Doha Against a quiet morning sky, the flags of the United Nations and the State of Qatar were raised at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), marking the official start of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The event signals a renewed global commitment to social justice, inclusion, and progress toward the 2030 Agenda.
A Landmark Venue for Global Dialogue
The ceremony marked the UN’s formal assumption of the QNCC as the summit venue. UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, described the moment as a transformation of the space into a hub for “solutions and renewed hope.” Qatar’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmad Hassen Al-Hamadi, welcomed delegates and emphasized the summit’s role in accelerating transformative action.
Summit Themes and Participation
Over the coming days, more than 8,000 participants including heads of state, ministers, civil society leaders, youth delegates, and private sector representatives will engage in plenaries, roundtables, and forums focused on:
- Social protection
- Inequality
- Decent work
- Inclusion of marginalized groups
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to address the opening ceremony on Tuesday, reflecting on progress since the 1995 Copenhagen summit and confronting today’s challenges: poverty, unemployment, conflict, and widening inequality.
SDG Skies: A Visual Tribute
In a striking aerial display, parachutists descended over the QNCC carrying flags representing each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Organized by the Education Above All Foundation and Qatar’s security forces, the performance symbolized unity, shared responsibility, and the summit’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
UN News Coverage
UN News is on the ground in Doha, providing live updates, interviews, and analysis throughout the summit week. Final preparations are underway inside the QNCC, with interpretation booths, media facilities, and security operations in full swing.
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