, and equitable access to essential services. Madam Chair, Zambia recognizes that social protection must be complemented by decent work, productive employment, and sustainable economic opportunities. Accordingly, The government's new program for development, the Grow Zambia Agenda, prioritizes job creation, investment trade, skills development, and strategic partnerships to translate social and economic development into tangible opportunities for our people, including leading to a more inclusive society. Madam Chair, despite the progress achieved, persistent economic, fiscal, and climate challenges continue to constrain social development. Zambia therefore calls for strengthened international cooperation, financing and capacity building to support inclusive and resilient social development. As Zambia advances these priorities, we remain committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this respect, Zambia has presented itself as a candidate for membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2027 to 2029. and count on the support of member states. Zambia remains committed to an inclusive, resilient, and people-centered society where no one is left behind. Thank you very much, Chair.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:10:31]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Zambia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates. Could you press the microphone button? Thank you.


United Arab Emirates [2:10:50]:

Sayed Al Rais.

Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, we'd like to express our appreciation for the efforts of Australia in heading the Third Committee during this round. And following the Second World Social Summit and the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, Our collective priority is embodied in translating these commitments into tangible results. The continuation of poverty and inequality, in addition to demographic changes and an expedited technological transfer, requires us to take measures that are integrated and that would allow equal opportunities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, I would like to present three priorities. First, Investing in the person and the family is the foundation of a socially cohesive society. And this requires us to place the prosperity of families in the heart of our national strategy. This is what the UAE is doing by developing policies that meet the needs of families and that enhance the quality of life and support society's ability to cope with social and economic changes. This includes the strategy that was adopted by the Ministry of Family Affairs for the years 25 to 27. Second, we enhance integration and equal participation among all members of society in a manner that removes any impediments and enhances the participation of everyone in work and the social life. Full and meaningful and equal participation of women is a basic foundation of social development. Youth are not simply passive beneficiaries of development, rather they are partners in forming policies and finding solutions. Third, achieving sustainable social development requires entrenching a policy of tolerance and peaceful coexistence and mutual respect and combating hate speech and all forms of intolerance and discrimination. This would contribute to deepening social cohesion and trust and participation. to provide an environment that would allow society to participate in development and to benefit from its fruits. Therefore, the United Arab Emirates continues to exert efforts within the agenda of tolerance peace and security, which stresses the importance of a dialogue among civilizations and religions and enhances the respect for the other and mutual respect as a foundation to build safe and stable and prosperous societies. In closing, Madam Chair, we will continue to work with you closely in this committee to enhance cooperation and to exchange experiences and knowledge to support our joint efforts to make progress in achieving comprehensive social development. I thank you for your kind attention.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:13:43]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates. We have heard the last speaker on my list. The committee has thus concluded its general discussion of agenda item 24. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested in accordance with rule 115 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. I should like to remind delegations that the number of interventions in exercise of the right of reply for any delegation at a given meeting should be limited to two per item. The first intervention should be limited to five minutes and the second to three minutes. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [2:14:40]:

Distinguished colleagues, I would like to address this to our Ukrainian counterpart. You are correct that you did not choose the most appropriate forum for yet another round of anti-Russia insinuations. For our part, by way of response, we just wish to recall that It was the Kyiv authorities and not the Russian Federation who, over many years, are consistently creating a legislative framework that serves to discriminate one ethnic group and is a grave violation of fundamental principles of international law. And in June 2026, I recall that that campaign reached its pinnacle with the adoption of a law that deprived the Russian language, which, as you know, is the native language for more than 80% of the population of Ukraine, deprived of the protection that continues to be provided to the languages of other minorities. We all see how the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine is systematically removing Russian literature from libraries. This is accompanied by, in some cases, public burnings of books, and these videos are all available openly. You can find and watch them. This also applies to the systemic discrimination against the church. The clergy is being persecuted. They're being searched. Monasteries are being raided, and worshippers are being denied access to their places of worship. I don't wish to continue or ramp up this discussion by once again debunking all these outright myths about forced mobilization and the military activity, especially since We all know that this topic is not the topic for today's discussion. This is certainly not an appropriate forum for this. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:16:39]:

I see no further requests for the floor. I now invite the committee to begin its consideration of agenda item 25, entitled Advancement of Women. The documentation under agenda item 25 is listed on iGov. I now invite the committee to begin its general discussion of agenda item 25. I wish to remind delegations to strictly adhere to the time limits of four minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group of states, and three minutes for interventions by individual delegations. The microphones will blink 30 seconds before the expiration of the time limit, and the microphones will be automatically switched off when the time is up. I also wish to remind delegations that the list of speakers for this item will close at the end of the meeting or when the list is exhausted. whichever is sooner. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brunei Darussalam.


