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Commission for Social Development

ECOSOC establishes functional commissions, like the Commission for Social Development, to study different issues within its mandate and make specific policy recommendations. As part of the follow-up to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, ECOSOC and the General Assembly designated the Commission on Social Development as the main forum for MIPAA evaluation. Thus, the Commission is the key UN body in charge of the follow-up to MIPAA.  

The Commission was established in 1946 as the Social Commission and was later renamed Social Development Commission in order to clarify its role as a preparatory body of ECOSOC in the whole range of social development policy. It is composed of 46 members elected by ECOSOC and meets once a year in New York, usually in February. Like other functional commissions, it is open to participation by accredited NGOs. 

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5 Year Review of MIPAA | Links

Forty-ninth session (February 2011)

Opening Remarks by Ambassador Jorge Valero, Chairman of the Commission for Social Development (February 9, 2011)
(Speech also available in Spanish)
The Ambassador from Venezuela, Jorge Valero, presided over the 2011 UN Commission for Social Development. He urged changes to bring a more human perspective to our lives. According to the Ambassador, the current economic and social model impedes human rights and the right to development, making it difficult to eliminate poverty and reduce inequity. He noted that the present economic system is inefficient in creating jobs and destroys much of our natural environment, punishing the poorest and most vulnerable people.  

Forty-eighth session (February 2010)

Report: World: Views of Member States and Permanent Observers on How to Improve the Implementation of the Madrid Plan of Action (April 2010)
This report, created by Global Action on Aging, is based on the Secretary General’s report submitted to the Commission for Social Development 2010. It analyzes Member States’ opinions on the following issues: appointment of a Special Rapporteur on the rights of older persons; establishment of a regular working group on older persons and ageing during CSD, development of a new legal mechanism (a convention on the rights of older persons), and the recognition the rights of older persons as one of the priority themes for the Madrid International Plan of Action. 

Resolution: Future Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), 2002 (February 12, 2010)
The UN Commission for Social Development adopted during its 48th session a resolution on older persons. Member States are encouraged “to consider how best the international framework of norms and standards can ensure the full enjoyment of the rights of older persons” and to look at the “possibility of instituting new policies, instruments or measures to further improve the situation of older persons.” The theme adopted for the second review and appraisal exercise of MIPAA is: “Full implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing: social situation, wellbeing and dignity, development and the full realization of all human rights for older persons.”

NGO Side Event Addresses Human Rights Concerns for Older Persons (February 4, 2010)
A February 4 panel discussion on “Regional Perspectives on a New Human Rights Instrument for Older People: Concerns and Benefits” addressed the rights issue as nations continue to grapple with issues of discrimination against their elder citizens. This discussion took place during an NGO side event during the U.N.'s 48th Commission on Social Development. The panel was comprised of representatives from Slovakia, Argentina, Benin and Malaysia. Each panelist stressed the importance of acknowledging these issues from a regional perspective as well as the continued need for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. View photos of this event in our gallery.

Speech by Dr. Monica Roqué, National Director for Policy on Aging of the National Secretariat for Children, Youth and Family of the Ministry of Social Development of Argentina (February 3 to 5, 2010)
(Speech also available in Spanish)
During the 48th Session of the Commission for Social Development of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, Dr Monica Roqué, on behalf of all the MERCOSUR Member States, called for the creation and development of an International Convention of Rights for the Older People. She also invited UN Member States that have not yet expressed a position to strengthen their dialogue and analyses in their countries and to move forward toward a Convention.

Convention on Older Persons Has ‘Real Capacity for Change’ (February 1, 2010)
The Madrid Plan on Ageing is a good start “but not enough” to fully protect the rights of the world’s older people, according to Maria Luz Melon, First Secretary of the Mission of Argentina to the United Nations. She advocates for an international convention on the rights of older persons. While a convention may be the “most ambitious” among the options being considered, it’s also the option “that has the real capacity for change,” she said. Melon, one of four speakers who will offer regional perspectives on the need for a human rights instrument for older people, will outline her position at a Feb. 4 side event during the UN Commission on Social Development. Following the success of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Melon, on behalf of her Government, Argentina, is committed to bringing immediate awareness to global aging issues.

