Call for Solutions Sessions (Side Events) at the Second World Summit for Social Development

Side Events

The United Nations invites stakeholders from across the globe to apply to host a Side Event — also known as a Solutions Session — during the Second World Summit for Social Development, taking place from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar. These sessions will provide an inclusive space to showcase ideas, deepen dialogue, and spotlight actionable solutions for advancing social development and accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda.

What Are Solutions Sessions?

Solutions Sessions are interactive, forward-looking events designed to move beyond traditional side event formats. They foster:

  • Peer learning and knowledge exchange
  • Collaboration between diverse sectors
  • Practical approaches to social development challenges

They may take the form of roundtables, panel discussions, or collaborative workshops, and can be held:

  • In person at the Qatar National Convention Centre (for accredited and registered participants only), or
  • Virtually, hosted by the organizers themselves.

Hybrid formats will not be available.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Member States
  • UN system entities
  • ECOSOC-accredited NGOs
  • Organizations with special accreditation to the Summit
  • Civil society, private sector and academic institutions (with appropriate accreditation and registration)

Each entity may submit one application as a main sponsor but is encouraged to co-organize with others.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the following:

  • Alignment with the Summit themes: poverty eradication, full and productive employment, decent work, and social integration, including cross-cutting issues.
  • Scalable, solution-oriented approaches to key social challenges
  • Partnership-based proposals involving multiple stakeholders
  • Emphasis on gender balance among speakers and participants
  • Potential for new initiatives, investments, or announcements

Logistical Information

In-person events:

  • Will take place at the Summit venue.
  • Rooms (for 50–150 participants) will be equipped with A/V support and basic furnishings.
  • Organizers are responsible for logistics, interpretation (if needed), and all associated costs.
  • Only accredited and registered participants may attend. No exceptions will be made.

Virtual Events:

  • Must be fully hosted online by organizers.
  • Should accommodate diverse time zones to maximize participation.
  • Duration: All events should be approximately 90 minutes long.

How to Apply

Applications Open: 14 July 2025
Deadline: 8 August 2025
Notification of Results: Early September 2025

🔗 Submit Your Application

Please ensure all speakers, organizers, and participants are accredited and registered for the Summit. Registration opens in August and is mandatory for access to the venue.

Branding and Promotion

  • The UN Secretariat will publish the full list of approved events on the official Summit website.
  • Organizers must follow the official branding guidelines and may not modify the logo or add additional branding elements.
  • Flyers and promotional materials must be managed by the event organizers themselves.

Contact Us

Before reaching out, please consult the full Side Event Guidelines (PDF).

For inquiries, email: @email with the subject line [Side Events].

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