His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, inaugurated the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, hosted at the Qatar National Convention Centre, and was subsequently elected President of the Summit. The three-day conference, which takes place thirty years after the first summit in Copenhagen, is a pivotal platform for renewing global commitment to social justice. The event has gathered over 8,000 representatives, including heads of state, government, UN officials, civil society, academics, and the private sector, emphasizing multilateral cooperation to tackle global challenges like poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
Renewing Global Commitment and Solidarity
In his opening address, the Amir underscored Qatar’s pride in hosting the summit, framing it as an opportunity to reinforce the spirit of international cooperation and solidarity. He stressed that such collaboration is crucial to overcoming obstacles that hinder economic growth and slow the achievement of human development goals, which pose a threat to social peace. His Highness affirmed Qatar’s conviction in the necessity of collective action for non-controversial global issues, highlighting the country’s commitment to social development, poverty eradication, job creation, and promoting human dignity and social inclusion.
Social Development as an Existential Imperative
The Amir asserted that “Social development is not an option, but an existential necessity.” As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the Summit serves as a chance to re-commit to its charter and multilateral cooperation, doubling down on efforts to establish social development as a prerequisite for security, prosperity, and stability for all. This perspective aligns with a growing global sentiment that sustainable economic growth must be paired with equitable social progress to ensure resilience.
Qatar’s National Efforts in Human Development
His Highness highlighted Qatar’s sustained focus on social development, noting the country’s clear progress as indicated by international institutions. Qatar continues its diligent work in this area by promoting human development, enhancing the quality of life, prosperity, and welfare, and advancing education quality, economic empowerment, healthcare, family care, and social protection. The national efforts are concentrated on a comprehensive approach to building a cohesive society based on justice, equal opportunities, and human empowerment, consistent with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Doha Declaration: A Roadmap for Social Progress
The Amir praised the adoption of the Doha Declaration at the Summit, expressing confidence that it will inject momentum into accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He described the Declaration—which affirms a political, economic, and moral vision for social development rooted in human dignity, human rights, equality, and peace—as a robust roadmap and a foundation for addressing key social development issues, particularly poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
About The Second World Summit for Social Development
The Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) is a United Nations global event held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6, 2025. It is convened thirty years after the first summit in Copenhagen in 1995. The event aims to renew global political commitment and mobilize concrete action to tackle pervasive issues like poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, and achieving social integration in line with the Copenhagen Declaration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Ministry of Social Development and Family (https://www.msdf.gov.qa/en/) is a key governmental entity supporting Qatar’s social development agenda.
Source: GCO
