In February 2026, I had the privilege of attending the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) at the United Nations for one week, thanks to an invitation from VIVAT International through the Little Sisters of the Assumption (LSA). As a laywoman with the LSA, this was my first experience participating in such an important international gathering.
I was deeply inspired by the presentations, panel discussions, and country statements shared throughout the session. It was encouraging to hear about the progress made since the Doha Political Declaration and to witness how countries continue to advance this important work today.
The conference provided valuable insights into key global frameworks such as the Copenhagen Declaration and Program of Action. I was especially interested in learning how these commitments are being implemented in different countries and where significant challenges still remain.
Several themes particularly stood out to me: the dignity and well-being of older persons, the role of women and girls within families and society, access to decent work, and the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes. These discussions highlighted the reality that life opportunities are often shaped by social conditions beyond our control, making justice and inclusion essential for sustainable development.
I was especially moved by the personal stories shared by participants, which resonated deeply with my own experiences and strengthened my commitment to helping build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.
One area I believe deserves even greater emphasis is the role of love, compassion, and empathy in emotional intelligence. These human values are essential to true social development. Human well-being depends not only on social and physical conditions, but also on mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Without these dimensions, authentic and lasting social progress cannot be achieved.
I sincerely thank VIVAT International and VIVAT USA for the opportunity to participate and for organizing these sessions so thoughtfully. I am especially grateful to Sr. Marides Santos, NGO Representative at the United Nations, for her warm welcome, guidance, and attentive support throughout the experience.
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