Brunei Darussalam [2:17:58]:

Mr. Chair, Brunei Darussalam wishes to align itself with the joint statement delivered on behalf of ASEAN. Mr. Chair, throughout the years, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation of societies around the world, with significant progress made in the social, political, and economic spheres. Yet too often, we overlook the very foundations upon which this progress is built, including the quiet sacrifices that make our society stronger and more resilient. At the heart of this progress is woman, whose ingenuity and leadership are not secondary to our progress, but fundamental to it. Mr. Chair, allow me to share some of the progress made in Brunei Darussalam. We recognize the value of an inclusive society where all individuals play a valuable role in our national development. Our pursuit of Brunei Vision 2035, together with our whole-of-nation approach, draws upon the collective contributions of all, including women, towards building a caring, cohesive, and resilient society. We have come a long way from the historic appointment of Brunei Darussalam's first female Cabinet Minister. Today, the growing representation of women in leadership is a testament to our continued commitment in ensuring meaningful and inclusive participation across all levels of society. This progress is reflected in the numbers. Nationwide, women account for 37% of senior management positions in the private sector, and an even more encouraging 65% in the public sector. In our school, girls continue to excel with a remarkable 99.4% literacy rate among those aged between 15 and 25 years old in 2024. Women are also playing an increasingly prominent role in our workforce, with labor participation reaching nearly 60% in 2025. These achievements underscore the vital contributions of women as leaders and partners, driving Brunei Darussalam's development and helping shape its future. Mr. Chair, Brunei Darussalam remains committed to strengthening policies aimed to empower women, grounded in evidence and responsive to the evolving realities of today. We recently launched the executive summary of the research of women's development in Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with International Women's Day this year. This will guide our 2026 to 2030 national plan of action centered on three strategic priorities to better support women's advancement. This includes the safety and well-being of women, optimising career potential, and placing women's empowerment at the centre of Bruneian communities. Brunei Darussalam will also continue to strengthen institutional measures to better protect women in the workplace. This includes the introduction of the guideline book on addressing harassment at the workplace in the public service, which reinforces safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces for all. Mr. Chair, when women are empowered to lead, participate, and innovate, everyone benefits. Brunei Darussalam remains dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls and stands ready to work with all Member States to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:20:49]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Brunei Darussalam. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.


Russian Federation [2:21:05]:

Madam Chair, for the Russian Federation, improving the situation of women is a priority both within the country as well as internationally. In Russia, achieving this goal is helped by a national strategy for women. Currently, we're also implementing a program of actions to implement it by 2030. In this context, we'd like to draw attention to the upcoming in-fall of 2027 in St. Petersburg, the fifth Eurasian Women's Forum, which traditionally brings together a broad range of participants from all over the world, as well as representatives of specialized organizations. The thematic focus will be on social and humanitarian security, the impact of contemporary technologies and AI on the labor market, as well as a discussion of strategies for women's adaptation to these processes. Madam Chair, the Russian Federation traditionally sees the UN Commission on the Status of Women as a key intergovernmental forum for constructive dialogue on the full range of issues relating to improving the status of women, the situation of women. We trust that its work will be based on an equal basis, taking into account the views of all states. We believe that only if this condition is met will this body continue to be effective. Despite various ups and downs, it remains as relevant as when it was established. However, the work of the Commission is impossible without technical support from UN Women. It is important, however, for UN Women in its activities to strictly abide by its mandate in terms of assisting the functioning of the UN system. Any assistance to member states must be carried out exclusively at their request and with their consent. Moreover, we once again call on UN Women to not get overly engaged in human rights issue because women's rights are only one component of the overall range of issues related to their empowerment. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:23:20]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon.


Lebanon [2:23:32]:

Madam Chair, in Lebanon, We know that women are able to mobilize themselves in an emergency. There's an explosion, everything shakes, but the women know where to go and what to take with them. Women are also afraid, but their actions are precise. And in their actions, I find the ability for women to take action in my country once again, to take decisions and to find a way out when there is a threat that everything will crumble. But beyond the emergency, women's commitments are deployed across all of the development dimensions of the country. In Lebanon, these women represent more than half of the students in higher education and more than half of the judges in the civil courts. In 2022, as many women as men graduated from the military academy. In the municipal elections of 2025, the representation of women almost doubled. Their commitment is also transforming the legal sphere with the reinforcement of protections against domestic violence and the criminalization of sexual harassment. While women are organizing rescue, shelter and reconstruction on the ground, women themselves also need protection. A Secretary-General report highlighted that in Lebanon, Israeli attacks are exposing older women to displacement, to neglect and to the risk of being deprived of essential medicines. The report on violence against women and girls recognized in this context that Lebanon is undertaking efforts to strengthen safe accommodation and shelters, especially for displaced persons. This protection also requires digital tools. The trafficking report cites the Respond application that is used in Lebanon in order to put in place services for victims and to guide them. With our second national plan of action, Women, Peace and Security, Lebanon is seeking to strengthen the participation of women in decision making, in conflict prevention and in peace building. These efforts and plans, Madam Chair, need to be supported. Madam Chair, the women in my country know how to find a way out when there is a threat that everything will crumble. And we are counting on their commitment, and they should be able to count on ours. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:26:25]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Lebanon. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana.


