A park in Bangkok, Thailand, where assistive devices for people with disabilities, including guides and warning signs, have been installed. Social summit in Doha ends with call to turn promises into reality Sustainable Development Goals
The Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar’s capital ended on Thursday with a unanimous call to ensure that the Doha Political Declaration leads to tangible progress in poverty reduction, decent employment and social inclusion.
Speaking at the closing press conference, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the summit marked a “purposeful shift” from identifying gaps to implementing proven solutions.
“30 years ago, Copenhagen taught us that social development and inclusion are the foundation of a healthy society,” she said. “We promised not to leave anyone behind.” Social development is not a luxury or an act of charity. This is a matter of national interests of each country.”
She emphasized that today’s hunger and poverty are not caused by a lack of resources, but by conflicts, inequality and political miscalculations: “One of the main problems is not money as such, but how it is invested.”
The summit was attended by more than 40 heads of state and government, over 230 ministers and high-ranking officials, as well as almost 14 thousand ordinary delegates.
In addition to plenary sessions and round tables, more than 250 sessions were held discussing practical approaches to expanding social protection, improving access to health and education, and supporting decent work. Mohammed said in her speech that the outcome of the summit reflected the urgency of the issues discussed by civil society and trade union representatives, community leaders, business representatives and youth throughout the week.
“The main message was clear: people are looking to us for solutions, not just promises,” she said. – The Doha Political Declaration is not a document intended just to be put on a shelf. It is a commitment to putting people at the center of the development agenda.”
She stressed that the focus now must be on eradicating poverty, creating jobs and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Investing in People”
Qatar’s UN Ambassador Alia Ahmed Saif Al Thani said hosting the summit reflects her country’s belief that “equality, dignity and inclusion are the keys to peace and prosperity.”
“Investing in people is the most sustainable type of investment,” she said, pointing out on Qatar’s significant social spending and its contribution to international development cooperation.
The Ambassador stressed that the priority now is to translate commitments into real political steps.
“The results of this summit are a solid foundation,” she said. “The main thing now is implementation.”
Help from UN regional commissions
UN regional economic commissions said they would help countries translate commitments into practical action. Thus, the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) announced support for policy action to address demographic challenges, including population aging, housing affordability, a just energy transition and poverty reduction. institutions.