Welcome to the United Nations
The Road to Doha: A Journey for People, Planet and Progress
In 1995, the world came together in Copenhagen for the first-ever World Summit for Social Development (WSSD). Leaders from around the globe committed to a bold vision: putting people at the centre of development. This vision was captured in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, which introduced the Ten Commitments—a framework for eradicating poverty, promoting full employment, and fostering inclusive, just, and resilient societies.
Thirty Years of Progress and Promise
Since then, the spirit of Copenhagen has lived on through global efforts including:
- 2000: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) tackled poverty, health, and education.
- 2015: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future.
- 2021: Our Common Agenda called for renewed, inclusive multilateralism.
- 2024: The Pact for the Future reaffirmed solidarity across generations.
Remarkable achievements followed:
- Extreme poverty has been halved
- More children—especially girls—attend school
- Digital transformation has opened access to services
- Global health advances have extended life and tackled diseases like HIV/AIDS
Challenges Still Remain
Despite these gains, major gaps persist:
- Deep inequalities in income, opportunity, and access to services
- Millions still excluded by the digital divide
- Vulnerable groups—older persons, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities—face systemic barriers
- Climate change and conflict continue to jeopardize progress
Doha 2025
On 4–6 November 2025, the world will gather once more—this time in Doha, Qatar—for the Second World Summit for Social Development.
This historic moment will:
- Reaffirm the Ten Commitments
- Promote equality, inclusion, and well-being for all
- Strengthen global solidarity and cooperation
- Accelerate alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs
As we mark 30 years since Copenhagen, Doha represents a renewed global resolve: to ensure no one is left behind and that everyone—regardless of age, ability, gender, or background—can live with dignity and opportunity.
Let’s shape the future together
Join us on the Road to Doha and help build a more inclusive world.
#SocialSummit2025 #EveryoneIncluded #InclusiveWorld