A recent letter from the President of the General Assembly, dated July 10, 2024, informs that the final version of the draft resolution titled “Modalities of the ‘World Social Summit’,” under the title “The Second World Summit for Social Development,” has passed the silence procedure and it is contained in resolution A/78/L.93,
The letter expresses gratitude to the co-facilitators, H.E. Mr. Philippe Kridelka of Belgium and H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale of Morocco, for their leadership in the process.
The President of the General Assembly has announced that the world is set to witness a pivotal event in the realm of social development as the “Second World Summit for Social Development” (WSSD) will be held in Qatar from November 4 to 6, 2025.
This meeting, officially titled the “World Social Summit,” aims to address critical gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action, fostering momentum toward the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
The United Nations General Assembly has welcomed the progress made towards the full implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Programme of Action. However, it has also expressed deep concern that, almost 30 years after the initial Summit, progress has been slow and uneven, with significant gaps remaining in areas such as poverty eradication, full and productive employment, and social integration.
The upcoming Summit in Qatar will be a high-level gathering of Heads of State or Government, international organizations, and representatives from civil society, including non-governmental organizations, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, youth, and the private sector. The event will feature plenary meetings, high-level round tables, and a concise, action-oriented political declaration focused on giving momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
One of the core themes behind the programme of the Summit should be the importance of the family as a fundamental unit of society and its critical role in social development. The family unit plays a vital role in fostering social integration, nurturing future generations, and providing a supportive environment for individuals to thrive. By considering this, it would confirm that strengthening family structures can contribute to broader social development goals, including poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all and social integration.
This is why IFFD has joined the preparations for the Summit by composing Working Groups for the Preparations for and Follow Up. Additionally, the 12th International Advocacy Workshop, held in Warsaw from September 3 to 5, will be dedicated to its content.
The Summit will feature two high-level round tables. The first will focus on strengthening the three pillars of social development: poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social inclusion. The second will assess progress and address gaps and challenges in implementing the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration and its Programme of Action, with an emphasis on the family as a key driver of social cohesion and development.
In preparation for the Summit, the United Nations is encouraging Member States, UN specialized agencies, international financial institutions, and other stakeholders to participate and contribute to the discussions. The involvement of diverse groups, including representatives of workers, employers, parliamentarians, civil society, youth organizations, academic institutions, and faith-based organizations, will ensure a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue on social development.
As the world looks forward to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar, there is a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges of social development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By recognizing the essential role of the family in social development, it aims to create a more inclusive and equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society.