Ghana [2:26:35]:

Madam Chair, Ghana thanks the Secretary-General for his report and recommendation on this agenda item. The report underscores the urgency of preventing violence against women and girls before it escalates into killings. Requests for help must trigger timely protection through early intervention, coordinated services, effective enforcement, and reliable data. Nationally, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit One-Stop Centre integrates justice, healthcare, and support. The Orange Support Centre, Boame Application and Market Response Centres facilitate reporting and referrals, while the Domestic Violence Victim Support Fund supports recovery and reintegration. Madam Chair, prevention requires challenging attitudes that condone abuse. Our men and boys clubs Annual Men's Conference on Positive Masculinity promotes respectful relationships, complementing community efforts to eliminate harmful practices, including female genital mutilation. Economic independence and participation in decision-making strengthen women's protection. Work towards establishing the Women's Development Bank complements efforts to advance financial inclusion for women in the informal economy. Preparations for the Ghana Youth and Women Employment and Social Cohesion Program aim to expand skills and livelihoods. The Gender Equity Committee and reporting mechanisms support implementation of the affirmative action, complemented by the revised national gender policy. We are also strengthening our response on trafficking. Addressing online recruitment and exploitation demands rigorous monitoring, stronger digital investigative capacity, greater responsibility from technology companies, and closer international cooperation to protect survivors and bring perpetrators to justice. Across these efforts, protection must reach the most vulnerable, including older women and women with disabilities, whose experience of violence and economic abuse are often overlooked. Services must be accessible and respect their autonomy. Sustained financing, reliable data, and accountability underpin these commitments. Ultimately, Progress must be measured by whether a woman seeking help finds safety and obtains justice and rebuilds her life with dignity. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:29:34]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.


Indonesia [2:29:50]:

Thank you, Chair. Indonesia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN. We reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. This commitment must be reflected not only policy, but in tangible improvements in women's life. In Indonesia, gender perspectives are mainstream across sectors, from care economy roadmap to measures for women's political participation. These efforts bring real results. Our gender inequality index has improved from 0.421 to 0.02 last year. Despite this achievement, obstacles persist. Women still face violence, remain underrepresented in decision making, and are exposed to new risk in digital space. In this regard, allow me to highlight three points. First, strong laws must provide real protection. Indonesia's sexual violence crimes law placed victims at the center of prevention, protection, recovery, and restitution. This year, Indonesia also enacted the Domestic Workers Protection Law, strengthening legal certainty, decent working conditions, social security, and protection from violence for domestic workers, many of whom are women. Second, women must be at the heart of development and decision making. Women are not merely beneficiaries of development, they are leaders, entrepreneurs, and agents of change, including across Indonesia's MSME sector and public institutions. Third, technology must empower women, not expose them to new forms of harm. Indonesia recognizes sexual violence facilitated by the misuse of technology as a serious threat, as reflected by our sexual violence crimes law. At the same time, we use technology to respond faster, such as Sapa 129, where women can report violence by phone or WhatsApp, with cases connected directly to local services. At the same time, we continue to strengthen women's digital and financial capabilities. Our new Laxmi programs helps women micro-entrepreneurs go digital, access finance, and reach new markets. Vice Chair, laws provide protection, participation provides voice, technology expands opportunities. Our task is to ensure that together they translate into greater dignity, security, and agency for every woman and girl. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:32:23]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.


Cuba [2:32:33]:

Senora.

Madam Chair, for Cuba, the advancement of women is not a future aspiration, no, it is a reality built over decades through political will and social justice. We are deeply committed to the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, whose full implementation is more necessary today than ever before. We are proud to have been the first country to sign and the second to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, whose obligations we scrupulously and fully implement. We have achieved tangible results, even in a context marked by grave adversities. Cuban Women participate actively in all spheres of national life. They constitute a large majority among professionals in the areas of health, science, and education, and the legal sector. They hold more than half of the parliamentary seats in our country and enjoy robust legal protection through the Constitution, the Family Code, and the comprehensive strategy for prevention and response to gender-based and domestic violence. We are honored to have a Cuban expert currently serving on CEDAW. Chair, Cuban women and girls are suffering as never before the devastating effects of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial embargo, one that has been intensified by the fuel blockade and secondary sanctions. Cuban women face a lack of transportation, and power outages, women suffer outages that complicate their daily lives and prevent the normal functionings of their homes, hospitals, neonatal wards, pediatric wards, ICUs, surgical units, as well as school, cultural, and sports programs. The brutal effect of this collective punishment disproportionately affect women and girls. Although our resilience has been put to the test, it will in no way change our commitment to gender equality, social justice, and the empowerment of women, without whose participation the model that we have sovereignly built in Cuba will be incomplete. Cuba will continue to advocating for all women and girls to be able to live in dignity until their fullest potential, free of violence and discrimination. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:35:11]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.


