World leaders have adopted the Doha Political Declaration, reaffirming their shared commitment to eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, combating discrimination, expanding social protection, and upholding human rights. The declaration underscores that social development is not only a moral duty but also essential for achieving peace, stability, and sustainable growth.
The World Social Summit in Doha brought together more than 14,000 participants, including over 40 Heads of State and Government, 170 ministers, international organization leaders, youth representatives, and civil society actors. The event highlighted that social progress depends on the collective efforts of governments, communities, and individuals. The new declaration renews the commitments of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on three pillars: poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion. It also links social justice with peace, human rights, and climate action under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, emphasizing the principle of leaving no one behind.
Financing emerged as a central focus, with the declaration reaffirming the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and welcoming the Sevilla Commitment to renew the global financing framework. It also calls for stronger and more representative multilateral institutions. Progress will be monitored by the UN Commission for Social Development through a five-year review process.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya highlighted the importance of hope and humanitarian action, urging stakeholders to “go the last mile” to ensure inclusivity. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted that, while global poverty and unemployment have declined, inequalities persist, particularly for women and youth. She warned that climate change, conflict, and demographic pressures are deepening vulnerabilities, stressing the need for integrated solutions that advance all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) simultaneously.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the Doha Political Declaration as a “booster shot for development,” emphasizing its focus on universal social protection, equitable access to health and education, decent employment, and closing the digital divide. He called for reforming the global financial system to ensure fair access to development and climate finance, especially for debt-stricken developing nations. Concluding his remarks, Guterres said the summit represents “hope through collective action” and urged leaders to turn the declaration into tangible progress for humanity.
