63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), 10-14 February 2025  

The 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) was held from February 10 to 14, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The priority theme “Strengthening solidarity, social inclusion and social cohesion to accelerate the delivery of the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Program of Action of the World Summit for Social Development as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ” was well discussed. The emerging issues were also addressed, including social inclusion, social resilience, and social development.
There were several Side Events where various aspects of the priority theme were discussed to drive home the intents of this year’s theme as they relate to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Representatives of the Association of Christian Counsellors of Nigeria, “Organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2017”, fully participated in the 63rd Session in New York as they did during the 62nd Session. The president of our association (Rev. Dr. Ronald King) presented a paper titled “The Contribution of Family Businesses to Social Development” at the side event organized by the:
China Great Wall Society (China)
Shaanxi Patriotic Volunteer Association (China)
International Patriotic Pact Organization (Switzerland)
Co-organizer:
Lignt Millenuem (USA)
The Family Civility Institute Canada）
Family Organization for Empowerment (FOREM) (Kenya)
Institute of Euro-Asian Cultures (France)
International Federation for Family Development (IFFD)
Supporter:
Center for SDG Global Education (USA)
Global Partnerships Forum (USA)”.
The Side Event’s meeting was held on 13th February 2025 at the Conference Room 9. Other speakers at the Side Event meeting were well-motivated individuals and heads of organizations from different parts of the world. Evidence from the presentations and the discussions that followed at this Side Event showed that Family businesses contribute significantly to employment in many countries and should be supported. Within the Nigerian context, the following was observed:
⦁  Employment Generation: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), many of which are family-owned, account for about 96% of businesses in Nigeria and employ approximately 84% of the labor force (National Bureau of Statistics, 2024).
⦁ Poverty Alleviation: MSMEs contribute significantly to poverty alleviation by providing income-generating opportunities, especially in rural areas where formal employment is scarce (National Bureau of Statistics, 2024).
⦁ GDP Impact:  Family businesses contribute up to 30% of Nigeria’s GDP, underscoring their vital role in the nation’s economic development (Andersen Nigeria, 2024).
⦁ Education and Health Initiatives: Many family businesses in Nigeria actively invest in education and health initiatives within their communities. For instance, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered 20,000 entrepreneurs, created 400,000 jobs, and generated $2.3 billion in revenue across 54 African countries (Elumelu, 2024).
⦁ Promotion of Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion: Family businesses often foster social inclusion by engaging in community development projects and supporting marginalized groups. These initiatives build trust and solidarity within the communities, contributing to social harmony and cohesion. It was also mentioned that within the Nigerian context that Family Businesses support SDGs 2, 3, 8, 9, and 12, among others, that are supported through partnerships.
Our representatives participated in the main events and many side events, including the civil society forum. The 63rd Commission conference gave us the opportunity to network and discuss what other organizations are doing to achieve the United Nations’ SDGs in different parts of the world.

(CSocD63) Conference in pictures;