Viet Nam [2:35:22]:

Madam Chair, Vietnam aligns itself with the statement of ASEAN which will be delivered this afternoon. Despite important gains, the path towards gender equality remains uneven and fragile. Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of conflict, poverty and violence, while persistent inequalities constrain their rights and opportunities. With less than four years remaining until 2030, we must step up our efforts. Vienna would like to highlight three priorities. First, we must translate global commitments into concrete action with greater investment in preventing and eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls. Second, women must have a full, equal, and meaningful voice in decision-making at all levels, including in political and economic life. Third, women must be able not only to accept new technologies, but also to help shape the digital future. We should expand opportunities for women and girls in STEM, ensure that emerging technologies are developed and used in ways that uphold their rights, and strengthen cooperation to prevent technology-facilitated trafficking in persons, especially women and girls. Madam Chair, Vietnam continues to make tangible strides in the advancement of women. Women now hold 30% of seats in the National Assembly. They also represent around 37% of those in STEM education, and the science and technology workforce above the global average. Women are also playing a growing role in peace and security, accounting for over 30% of Vietnamese police peacekeepers deployed to UN missions, exceeding the UN minimum target. At the same time, we are scaling up support for women entrepreneurs to harness digital technologies and innovation. Vietnam remains committed to advancing women's leadership and ensuring that women and girls can contribute to and share equally in the benefits of sustainable development. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:37:31]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.


Kuwait [2:37:42]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. We are honored to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for the reports under this item and the recommendations included to promote the empowerment and advancement of women and addressing challenges that continue to prevent women and girls from enjoying their rights and their full participation and effective participation in different areas. The State of Kuwait affirms that the empowerment of women and promoting their participation in decision-making are a national priority and pillar for SDGs. Hence, the State of Kuwait continues to expand the participation of women in decision-making and the diplomatic, the judiciary, and security, and other areas. Here in 2026, a number of developments include the increase in the number of female judges to more than 1,000 women. And we have appointed the first undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, and the first female officers were graduated in the fire department. This is evidence that we are increasing the participation of women in public spheres. We focus on WPS, and we implement Security Council Resolution 1325. As part of the effort for promoting awareness, with the national authorities, including the ministries of defense, interior, and the judiciary. Also, we continue in cooperation with ESQA to work on promoting the national plan to implement Security Council Resolution 1325 to reflect moving from awareness and capacity building towards implementation and follow-up. In parallel, we stress that the empowerment of women cannot be achieved without providing protection to women and girls from all forms of violence. Here, a decree issued in 2026 on protection from domestic violence. Also, we adopted a decree and regulation on women, better women also. We adopted a plan for protection and rehabilitation. In closing, the state of Kuwait stresses that advancement of women is not just simply expanding their participation, but also through entrenching their participation and presence in decision-making and peace-building, the political sphere, and in achieving development. We believe that the empowerment of women will not change their lives alone, but also that of their households, their families, and their homelands. And women were never just a peripheral in the development process, but at the heart of it, I think.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:40:20]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.


Oman [2:40:33]:

Thank you, Madam Chair, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. The Sultanate of Oman extends its sincere thanks and appreciation, welcomes to this item, and particularly the reports of the Secretary-General and the working group. Our efforts in advancement of women include a legislative framework The state constitution guarantees equality before the law between men and women. This includes a number of policies and our vision. We have also programs for promoting women's empowerment in the different areas of development. Also, we have developed the National Plan 2026-2030 in cooperation with ESCWA to support aligning national policies with development priorities and international commitments. Omani women have established a presence in public and political life. They have reached many decision-making positions in government and private institutions, as well as in external and foreign representation and diplomatic posts. This reflected in the statistics for 2024 and 2025. As follows, women made up 45.3% of all members of the judiciary in 2025, compared with 39% in 2024. Women account for 50% of social protection beneficiaries. Of economically active women, 85% are in employment. In education, 57% of young people currently enrolled in higher education in Oman and abroad in 2025 are women. Land ownership rate among girls under the age of 18 is 47%. Women hold 63.2% of chairs of the boards of civil society organizations. Women's contribution to research and development has risen to 33%. The Sultanate of Oman has also allocated an additional 11 seats in the Shura Council to promote their political participation and their role in the development of public policy. Also, we have, in recognition of the role of Omani women, 17th of October of each year has been designated as Omani Women's Day in tribute to their active role in society. We affirm that we'll continue to support international and regional efforts to support and empower women and girls. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:43:34]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Oman. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.


