الموارد

Amid rising inequality, deepening economic insecurity, and eroding trust, a bold new policy consensus—rooted in equity, security, and solidarity—is needed to tackle today’s interconnected social challenges, ensure inclusive progress and build resilient societies capable of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond.

This document highlights key messages for the Arab region to support preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha, Qatar, from 4-6 November 2025. The messages focus on the three main themes of the Summit which are: eradicating poverty, promoting full and productive employment and decent work, and supporting social integration; in addition to other cross-cutting issues that are critical for advancing social development amidst ongoing conflicts, fiscal constraints, climate pressures, and a persistent digital divide.

Progress in reducing poverty is fragile. Covid-19 and growing threats from climate change and conflict are a stark reminder that many people are still one misfortune away from falling into poverty. Strengthening the resilience of families and communities to prevent falls into poverty is essential to prevent setbacks to safeguard progress over the long term.

Inequalities based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, or economic or other status persist across generations, limiting access to opportunities like education, health, and jobs. Disaggregated data is essential to reveal these disparities and inform targeted action. A life course approach, grounded in robust evidence, can help dismantle structural barriers and promote inclusive, equitable development for all.

As Member States prepare for the Second World Summit for Social Development, they face a defining choice: continue addressing poverty eradication, the creation of decent work, and social inclusion as siloed policy areas—or renew the broader, integrated approach to social progress first articulated at the first social summit, in 1995.