Thank you, Madam Chair!

1.I am honored to speak on behalf of ASPAG. ASPAG appreciates this opportunity to discuss the follow-up to the outcome of the Second World Summit for Social Development, which shows effective and efficient actions towards this important Summit. We thank the Office for drafting this document which allows us to have an informative and constructive discussion. We commend the Office for all the hard efforts contributed to the Summit, which includes but not limited to organizing tripartite working party for consultations and finalizing tripartite inputs to the Summit.

2.Chair, the current international landscape is undergoing changes and turbulence. The multilaterlism is being challenged. We agree that poverty, unemployment and social exclusion affecting every country are the three profound social challenges. There is urgent need for global peace, development, security and reducing inequalities. The Summit brings a message of hope. As a UN specialized agency promoting decent work and social justice, ILO has a key role to play pertaining to its mandate.

3.ASPAG supports the three-pronged strategic approach to the follow-up to the Summit which reaffirms the full, timely and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, in a human-centred and action-oriented way, addresses challenges through the active engagement of all stakeholders in a more coordinated, systematic and holistic way. The strategic approach needs to be implemented effectively to resolve challenges confronted by Member States, especially by developing country, with sustainable solutions for both root causes and symptoms to tackle pressing issues and take into account long-term issues.

4.We continue to support the three core themes of social development, namely poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social integration. We welcome integrating relevant commitments into the ILO’s work programme, including but not limited to efforts for job creation, high-quality and full employment, social protection for all, skills development, TVET(technical and vocational education and training) and life-long learning. We also encourage an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises, particularly for SMEs to promote green transition, gender equality and healthy working conditions.

5.We noted the Declaration acknowledging the deep social transformations generated by demographic shifts, technological innovation and climate change, which have profoundly impacted social development. We support age-sensitve policies and intergenerational solidarity by promoting high-quality population development. 

6.We welcome the arrangement of reporting on a biennial basis on the implementation of the strategic approach to the follow-up to the Summit, which enables periodic review of the implementation for alignment, cooperation and adjustment. In this regard, we also support the promotion of regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices between Member States in implementing the outcome of the Summit.

7.With the Pact for the Future and the UN80 Initiative reform process, we reiterate the importance to champion a strengthened and effective multilateralism centred on social development and social justice in global governance in the course of follow-up to the Summit, ensuring that the needs and interests of developing  counties, including small island developing states be fully considered. 

8.We support the Office for actively promoting the contribution of the Global Coalition for Social Justice to the implementation of the Declaration and its role as a platform to foster collaboration in advancing social justice. ASPAG supports the draft decision.

9.Lastly, we would like to thank the State of Qatar for the warm hospitality and support, including delegations from Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. 

I thank you, Chair!