At the second day of the World Summit in Doha, delegates from all regions reaffirmed that social justice and peace are inseparable, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger social safety nets, poverty reduction, and human-rights-based policymaking. Marking three decades since the 1995 Copenhagen Summit, participants acknowledged notable progress in education, life expectancy, and poverty reduction but warned that deep-rooted inequalities continue to restrict opportunities for young people, women, and marginalized groups.
Countries shared both achievements and ongoing challenges in advancing social progress. South Africa reported expanding social protection to nearly 44% of its population but noted high youth unemployment and persistent barriers for persons with disabilities. Brazil emphasized that hunger is a political issue, highlighting initiatives that have lifted millions out of hunger and poverty since 2023. Gambia and Saint Lucia outlined people-centered policies targeting healthcare, housing, pensions, and education, particularly for women and youth. Angola described a national cash-transfer programme assisting 1.7 million vulnerable families, including those developing aquaculture cooperatives to enhance food security. European and Asian nations, including Finland, Lithuania, and Singapore, stressed the role of universal access to healthcare, childcare, and education in strengthening trust and social cohesion.
Financing for social progress emerged as a critical issue, with many nations citing debt burdens, high borrowing costs, and limited access to capital as barriers to investing in people. Speaking on behalf of a coalition of nations, Chile called on all States and the United Nations system to establish practical mechanisms by next year to implement the commitments made in Doha.
Delegations from Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran highlighted the devastating human cost of conflict, occupation, and sanctions, which they said are undermining social development. Palestine’s representative described the destruction of homes and families in Gaza, stating that sustainable peace depends on justice and dignity for all Palestinians.
During a concluding roundtable, officials and experts stressed the need for better monitoring frameworks and more targeted investments to accelerate progress. Togo called for a fairer global financial system, while Qatar reiterated that social investment should be viewed as a driver of stability and growth, not as an expense. Save the Children emphasized that the success of these efforts will ultimately be measured by their impact on young people, noting that prioritizing children’s welfare strengthens all areas of development.
In a keynote address, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed urged countries to act collectively and decisively, warning that incremental changes are no longer sufficient to achieve meaningful transformation. She emphasized that real progress requires united action across all fronts. The Summit will continue with plenary statements, civil society discussions, and a closing press conference, as global leaders reaffirm their commitment to advancing people-centered development and peace.