Report: World: Executive Summary: 2010 AARP-UN Briefing Series on Global Aging (February 2010)
This summary from the fourth briefing series provides a day by day account of suggestions for implementing the Madrid Plan of Action on Aging. Held in preparation for the 48th session of the UN Commission for Social Development, speakers talked about social inclusion of older persons, cultural comparisons of intergenerational cohesiveness, and efforts to expand participation to older persons in community health projects. 

UN Programme on Ageing Keep Ageing on the UN Agenda (January 28, 2010)
Reporter Linda Bloom interviewed Rosemary Lane, the head of the UN Programme on Ageing, prior to the Commission for Social Development. Lane is in charge of placing ageing issues on development agendas and make it part of the conversation in civil society. According to her "maybe from this commission, we’ll get more of a sense of what the thinking is, but that’s not guaranteed either” as Member States are discussing possible mechanisms to better address the human rights concerns of older persons.

World: Joint NGO Statement to the 48th UN Commission for Social Development (December 2009)
To give a voice to civil society at the 48th UN Commission for Social Development, which will take place next February, Global Action on Aging, along with other NGOs, agreed on a joint statement. On Human Rights Day, December 10, 2009, this statement called for strengthening the rights of older persons worldwide. The NGOs underline the fact that older people cannot access their human rights. They recommend the adoption of a global human rights instrument to assure such rights.

World: Report of the Secretary-General to the 48th Session of the Commission for Social Development: Further Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 (November 25, 2009)
(Report also available in French, Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Spanish)
The UN has issued the Secretary General’s report to the upcoming session of the Commission for Social Development in February 2010. The report highlights priorities that Member States identified for the year ahead and outlines their views on how to implement the Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing more effectively.

Forty-seventh session (February 2009)

World : Social Security For Older Persons: How Do We Protect Pensions and Social Services for the Aging in the Midst of Economic Crisis? (February 13, 2009)
This document reports on the Side Event Organized by Global Action on Aging and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung during the Commission for Social Development last February, focusing on Social Security for older persons. In the midst of the current economic crisis, both older persons and current workers find themselves at serious risk since many have invested their pension accounts in stocks and bonds that were unregulated by state authorities. The four panelists discuss the economic prospects that current and future retired persons are facing.

Report: World: Strengthening the Rights of Older People (February 9, 2009)
This report presents the findings of a Side Event at the 47th Session of the Commission for Social Development (2009). The event spotlighted the need for an International Convention on Aging, necessitated by unprecedented demographic ageing and the extent of age discrimination and prejudice. To ensure a global level of accountability, UN Member States must adopt international legally binding document. Initiatives taken at the UN level can also create a call for action at the national level. Speakers and the audience stressed the need for a broad coalition of NGO’s and older people, to help the Member States implement a Convention’s new legal arrangements to support older people’s lives.

Report: World: Commission for Social Development, 47th Session Chairperson’s Summary (February 2009)
The 47th session of the Commission for Social Development emphasized the need for social inclusion to strengthen societies by including all people in society and in decision making. Some challenges to social inclusion are unemployment, underemployment, and poverty. Also, socio-demographic changes such as rapid urbanization, population ageing, increased migration, and HIV/AIDS, pose challenges to social inclusion. To ensure a socially inclusive society, steps will have to be taken to end poverty and to secure full employment and decent work while strengthening civil society. 

Aging Watch: UN Member States and Older Persons during the Commission for Social Development (February 2009)
The UN Economic and Social Council held its forty-seventh session during February on the topic of social integration. Member States addressed social integration in their respective countries. They mentioned the situation of various vulnerable social groups including older persons, youth, women and disabled people. Countries that spoke about older persons as part of their overall commitment to social integration included: Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Czech Republic (on behalf of the European Union), Ecuador, Finland, Guatemala, India, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia (on behalf of the African Union), Nepal, Netherlands, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, El Salvador, South Africa (on behalf of the Southern African Development Community),  Sudan (on behalf of China and the Group of 77), Tunisia, US, Vietnam, and Yemen. 