Brazil [2:43:44]:

Madam Chair, at a time when both multilateralism and women's rights are facing undeniable challenges and setbacks, women's equal participation in society can no longer remain an aspiration. It must become a reality. Multilateralism is, in many ways, a reflection of democracy at the international level. Just as a multilateral system cannot be truly effective and legitimate if it reflects only the voices of a few countries, no government can be truly legitimate if the voices of half of the population are silenced or ignored. Brazil shares the international community's grave concern over the profound regression and unprecedented deterioration in the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Afghan women and girls are subject to a pervasive system of institutionalized discrimination and exclusion, systematically denied their fundamental human rights and freedoms, including access to education and employment, freedom of movement, and the ability to participate in public life. In Brazil's view, the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity depends on the effective realization of their civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. This includes their bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights, free from coercion. It also requires decisive action to prevent, combat, and eliminate all forms of discrimination, including multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, as well as femicide, harassment, and the many forms of violence that women and girls face every day, both online and offline. We are convinced that achieving gender equality requires us to go beyond the mere promotion of women's representation. It demands women's full participation, equal leadership, meaningful influence, and accountability. In other words, representation must translate into leadership and genuine decision-making power. This brings us to the urgent need for global governance reform to ensure gender equality across all decision-making arenas, including at the highest levels of the United Nations leadership. It is striking that in 80 years, no woman has ever served as Secretary-General and only five as President of the General Assembly. This year must mark the historic appointment of the first woman Secretary-General, an outcome that Brazil has been strongly advocating for. Madam Chair, Brazil is proud of its role in promoting pluralism, diversity, and gender equality. We remain firmly committed to advancing women's rights and combating all forms of violence and discrimination against them. We hope to continue to contribute to the necessary changes in favor of a more equitable world for all women and girls. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:46:37]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia on behalf of the African Group.


Namibia · Africa Group [2:46:52]:

Madam Chair, I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. Our continent has reached a pivotal moment in its pursuit of advancement and empowerment of women. Notable progress has been achieved in areas such as political representation, education, health, and women's economic empowerment. These gains, which deserve recognition and support, reflect the strength and resolve of the African women, backed by their governments. However, these achievements fall short of our collective goals and commitments. We believe that progress in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains especially slow and inadequate in Africa due to the to various challenges including social economic and political challenges violence and discrimination against women uh debt burden and limited access to International financing Madam chair progress is nearly impossible without Financial resources women who lack Financial means are more sus susceptible to violence and discrimination. Therefore, it is essential to empower them economically. Women's economic empowerment focuses on creating, distributing and managing economic values and establishing conditions for women to realize their rights through economic participation, including decent work and entrepreneurship. This is relevant to various aspects of women's life, whether they live in rural or urban areas, which serves leaders in public institution or housewives. The African Union's adoption of the declaration on 2015 years of women's empowerment and development towards Africa's agenda 2063 reflects the continent's response to this issue. Through this declaration, Africa Countries committed to establishing and integrating mechanism that ensures or ensure women's access to finance, financial and entrepreneurial skills development, moving away from limited earmarked women's funds and urging financial institution to allocate financial or financing to women's so that they can grow from micro to macro businesses. We are committed to strengthening Africa's women's leadership skills in business. Chair, various factors including poverty and lack of empowerment caused by women exclusion from social, economic and political policies, from the benefit of education and sustainable development can put them at risk of violence. Therefore, accelerating efforts to improve and expand education for women and girls at all levels in all academic fields, including the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, positively impacts women's access to labor markets. It also enables women to benefit from development and combating violence. The African group, their support for women's advancement, particularly through the social and economic empowerment, And then there is a need to undertake necessary reforms collectively and individually to give women equal rights to economic resources and to adopt and to strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation to protect and empower women at all spheres of life. A full statement will be sent to each state member. Madam Chair, I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:50:39]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia on behalf of the African Group. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa on behalf of the SADC member states.


