Mercy Global Action Joins Call to “Build Forward Better”

The 60th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD60) is taking place largely online from 7 to 16 February 2022 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Commission for Social Development has been the key UN body in charge of the follow-up and implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, and the social development pillar of global development.

This year, the Commission is addressing the following Priority Theme: “Inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 for sustainable livelihood, well-being, and dignity for all: eradicating poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions to achieve the 2030 agenda.”

During the Commission, Mercy Global Action and our NGO partners have been dedicated to raising awareness on the Priority Theme and amplifying voices, experiences, and recommendations from the grassroots. 

Head of MGA, Angela Reed, rsm moderated the second session of the Civil Society Forum, entitled “Transitioning from Talk to Action: Towards a Hunger-Free, Green and Just Society.” Angela facilitated a conversation between representatives from the government of Colombia, the FAO, UNRISD, and Save the Children, who spoke about the interlinkages in policies aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger and taking simultaneous action on climate. They highlighted the need for partnerships and participation and the importance of giving decision-making power to the grassroots level for the benefit of all. Read the concept note, and watch the entire event here.

Mercy also supported the event organized by the Working Group to End Homelessness, which has been partnering with Member States to increase visibility and actions for the rights of those who are homeless and lack adequate housing. The joint efforts of the Working Group to End Homelessness resulted in homelessness being selected as the priority for CSocD58, and in 2021 the adoption by the General Assembly of a resolution on homelessness. This event, “End Homelessness & Poverty to Achieve Inclusive Recovery & Dignity For All through the SDGs,” highlighted the role of government leaders and civil society organizations in promoting housing solutions that are inclusive and capture the needs of the people they target. 

Mercy Global Action signed on to the CSocD60 Civil Society Declaration along with over 800 other organizations, calling on UN Member States to work towards a New Social Contract to Build Forward Better, prioritizing the following actions:

1. End discrimination and invest in human dignity and well-being;
2. End hunger by building resilience for food security everywhere;
3. Invest in decent and sustainable jobs; and
4. Bridge the digital divide to access fundamental rights.

Read the entire Civil Society Declaration here.