Fortunately, these Member States dedicated to improving older persons’ lives said they wanted to set up inclusive development policies for older persons. In addition, a number of countries stated their commitment the human rights of all aged persons. These countries included: Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Czech Republic (on behalf of the EU), Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malawi, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Syria, Switzerland, UK, and Zambia. 

In the most pro-aging statement, Argentina spelled out the need for a legally binding international instrument to ensure the effective exercise of the rights of older persons.

World: First Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 (MIPAA) (February 12, 2009)
UN Member States pushed forward greater implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing at the conclusion of the 47th session of the Commission for Social Development. Vice-Chairperson of the Commission, Ms. Lorena Giménez from Venezuela, submitted a draft resolution that highlighted how MIPPA protected the human rights of older persons, among other items. The document encourages Member States to continue mainstreaming aging into their policy agendas and to share their perspectives on possible mechanisms to improve MIPAA implementation.

Argentina: Presentation in Favor of Human Rights for the Elderly by Mónica Roqué from the Ministry of Social Development (February 5, 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The report establishes the need for States to call for the United Nations to create a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons as there is no legally binding document that standardizes and protects the rights of the elderly. Despite the growing population of the elderly, their rights and protection of their well-being continue to be limited. It lists the small number of rather weak documents whose clauses specifically protect the rights of old people.

Latin America: Healthy and Active Aging and the Human Rights of Older Persons (February 5, 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Pan American Health Organization supports the overall protection of older persons through the creation of an international convention on human rights. It links human rights with the well-being of the elderly. Furthermore, it lists rights, especially equal rights before law, right to live, and more which will serve as building blocks to establish a human rights convention for old persons.

Gallery of Events during the Commission for Social Development (February 2009)
The GAA Team participated actively in the 2009 Commission. Among other things, we attended the Civil Society Forum and organized in partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung a Reception and a Side Event on Social Security for Older Persons. Click on the links to see the photographs. 

World: Further Implementation of the Madrid International of Action on Ageing: Strategic Implementation Framework (November 24, 2008) 
(Report also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish)
This report intends to assist Member States to implement the Madrid Plan of Action through the year 2012. The Secretary General recommends they adopt legislative measures to guarantee the basic rights of older persons and review their capacity for developing policies to help older persons. 

Forty-sixth session (February 2008)

World: Draft resolution submitted by the Vice-Chairperson of the Commission, Ms. Zhang Dan (China), on the basis of informal consultations First Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 (February 2008)
At the end of the 2008 Commission for Social Development and following informal consultations and many compromises, Member States finally agreed on a draft First review and appraisal of the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. The resolution calls upon governments to “participate effectively in the implementation of MIPAA” and to “continue their efforts to mainstream the concerns of older persons into their policy agenda.” Governments are also invited to organize inclusive consultations with relevant stakeholders and social development partners as they develop and carry out their aging policies. 

United Nations Press Release: Entering Second Week, Social Development Commission Debates Entrenched Challenges of Discrimination, Unemployment, Affecting Broad Segments of Population Globally (February 11, 2008)
The Commission on Social Development addressed, along with representatives from Governments, non-governmental organizations and civil society, the challenges faced by various social groups (elderly, youth and disabled) in the employment sector. Much of the day’s discussion centered on the achievements since -- and obstacles to -- implementing the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. Here is the summary of the day published by the United Nations. 

Gallery: Reception during the Commission for Social Development (February 7, 2008)
Global Action on Aging, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and HelpAge International organized a reception during the Forty-sixth session of the Commission for Social Development. UN staff, NGO representatives and mission delegates gathered to celebrate the actions of older people to support the 2nd Review of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

World: How the International Disability Caucus worked during negotiations for a UN Human Rights Convention on Disability, by Maria Veronica Reina (February 6, 2008)
Global Action on Aging organized a February 6, 2008, panel at the Commission for Social Development focusing on strategies that governments and NGOS used to win approval of a Human Rights Convention on Disability during 2007. A principal speaker was Maria Veronica Reina, a key figure in the International Disability Caucus. This Caucus spoke with one voice representing NGOs to the governmental Ad Hoc Committee on Disability as it negotiated the historic UN Human Rights Convention on Disability. Here is Maria Veronica’s account of the NGO process during the UN debate

