Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions about the Summit

What is the purpose of the WSSD2?

The Summit aims to reaffirm global solidarity and accelerate action on social development by assessing progress, addressing gaps, and strengthening implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

What will be the main outcome of WSSD2?

The Summit will adopt an action-oriented political declaration that outlines commitments to social development and provides momentum for implementation at national and international levels.

How does the WSSD2 align with other ongoing UN global initiatives?

The WSSD2 is designed to align with and maintain coherence across commitments made in other recent global processes, such as the 2023 SDG Summit Political Declaration, the Pact of the Future and the forthcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4).

Why is a new Political Declaration necessary?

Despite progress since the first Social Summit, significant social development gaps remain. A renewed commitment is needed to address these challenges through integrated and people-centered policies, strengthened institutions and enhanced partnerships.

How will the Political Declaration be implemented?

The declaration will serve as a framework guiding national governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders in aligning policies and programmes with its commitments. Countries will be encouraged to integrate these commitments into development strategies, legal frameworks, and public policies.

What are the guiding principles of the Political Declaration?

The declaration is expected to reaffirm commitments to poverty eradication, full and productive employment, decent work, social inclusion, and equality—underpinned by social justice, human rights, and strengthened multilateral cooperation.

How can stakeholders contribute?

Stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, will engage through UN platforms, forums, and informal consultations to ensure broad participation in shaping the Summit’s political declaration, and its implementation.

What are the priority areas for social development?

Based on preliminary submissions and consultations key areas include notably:

• Poverty and hunger eradication
• Employment and decent work
• Social protection
• