...Human beings are not one-dimensional, and neither are the structural barriers they face, she pointed out, and addressing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination is therefore foundational to social development. It will be essential to re-introduce this concept and previously agreed language concerning it in future sessions, she underscored.
Liberia's delegate, speaking for the African Group, expressed disappointment that the final text does not take into account items that are crucial for promoting his continent's economic development. Highlighting the "deletion of the right to development", he said that despite previous commitments, such as in the Copenhagen Declaration, references to the transfer of technology have been removed from the text. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development is part of the international architecture to support sustainable development, and "the Group is surprised at its removal from the text" while it is clearly visible in the Doha Declaration, he said.
Focus on Definition of Gender
The observer for the Holy See welcomed the resolution as a positive example of "what can be achieved when contentious issues are set aside, compromises are crafted and the theme is centred". The text reflects the important role of the family, including as a contributor to social development, the need for social protection schemes and the essential role of international cooperation in strengthening the capacity of developing countries to achieve poverty eradication. His delegation understands the term "gender" as grounded in biological sexual identity, male or female, he added.
Several delegates, including Iran's, noted that the text refers to gender-related concepts that have non-consensual interpretation among Member States. Iran will implement the text in accordance with its domestic legal framework and cultural and religious values, he said, while welcoming the recognition of the family as the fundamental unit of society.
The Russian Federation's delegate said her country understands "gender and its derivatives" to refer to the biological notion of gender. The speakers for Mali and Senegal welcomed the reference to family and stressed that the term "gender" refers to biological identity, while Israel's delegate disassociated from the term "right to development". ...
Bureau Elected for 2027 Session
The Commission then concluded its sixty-fourth session and opened its sixty-fifth to elect its new office-bearers, in accordance with the principle of equitable geographical rotation among the five regional groups. Stefano Guerra (Portugal) was elected as Chair, while Abbas Tajik (Iran) and Shahriyar Hajiyev (Azerbaijan) were elected as Vice-Chairs. The Commission postponed the elections of the remaining members of the Bureau -- from the Group of African States and the Group of Latin America and Caribbean States -- to a later date.
The newly elected Chair, Mr. Guerra, addressed the Commission, highlighting his country's participation in its work. The Commission provides "a central multilateral platform" to advance inclusive social policies, he said, adding that this directly aligns with Portugal's national priorities. The global dialogue on poverty eradication, social inclusion, ageing, disability, decent work and the reduction of inequalities are all "highly relevant to our societies", he said. ...