South Africa · SADC [2:50:53]:

Madam Chair, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of member states of the Southern African Development Community in South Africa's capacity as its chair. SADC aligns itself with the statement by Namibia on behalf of the Africa Group. SADC welcomes the report of the Secretary-General under this agenda item and reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Despite the progress achieved over the years, significant barriers continue to impede the full realization of the rights of women and girls and their full, equal and meaningful participation in all spheres of society. Persistent poverty, inequality, violence and discrimination, limited economic opportunities, the disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work, as well as impacts of climate change, conflict and humanitarian crises continue to undermine the advancement of women Addressing these challenges requires sustained political will, strengthened international cooperation, and concrete action to translate commitments into meaningful and lasting change. Of particular concern to SADC is the continued prevalence of violence against women and girls, which remains a pervasive human rights violation, with femicide representing its most extreme manifestation. Gender-based violence continues to pose a serious threat to their lives, safety, well-being of women and girls globally, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened prevention and response measures. The Secretary-General's report highlights the significant burden of femicide in Africa, while also drawing attention to persistent data gaps that constrain a comprehensive understanding of its scale and patterns. Strengthening data collection and national capability is therefore critical to informing effective prevention and response measures. CEDAW therefore underscored the urgent need for comprehensive and adequately resourced approaches that address the root causes of violence against women and girls, including gender inequality, discrimination, social norms, and unequal power relations. Prevention must remain central to this effort. This includes engaging men and boys, traditional and religious leaders, communities, civil society, and media in transforming harmful social norms and stereotypes. It also requires strengthening protection mechanisms, access to justice, survivor services, while ensuring accountability for perpetrators. Madam Chair, SADC is equally concerned by the increasing use of digital technologies to facilitate violence against women and girls. Online stalking, harassment, surveillance, and image-based abuse can reinforce and escalate violence occurring offline. We must, therefore, ensure that technical advances serve as instrument for empowerment of women and girls rather than creating new avenues for violence, exploitation, and discrimination. SADC further emphasizes that the advancement of women cannot be achieved without economic empowerment and full and equal meaningful participation in decision making. Expanding women's access to decent work, productive resources, finance, education, skills, technology, and indispensable is indispensable to inclusive and sustainable development. We underscore the importance of strengthening national statistical capabilities in improving the collection of reliable and appropriately disaggregated data. The persistent gaps in data on violence against women and girls, including femicide, impede effective prevention, evidence-based policy making, and accountability.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:54:59]:

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa on behalf of the SADC member states. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.


Ethiopia [2:55:13]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African group. At the outset, allow me to thank our appreciation for the reports under this agenda item and takes note of the recommendations contained therein. After three decades since its adoption, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action continues to guide global collective efforts towards the realization of equality and empowerment of women and girls. Ethiopia prioritizes the advancement of women, embracing equality of women and girls as essential vehicle for sustainable development and economic growth. We have made significant progress in realizing increased representation of women in political and other public spheres. Ethiopia has also reached a major departure with nearly half of ministers, cabinet members being women, and a significant increase in women's high level representation in the parliament. Madam Chair, Ethiopia has made strides in promoting women's health, leading to increased access and utilization of healthcare services. Notably, progress has been made in increasing coverage of antenatal care, skilled delivery services, and postnatal care. Moreover, efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula are also yielding results with expanded access to emergency obstetric services, timely referrals, and specialized treatment centers. The revised Women Development and Gender Equality Policy provides a policy framework for access to justice in addressing emerging forms of violence against women and girls, including violence facilitated through digital platforms. Remarkable progress has also been made in digital financial inclusion, expanding participation of women in cooperative ventures, improving their entrepreneurial skills and enhancing their employment rate. Land and livestock ownership of rural women has increased, and the government has put in place the right mix of policies and legal reforms. Ethiopia believes that family is an essential unit of society that necessitates the acknowledgement of families' role in our endeavour to the implementation of Beijing Declaration. In conclusion, Madam Chair, we are of the view that despite substantial achievements realized thus far, women in developing countries face formidable challenge. The political commitment of states remains to advancing the full and effective implementation of the Beijing. In this regard, we urge the relevant UN agencies to continue to implement the declaration with due regard to our national laws, values and context. I thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [2:57:43]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.


Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [2:57:53]:

Presidenta.

Madam Chair, Venezuela, 30 years following on from the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, Venezuela is happy to reaffirm its commitment to gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence. Gender equality is crucial for social development. This is why Venezuela has strengthened policies that guarantee the rights of women with a legal and constitutional framework of protection, together with specialized institutions that are aimed at preventing and addressing gender violence. The great mission of Venezuela women has more than 6 million participants and it coordinates health, education, social protection and economic independence program in accordance with SDG 5. We continue to point out the adverse impacts of unilateral coercive measures that have a significant impact on women and we reiterate our position in favor of its lifting. Madam Chair, we and this national stage are strengthening policies for women to fully exercise their rights and participate on an equal footing in the economic, social and political life of the country. Eliminating discrimination against women requires appropriate legal frameworks, effective institutions and international cooperation. We recognize the work of the United Nations mechanisms and we stand ready to exchange good practices. Venezuela has also watched with interest how women have been participating in the current selection process for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. A greater presence of women in international decision-making fora will contribute to reflecting the diversity of our societies and to strengthening the full participation of women in the conduct of public affairs. Today, Venezuela has, as its head of state and government, a woman, President Darcy Rodriguez. This is an example of the participation and representation of Venezuelan women at the highest level of public office. The full and effective participation of women is essential for sustainable development, for reducing inequalities, and for building more just societies. And we are convinced that the advancement of women strengthens our democracies, it catalyzes our economies, and raises up the well-being of people. Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to the leadership of women. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [3:00:25]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso.