Global Action on Aging Side Event: "What can Ageing Advocates Learn from the Disability Convention Process?" (February 6, 2008)
GAA, along with Friedrich Ebert Foundation, organized a Side Event Session entitled, “What can Aging Advocates learn from the Disability Convention Process.” The Feb. 6 session attracted both young and old, able and disabled persons of all ages. Speakers explored the processes, such as NGO self-organizing, their participation and negotiation. They also described the politics involved among governments in coming to an agreement and the current impact of the Disability Rights Convention on blind citizens living in poor countries. 

Forty-fifth session (February 2007)

5 Year Review of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (February 7-16, 2007)
Beginning with its forty-fifth session (February 2007), the Commission enters into a “two-year policy and review cycle.” For the 5 year evaluation of the Madrid Plan, this means that the 2007 session only initiates the review. Therefore, aging advocates must wait until 2008 for for most factual government reports. It is possible that UN organizations and NGO’s may offer recommendations to the Commission during the 2007 session which could positively influence policy implementation in 2008. Aging Watch follows major aging-related events during Commission meetings and will report on any adopted resolutions.

Modalities for the First Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002 – Draft Resolution by the Commission (E/CN.5/2007/L.4) (February 13, 2007)
Focusing on the actual Madrid Plan review session in 2008, this draft resolution encourages governments to step up efforts to facilitate MIPAA implementation if they have not done so. The resolution further calls on greater cooperation between all stakeholders and invites “interested Governments to offer support and assistance, including voluntary financial contributions, to support national and regional review and appraisal activities.” 

Major Developments in the Area of Ageing since the Second World Assembly on Ageing – Report of the Secretary General (November 21, 2006)
Highlighting major developments in the field of aging since UN Member States adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing in 2002, this report addresses several issues. The Secretary General mentions the “sustainability of social protection systems, older workers’ participation in the labour market, approaches to adjusting the health and care services.” In regards to social protection, the report presents the current reform efforts in rich countries as positive, emphasizing that no large-scale cut back or dismantling of public programs has yet occurred. The report also highlights the use of social pensions in an increasing number of poor countries as an effective tool to fight poverty among older persons and their families. The report cites arguments against the notion that social protection is unaffordable for poor countries. In addition, the report mentions the growing movement for the establishment of social protection programs in key donor countries. 

Forty-fourth session (February 2006)

In its forty-fourth session, the Commission for Social Development focused on the "Review of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty." During the session's second week, the Commission reviewed United Nations plans and programs of action on the situation of social groups, including the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

Modalities for the First Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing - Resolution by the Commission (February 14, 2006)
At the end of its 2006 session, the UN's Commission for Social Development decided how it would review and evaluate the accomplishments of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, known as MIPPA. The Commission will begin its global review of each country's actions as well as international institutions in 2007 and conclude its work in 2008. The Commission relies on the cooperation of the UN Member States, the UN System, such as the Regional Economic and Social Commissions and other parties to obtain information about how governments implemented MIPAA. The Commission gives recommendations on the review and appraisal of MIPAA and invites "interested Governments" to support and give financial assistance in their regions. Lack of sufficient funding remains the biggest obstacle for comprehensive regional review and appraisal of MIPAA. 

Global Action on Aging's Two Day Roundtable on Older Persons in the 2004 Tsunami (February 13-14, 2006)
As part of the Commission's follow up on the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), Global Action on Aging along with partners HelpAge International and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and the support of Department for Economic and Social Affairs organized a two day roundtable on " Older Persons in the 2004 Tsunami."  In Section 8, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing specifically addresses protecting older persons in emergency situations. The Roundtable concluded with a set of recommendations to strengthen MIPPA on the protection of older persons in emergency situations.

Review of the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)
Report of the Secretary-General (December 12, 2005)
In his report to the Social Development Commission, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan reviews and evaluates the commitment and strategies for poverty eradication on national and international levels. He also assesses how well the UN and its Member States coordinated their activities. He highlights the obstacles and challenges for all parties involved. The report mentions older persons specifically in the context of HIV/AIDS and calls for stronger social protection programs to support their needs.

