The State of Qatar participated on behalf of the United Nations General Assembly in the opening of the 57th session of the Commission for Social Development of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, said in a speech, on behalf of President of the 73rd UN General Assembly Mara Fernanda Espinosa, that Member States must achieve the main objective of the 2030 Plan of Development, which is the eradication of poverty all over he world, calling for addressing inequalities and challenges to social integration through fiscal policies, wages and social protection.

In her statement as Vice-President of the General Assembly, she continued saying that the 2030 Development Plan is the essence of the principle of multilateralism that had raised the world's expectations for a better future for all. She pointed out to the challenges faced by the principle of multilateralism, saying that it is necessary to demonstrate that multilateralism is the best way to address the global challenges that hinder sustainable development.

Since the theme of the current session of the Commission for Social Development is the eradication of poverty and the non-marginalization of individuals and vulnerable persons.

HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani warned against the danger of excluding people because of sex, age, disability, race or origin. In this context, she noted they suffer from wage inequality, food insecurity and disproportionality in the informal economy.

She also pointed to the few opportunities of access to quality education and health care as well as lack of adequate social protection.

While reviewing the progress made for the benefit of some vulnerable groups, she also reviewed the risks they face, such as the effects of climate change, natural disasters, violence, conflict and displacement.

She stated that the 2030 Plan had realized that without a paradigm shift in sustainable development, uncertainty would continue to hinder any progress at the global level. Without urgent action to address inequalities, progress will be less than aspirations, she stressed.

Her Excellency underlined the importance of full implementation of the 2030 Development Plan and the related agreements such as Paris Climate Accord and Addis Ababa Action Plan.

She urged Member States participating in the 57th session of the Commission for Social Development to strengthen their policies of financial protection, wages and social protection to address the challenges facing social integration.

Concluding her statement, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani recalled General Assembly resolution 72/305, which stressed the importance for the Economic and Social Council to be more effective as a focal point for policy review and dialogue and to make recommendations on economic and social development issues.