At the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha on November 5, 2025, global leaders warned that social progress is at risk unless governments prioritize social protection, equality, and peace backed by real political and financial commitment.
Key Messages from the Summit
- Social Justice & Peace: Delegates reaffirmed that social justice and peace are inseparable, calling for stronger safety nets, poverty reduction, and human-rights-based policymaking.
- Global Progress & Gaps: Despite gains in education and poverty reduction since the 1995 Copenhagen Summit, persistent inequalities still limit opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized groups.
- Country Highlights:
- South Africa expanded social protection to 44% of its population but faces youth unemployment.
- Brazil lifted 24.4 million people out of hunger since 2023, calling hunger a “political choice.”
- Angola supports 1.7 million families through cash transfers and aquaculture cooperatives.
- Finland, Lithuania, Singapore emphasized universal services and community networks as pillars of cohesion.
Financing Social Progress
Many nations cited debt burdens and high borrowing costs as barriers to investing in people. Chile urged the UN and member states to define practical modalities for implementing the Doha commitments by 2026.
Human Cost of Conflict
Delegates from Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran highlighted how conflict, occupation, and sanctions erode social progress. Palestine’s representative stated:
“Sustainable peace begins with social justice and dignity for all Palestinians.”
UN Leadership & Civil Society
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered a powerful keynote:
“We cannot continue with the approaches that got us here… Real progress only happens when we move forward together.”
Civil society groups, including Save the Children, reminded delegates that success must be measured by outcomes for youth:
TWW - The World Wide: Global News,Local Impact.