Modalities for the Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 
Report of the Secretary-General (November 11, 2005)
In its forty-second session, the Commission for Social Development decided to carry out the review and appraisal of the 2002 Madrid Plan of Action (MIPAA) every five years. This report evaluates progress made on the national, regional and international levels and provides procedural suggestions to the Commission for the five year review of MIPAA in 2007.  

Forty-third session (February 2005)

The session was devoted to the 10-year review and appraisal of the decisions adopted at the Copenhagen World Social Summit. Without focusing specifically on older persons, the declaration adopted by the Commission stated that governments recommit to fostering just and safe societies based on promotion and protection of all human rights, as well as equality and participation of all, "including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and persons."
A parallel document adopted by the NGO Forum stresses that "human rights apply equally and indivisibly to all people across the life course" and that "discrimination against persons of any age or condition is unacceptable."
At the session, Global Action on Aging held a parallel event entitled "Mainstreaming Older Persons' Issues: How Can NGO's Help?" Please see the material on the Side Event below.

Global Action on Aging Side Event

Photos

Mainstreaming Older Persons' Issues: How Can NGO's Help? (February 14, 2005)
At the 43rd session of the Commission for Social Development, Global Action on Aging organized a Side- Event. GAA asked speakers to point out "open doors" in the ECOSOC functional commissions where NGO's could bring the concerns and resources of older persons. This leaflet lists Panelists and their topics. 

NGO Report on an Effective Mainstreaming Model with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (February 14, 2005)
Nancy Lewis of the NGO Commission on the Status of Women's Sub-Committee on Older Women (SCOW), vividly reported on how SCOW brought older women's issues to the Expert Panel serving on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Her experience and approach demonstrates a successful NGO lobby effort. See Ms. Lewis talking points. 

Integrating Older Persons in the UN Human Rights Program (February 14, 2005)
Laura Reanda, Coordinator for UN Projects, at the International Human Rights Education Group discussed the necessity to bring older persons onto the UN human rights agenda. What would happen if the UN would handle elder abuse not as a social problem, but as a human rights violation? Reanda argues that "addressing  the issue in a human rights perspective not only raises the level of seriousness with which the problem is addressed, but also immediately brings into view issues of responsibility and accountability under the existing normative frameworks." 

Mainstreaming the Concerns of Older Persons into the Social Development Agenda (February 14, 2005)
In his presentation Robert Venne, Social Affairs Officer at the UN Department on Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), outlines DESA's strategy on mainstreaming aging. He also gives background to previous UN mainstreaming efforts, suggestions for "successful mainstreaming" and examples of "good mainstreaming practices." For his extensive position paper with the same title, please click here.
 
Mainstreaming Aging: Key Operational Challenges (February 14, 2005)
Dr. Ann Pawliczko, Senior Technical Advisor, UN Population Fund (UNFPA), comments on challenges to mainstreaming aging, such as the integration of older persons issues into the development agenda, and delineates UNFPA's response. She concludes that governments, local communities, NGOs and the international community have to work jointly to "respond to the demographic changes ahead." 

Forty-second session (February 2004)

The Commission continued its debate on modalities for R&A, based on a further report by the Secretariat that suggested an approach for review at the national, regional and international levels. 

At the session, a resolution 42/1  [p.16-17] the Commission decided to carry out the review and appraisal of the Madrid Plan of Action every five years (i.e., the first review will take place in 2007). It also requested the Secretary-General to propose guidelines for the R&A process taking into account the views of governments, civil society and the private sector, and to make proposals for a specific theme emanating from the Plan of Action for the first cycle.

At the session, Global Action on Aging held a parallel event entitled "Protecting Older Persons in Armed Conflict." 

Forty-first session (February 2003)

The Commission  recommended a draft resolution  [draft resolution IV, p.10] for adoption by ECOSOC on the proposed modalities for R&A, including the mainstreaming of ageing issues at all levels and a fully participatory process throughout.

Links

Commission for Social Development
The Commission's website provides general information and a link to the current as well as previous sessions. 

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