4 October 2016: The UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) opened its session with a general debate on social development, which focused on youth, older persons and leaving no one behind.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Wu Hongbo, reminded the Committee that the world’s regions have not made equal progress, and economic inequality persists between and within countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. Wu stressed the importance of transformative leadership, stronger, inclusive institutions, policy coherence and integration, and national ownership of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to achieve all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Third Committee Chair, María Emma Mejía Vélez (Colombia), called on the Committee to consolidate progress in guaranteeing civil and political rights through its resolutions. She stated her intent to promote greater cooperation with the human rights system bodies and mechanisms and the Human Rights Council (HRC), among other issues.

Speakers highlighted a range of topics on social development, ranging from challenges in poverty eradication and disabilities to education, food insecurity and unemployment. Speakers also shared national and regional progress on social development.

On youth, Thailand, for the Group of 77 and China (G-77/China), called for efforts to advance inclusive job creation, skills development and vocational training for youth. The Bahamas, for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Angola, for the African Group, both urged increased investment in youth, with CARICOM stressing such investment as necessary for the region to achieve sustainable development, and the African Group highlighting investment in youth as essential for addressing inequalities and harnessing the region’s demographic dividend. Youth delegates highlighted the transformative potential of start-ups and the importance of technology and innovation for global impact.

On older persons, the EU called for older peoples’ rights and well-being, urging governments to address age discrimination and include access to adequate pensions in social protection systems. The Philippines, for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said ASEAN adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing in 2015. G-77/China urged full implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to ensure the human rights and well-being of older persons. The African Group supported protecting the rights of older persons and greater support for families.

The Committee also discussed reports by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), both of which address leaving no one behind and marginalized groups. UNESCO described literacy as a development accelerator that can contribute to an equitable, inclusive and sustainable world. DESA said additional efforts are needed to ensure SDG monitoring is inclusive of people with disabilities.

The Committee also addressed reports on, inter alia: the realization of internationally agreed development goals for persons with disabilities (A/71/214); the objectives and follow-up of the International Year of the Family (A/71/61-E/2016/7); literacy for life (A/71/177); and the World Social Situation 2016: Leaving No One Behind – the Imperative of Inclusive Development (A/71/188).

The Committee also adopted its work programme for the session. The general debate continues on 5 October. [UN Press Release] [Statements in Third Committee General Debate]