By Charlotte Vogel, GSIJP Associate Representative and Good Shepherd Volunteer
Nos 64th Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) was held from February 2 – 10, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where civil society experts, Member States, and UN Agencies came together to discuss progress and strengthen global action to eradicate poverty, achieve sustainable development, and prioritize social inclusion.
Under the Priority Theme, “Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable, and Inclusive Policies,” decision-makers and stakeholders met at various high-level meetings and side events to share best practices, debate policy, and coordinate efforts to achieve just and inclusive social development.
As the Commission for Social Development was established by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Bon Pasteur International pour Justice et Paix (GSIJP) was able to participate and engage through the Congregation’s special consultative status as an accredited NGO.
Throughout the event, GSIJP Associate Representative and Bon Pasteur a débuté Charlotte Vogel attended several side events and high-level discussions on gender inequality in development practices, including youth voices in policy development spaces and the implementation of the commitments of the Doha Political Declaration into tangible progress.
As an active member of the Comité des ONG pour le développement social (NGOCSocD) alliance, GSIJP serves as one of over 50 organizations working together to monitor UN progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and to provide key data and information from programs throughout the world.
On February 6, 2026, Charlotte had the opportunity to serve on the NGOCSocD Planning Team for the Forum de la société civile. The three-hour forum served as a necessary space for dialogue with civil society at the forefront, as leaders shared and discussed lived realities and strong policies in the areas of universal social protection, social inclusion, and decent work.
During the forum’s panel discussion, “Advancing Inclusive Pathways to Poverty Eradication,” Roland Knight, Vice President of Community Schools at Good Shepherd Services, was invited to deliver an intervention. Mr. Knight spoke from his impactful experience coordinating Community School sites across New York City, which provide a range of services for students and their families in partnership with local governments, focusing on education success, physical and mental health, and career readiness.
In his speech, he highlighted how “Many people who are in poverty aren’t there by choice… in fact, it’s a systemic issue that becomes generational. Those marginalized are affected the most.” His input was crucial not only for bringing in direct experiences and struggles with poverty from right outside the UN walls, but also for sharing proven and effective solutions and strategies to empower youth and support communities.
With the presence and voice of both GSIJP and GSS at these events, these were powerful opportunities for us to raise our voice and elevate the profile of our shared Good Shepherd mission on the international stage.
As we move forward, GSIJP will continue to advocate for social development for all and bring the voices of Good Shepherd programs around the world to an international stage to achieve effective, thorough improvements in the lives of the women, girls, and children we serve.
