The Food for Thought Paper for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) is now available! This key document outlines the substantive elements shaping the Political Declaration, highlighting critical priorities such as poverty eradication, decent work, social inclusion, digital transformation and climate resilience. It serves as a basis for the zero draft political declaration that will be the main outcome of the Summit, ensuring a bold and action-oriented agenda for global social development.
"Upscaling investment in social protection is necessary to eradicate poverty and fostering social inclusion and promoting the transition to formal employment whilst enhancing resilience to interconnected shocks like pandemics, conflicts, and climate change. This including through the funding of social protection floors, with particular attention to the needs of people in impoverished and vulnerable situations and strengthening social protection systems to guarantee universal coverage, providing stability and security across the life course. Member States may wish to consider a realistic target to extend social protection coverage by at least two percentage points per year."
What is the World Social Summit 2025?
On February 26, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 78/261, officially establishing the "World Social Summit" under the title "Second World Summit for Social Development." At the request of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Philippe Kridelka, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations, and H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations, have been appointed as co-facilitators of the intergovernmental preparatory process leading up to the Summit, consisting of its modalities and outcome.
The World Social Summit 2025, officially titled the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), is a significant global event aimed at fostering inclusive social development and addressing key challenges to achieve well-being for all. It serves as a platform for governments, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to collaborate on creating policies and strategies that promote inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.
The Summit builds on the legacy of the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, which emphasized commitments to social inclusion, eradicating poverty, and achieving full productive employment and decent work, aligning with modern challenges and aspirations for inclusive well-being for all.
The Summit will take place from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar at the level of Heads of State or Government. Its primary objective is to advance social development globally and provide renewed momentum for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