Burkina Faso [3:00:35]:

Madam Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African Group. In Burkina Faso, women represent 51.7% of the population, roughly 12.4 million people. Their advancement is underpinned by an approach that combines economic empowerment, education, social inclusion and participation in peace. Women are facing a range of challenges, especially in the area of access to basic social services and productive inputs such as land. These challenges are worsened in a worrying security context and by climate change. Under the leadership of Comrade Ibrahim Traore, President of Burkina Faso, these efforts are being undertaken to strengthen the resilience of women, to eliminate inequalities and violence against women, and to strengthen women's contribution to development. The institutional framework has been strengthened through the validation of our National Gender Strategy 2026 through 2030. This program aims to better guide and coordinate actions to support equality between women and men. As part of this application, a range of actions are being envisaged to strengthen the economic independence and financial independence of women, especially in rural areas and within populations facing forced displacement. As part of this process, Hundreds of thousands of women have been able to access loans through a support fund for income-generating activity in order to set up or develop their activities. We have also got an agro pastoral fisheries program that has generated more than 32,000 jobs for women between 2023 and 2025. And we're also developing equipped market garden zones to strengthen this activity. Madam Chair, promoting women and their advancement also means investing in young girls. And this is why Burkina Faso, together with its partners, is continuing its initiatives to support girls staying in school and to combat child marriage. Similarly, as part of our work to strengthen women's access to science and women's participation in strategic sectors for national development, Burkina Faso in September 2026 launched an initiative called Haliki Mutsu. The aim is to spotlight excellence, to break down stereotypes, and to stimulate feminine vocation in the sciences, technology, and innovation, including the digital sector and the digital transformation. Madam Chair, Burkina Faso reaffirms its determination to make every woman an agent of development, peace and social cohesion. And we call for international cooperation in solidarity. I thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [3:03:39]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Burkina Faso. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania.


Romania [3:03:51]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. 31 years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the international community has made important progress towards gender equality. Yet progress remains uneven and in too many areas, fragile. Discrimination, gender-based violence, unequal economic opportunities, and barriers to women's full participation in decision-making continue to affect women and girls worldwide. This is precisely why we're here, member states united in our responsibility to identify the challenges, assess what must be changed, and take meaningful action to build a more equal and inclusive world for all women and girls. The power of example is profound, and it lies within each of us, states, institutions, civil society representatives, or individuals. It is our duty to lead by example, to uphold respect, dignity, and to promote equality through our words, our action, and our decisions. With this in mind, I highlight Romania's recent efforts at the national level towards the adoption of a comprehensive legislative framework for the prevention and combating of femicide. This is an important milestone, together with our ongoing efforts to strengthen the legislative framework by harmonizing national legislation with relevant EU directives on gender equality and the prevention and combating of violence against women. Simply put, these developments reflect Romania's commitment to ensuring stronger legal protection, effective prevention, and access to justice for women and girls. These efforts are complemented by Romania's active engagement here in New York. As Vice Chair of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Romania worked to promote inclusive dialogue and strengthen collective efforts toward gender equality and access to justice for all women and girls. We will continue these efforts next year at the 71st session of the Commission, including by contributing to the objectives of its priority theme and by working to further advance the empowerment of women and girls. Madam Chair, we are aware of the multiple challenges faced by women and girls worldwide, both online and in the physical space, and remain committed to addressing them to sustain efforts with a particular focus on prevention, protection, and empowerment. We remain particularly concerned by the disproportionate impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine on women and girls. Romania will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and to support those forced to flee the war, including women and children. Chair, the advancement of women is not and can never be seen as a sectoral objective. It is and will remain an essential component of resilient democracy, of sustainable development, and of just and lasting social cohesion through the guarantee of respect for human rights. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [3:06:24]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Romania. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.


