The Commission for Social Development (CSocD) was established by the Economic and Social Council in resolution 10 (II) of 21 June 1946. Following a comprehensive reappraisal of the role of the Commission in 1961 and again in 1966, the Council, in resolution 1139 (XLI) of 29 July 1966, renamed the Commission in order to clarify its role as a preparatory and advisory body of the Council in the whole range of social development policy.

The Commission, in fulfilling its mandate, assists the Economic and Social Council in monitoring, reviewing and appraising the progress achieved and problems encountered in the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action and shall advise the Council thereon, and decides that, to that end, the terms of references of the Commission are:

(a) Improve international understanding on social development through, inter alia, the exchange of information and experience;

(b) Integrate, within the framework of the follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development, consideration of issues relating to the situation of social groups, including review of relevant United Nations programmes of action related to such groups, and consideration of other sectoral issues;

(c) Identify emerging issues affecting social development that require urgent consideration, and make substantive recommendations thereon;

(d) Advise the Council on social policies of a general character and give particular attention to policies designed to promote social progress, to the establishment of social objectives and programme priorities and social research in areas affecting social and economic development;

(e) Advise the Council on measures needed for the coordination of activities in the social field and for the recording and exchange of experience among Governments in the formulation and execution of social development policies;

(f) Advise the Council on such international agreements and conventions on any of these matters, as may be required, and on their execution;

(g) Make recommendations regarding social development to the Economic and Social Council;

(h) Elaborate practical measures aimed at furthering Summit recommendations.