Yet the idea that development must be people-centered, inclusive and fair is far from new. It’s a vision the world committed to 30 years ago at a United Nations summit in Copenhagen and one that still resonates today.
Next week, world leaders will gather in Doha, Qatar, for a high-level United Nations conference aimed at reviving that vision. From November 4 to 6, the Second World Summit for Social Development will bring together heads of state, ministers, civil society and experts to assess progress, address persistent gaps and chart a new way forward.
At the heart of this crisis lies a simple but powerful question: how can we ensure that no one is left behind?
“The summit comes at a critical time,” said Li Junhua, UN under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs.
He explained: “Inequalities are growing. Trust is eroding. Communities are grappling with conflict, climate shocks and rapid technological change. And yet we also see extraordinary innovation, resilience and solidarity. This is our chance to rebuild trust between governments and their people – and between nations. »
A global call to action
Bjørg Sandkjær, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said the Summit represents a “global call to action” at a time when more than a billion people still live in complex poverty and 40 percent of the world’s population lacks access to social protection.
The meeting, she said UN Newsit’s about renewing confidence in collective progress – “have confidence that we can make a difference. »
This meeting follows months of intergovernmental negotiations in New York which resulted in an agreement on the Doha Political Declarationwhich should be formally adopted during the opening session.
The Declaration is at the heart of the Summit, underlined Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN.
“It is a global call to action reiterating the commitment of governments to create an economic, political, social, cultural and legal environment conducive to social development for all.” she said.
Global implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals faces significant challenges, with progress on several targets slowing or regressing.
A pivotal moment
With only five years left to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030, the world will lag behind on many fronts. Progress in reducing poverty has slowed, gender equality has stalled, and many young people face a precarious future.
Last year, when member states convened this summit, they sent a clear message: social development must once again take center stageexplained ASG Sandkjær.
It is about reaffirming its commitment to the heart of 2030 Agenda and ensure that no one is left behind.
Dynamic and inclusive
Alongside the official plenaries, a parallel program will add a participatory and forward-looking dimension to the Summit.
A Civil Society Forum, Private Sector Forum and the interactive Solutions Square will highlight innovations in employment, social protection and community resilience. Youth and academic networks will take center stage, embodying a spirit of co-creation and shared responsibility.
A new Doha Solutions Platform for Social Developmentlaunched jointly by host country Qatar with France, will highlight concrete commitments and new initiatives – from policy reforms to partnerships tackling poverty, work and inclusion.
“Doha once again stands as a symbol of global solidarity, where commitments inspire actions, partnerships and drive progress. and the shared vision of an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful future for all comes to life,” Ambassador Al-Thani said.
In the Maldives, young climate activists are highlighting key messages, calling for climate action.
The circle is closed
For Ms Sandkjær, who attended the first World Summit in Copenhagen in 1995 as a young activist, Doha represents both continuity and change. At the time, she recalls, there was great optimism – a belief that multilateralism and cooperation would continue to advance.
“Young people today face tougher challenges: misinformation, climate anxiety, mistrust,” she said. “But my message to them is simple: your commitment matters. Raise your voice, form partnerships, push for action.”
From words to actions
The success of the Summit will not be measured by speeches but by implementation, she stressed.
With a strong statement and partnerships already in place, “the real test, she said, is translate commitments into real improvements in people’s lives – decent jobs, social protection, inclusion. This is how we will know we have succeeded.»
A live UN Info report!
As world leaders gather in Doha, expectations are high – and so is the sense of urgency. Thirty years after Copenhagen, the task remains the same: to build a world where progress is measured not only in terms of wealth, but also well-being, equality and human dignity.
UN News will report live from Doha throughout the Summit, bringing stories, interviews and insights from world leaders, young activists, civil society and innovators driving change.
Follow our coverage across digital and social platforms for real-time updates and human stories from this landmark gathering for social development.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
