Speaking at the closing press conference, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the summit marked a “deliberate shift” from identifying gaps to acting on proven solutions.
“Copenhagen taught us 30 years ago that social development and inclusion are essential for strong societies,” she said. “We promised to leave no one behind. Social development is not a “pleasure” nor an act of charity. It is in the interest of each country.»
She warned that today’s hunger and poverty are not caused by scarcity, but by conflict, inequality and policy failures, emphasizing: “One of the biggest problems is not money per se. Rather, it’s how it’s invested. »
More than 40 heads of state and government, more than 230 ministers and senior officials and nearly 14,000 participants took part in the Summit.
Alongside formal plenary and roundtable discussions, more than 250 “solutions sessions” were held to exchange practical approaches to expanding social protection, improving access to healthcare and education, and supporting work that ensures dignity.
“People expect results”
Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohamed said the outcome reflects the urgency expressed by civil society, unions, community leaders, businesses and youth representatives throughout the week.
“The message is clear: people expect answers from us, not mere statements,” she said. “The Doha Political Declaration is not a document to be shelved. It is a commitment to putting people at the center of sustainable development.”
She stressed that implementation must now focus on accelerating poverty reduction, creating real jobs and ensuring that no one is left behind. “We opened the door to Doha. Now we have to go through it together.»
“Investing in people”
Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani of Qatar said hosting the summit reflects her country’s belief that equality, dignity and inclusion are essential to peace and prosperity.
“Investing in human resources is the most sustainable investment a nation can make,” she said, highlighting Qatar’s social spending domestically and international development partnerships abroad.
She stressed that the priority now is to ensure that commitments move from page to policy, supported by international cooperation and innovative financing.
“The results of this Summit constitute a solid basis,” she said. “What matters most now is implementation.»
Regional UN agencies support monitoring
The regional economic commissions said they would help countries translate their commitments into practical measures.
The Economic Commission for Europe highlighted support for policies on ageing, affordable housing, just energy transitions and better data on poverty, helping governments design systems that benefit those most at risk.
The Economic Commission for Africa has highlighted the continent’s “youth potential”, calling for investments in education, skills, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship, in partnership with the African Union and regional institutions.
UN News was on the ground in Doha covering the Summit throughout the week. Follow our coverage here.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
