The International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) warmly invites members, partners and the broader social development community to attend the 21st Annual Helen Joseph Memorial Lecture, hosted by ICSD Institutional Member, the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg.

This year’s lecture comes at a pivotal moment for the global social development community. Following the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), governments reaffirmed their commitment to building more inclusive societies by recognising the central role of care, gender equality and women’s empowerment in achieving sustainable development. As countries work to translate these commitments into action, the lecture provides an important opportunity to reflect on the policies, social movements and partnerships needed to advance a more equitable social and care economy.

The prestigious lecture will be delivered by Professor Leila Patel, founding Director of the CSDA and President of the International Consortium for Social Development. An internationally recognised scholar in social development, Professor Patel has played a leading role in shaping social policy and developmental welfare in South Africa and globally.

In her lecture, “South African Women’s Movements and the Care Agenda: Achievements, Broken Promises, and the Road to Transformative Gender and Equitable Care Policies”, Professor Patel traces the history of women’s struggles in South Africa and examines how these movements have influenced the country’s gender and care policies. She reflects on the progress that has been made, the promises that remain unfulfilled, and the opportunities for advancing more integrated, equitable and transformative care policies.

The lecture will offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, civil society organisations and students interested in social development, gender equality, social protection and care policy in African and around the world.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026
  Time: 17:00–19:00 (SAST)
• Format: Livestream via YouTube or in-person
• Venue: Ubuntu Chambers, Madibeng, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg

RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/tBpnxQkTFg

We encourage all ICSD members and colleagues committed to advancing social justice, gender equality and the global care agenda to join this important conversation.

This is the question that Make Mothers Matter will be bringing to this year’s High Level Political Forum in New York.

Every day, parents – and especially mothers – navigate cities while caring for children, older relatives, family members with disabilities and their communities. Yet the realities of caregiving are too often overlooked in the way our cities are planned and governed.

As many parts of the world experience record heatwaves and other climate-related challenges, the need for cities that prioritise people, care and resilience has never been more urgent.

Why should you participate?
Because this conversation is about much more than cities. It’s about how we recognise and value care, support families, advance gender equality, and build healthier, more resilient communities.

Together with a panel of international experts and civil society representatives, Make Mothers Matter will explore practical examples of how local governments can put care at the heart of policymaking and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda.

 Wednesday 8 July 2026
 8:30–9:45 am (New York) | 2:30–3:45 pm (Paris)
 Online (Zoom)
 Open to all – In English with French and Spanish interpretation
 Information (background information, list of speakers and more) is available here
 Register directly here

The 64th session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD64) is currently taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, bringing together Member States, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to strengthen global action on poverty eradication, social inclusion, and sustainable social development. This year’s session continues to emphasize the central role of inclusive policies and partnerships in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As part of CSocD64, the NGO Commission for Social Development is convening its Civil Society Forum, providing a vital platform for dialogue between civil society actors and global decision-makers. The Forum will feature a panel of distinguished speakers and will be moderated by Li Zou, (Member, International Consortium for Social Development; International Director at the Center for Social Development, Washington University), facilitating discussion on key social development priorities and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

We encourage our members, partners, practitioners, and scholars to join this important session and engage in collective efforts to ensure that social development policies leave no one behind.

Civil Society Forum – Session Details
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 10:00–10:30 AM (EST)
Live Stream: UN Web TV
Link: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1b/k1b394qy2d

Civil society participation remains essential to advancing inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development outcomes worldwide. We look forward to your engagement in this timely global conversation.

Delegates from the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) will be participating in the 64th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, which will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from February 2 to February 10, 2026.

The Commission for Social Development is a key global forum focused on social policy and development issues. This year’s session will emphasize advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Political Declaration, both of which guide international efforts to promote social inclusion, equity, and sustainable development.

Through their participation, ICSD delegates aim to contribute to global discussions, share knowledge, and engage with international partners working toward inclusive and sustainable social development worldwide.

You can find details of the event here.

Updated flyer and event details (Jan 29, 2026)