France [3:06:35]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow me to begin by congratulating you on your election. Even today, women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, conflict, and climate change. They face challenges and discrimination in all areas of life and in all countries. Yet women are indispensable actors in sustainable development and the proper functioning of societies. In many parts of the world, women and girls remain excluded from social and economic opportunities. Their empowerment and their full, equal, and meaningful participation in all areas of life must be fostered. To this end, France continues to promote equal access to quality, inclusive education and training, particularly in the sciences. The representation of women in all decision-making bodies is essential, although the number of women in leadership positions including in politics, has increased, we must continue to make progress in this area in accordance with General Recommendation No. 40 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. France also reiterates that the equal participation of women in all their diversity must be at the heart of security policy development. Ensuring this inclusion is essential to advancing the women, peace, and security agenda. France will soon publish its fourth national action plan on this issue and calls on other member states to adopt their own. Given the intensification of conflicts, greater efforts are needed. We remain firmly committed to addressing the specific challenges faced by women and girls in conflict and post-conflict contexts by improving access to justice and health care, and other forms of care, and creating more economic opportunities. New forms of violence and exploitation against women and girls are emerging, particularly online. France calls for continued efforts to combat such violence and will present a resolution this year together with the Netherlands focused on femicide. Finally, France is committed to upholding, protecting, and guaranteeing every individual's right to exercise full control over matters relating to their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health. and to make decisions freely. Madam Chair, we have a duty to future generations to enable more women to realize their potential. France will continue to fight for them in this Committee and beyond. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [3:09:02]:

I thank the distinguished representative of France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia [3:09:08]:

I say to the Chair.

Madam Chair, Excellencies, my country reiterates the importance of women's empowerment and their participation in the context of our national vision. We have created new opportunities for women in various sectors and in self-employment. Women also have greater opportunities. The percent of women in the private sector has reached record levels. Women's unemployment in our country is at 5%, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the policies that we have launched to broaden women's economic opportunities. Women have are now occupied 44% of high level positions. In the political sphere, women are able to work in 36 new areas, including policy, programming and evaluation. Madam Chair, we believe that social protection is intrinsically linked to women's empowerment. All women must receive support, particularly those who are divorced, single mothers. They must be given greater access to various forms of support, and they must be given the right to related benefits. Many thousands of women in our country benefit from these, enjoy these various benefits. They have access to clinics and training centers. Women also enjoy financial empowerment measures. They have access to a great number of services. They are participating in developments in our country. To conclude, my government stands ready to continue its efforts in order to bolster and protect human rights, including the rights of women, in accordance with our international commitments. Thank you.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [3:11:53]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Myanmar.


Myanmar [3:12:07]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. From our own experiences, we understand that true global progress cannot be achieved when women are excluded from authority or subjected to systemic violence, nor can lasting peace exist without their full, equal, and meaningful leadership. In Myanmar today, the conditions of women is defined by a stark dichotomy, severe military violence in one hand and extraordinary female leadership on the other. Since the illegal military coup in 2021, the military junta has weaponized conflict-related sexual violence, arbitrarily detained female politicians and forced conscriptions, and human trafficking. Comprising over half of Myanmar's 4 million internally displaced persons, women bear the brunt of indiscriminate airstrikes, food insecurity, and deep-rooted patriarchal oppressions. In short description, Myanmar's women stand as the primary architects of our national resilience and in entering governance. Women hold up to 25% of executive ministerial portfolio in the national unity government. Women's representation is one of the three pillars of the steering council for the emergence of federal democratic union. They constitute over 70% of striking educators operating the Supporting Committee for Federal Education. More than 70% of frontline civil society networks delivering healthcare and cross-border aid are women-led. Crucially, the resilience against this unlawful military coup has demonstrated that regardless of the atrocities committed by the junta, Myanmar's women and girls are not passive victims of conflict. They are conscious actors actively defending their fundamental rights and shaping our democratic futures. We therefore call upon the international community to hold military perpetrators accountable for sexual violence and atrocity crimes under international law and to channel direct, flexible aid to local women-led organizations. The global advancement of women is achievable when there is true political will. In Myanmar, an illegal military junta that terrorizes its own women can neither claim legitimacy nor foster their advancement. The genuine advancement of women in Myanmar is achievable by ending the junta impunity and establishing a Federal Democratic Union, the only aspirations of the people of Myanmar. Thank you, Madam Chair.


3rd Committee · Vice-Chair [3:14:54]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Myanmar. We have heard the last speaker on my list for this meeting. The committee will reconvene this afternoon promptly at 3:00 p.m. to continue its general discussion of agenda item 25. The forthcoming speakers will be reflected in the live list on iGov. Before adjourning, I wish to remind delegations that the informal briefing convened by the Chair for representatives of civil society organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council will be held shortly at 1:15 p.m. in this conference room. Member States, observers and representatives from the UN system are invited to participate in the briefing. The meeting is adjourned.


3rd Committee · Chair [3:28:26]:

Welcome everybody. I think we have one minute to go before our formal commence time, but given that we have a small quorum, I would say we'll go ahead. First off, let me introduce myself. I'm James Larsen. I'm the Permanent Representative of Australia here at the UN in New York, and I'm very honored to be the Chair of the Third Committee for the 81st session, and I hope in a small way we can make.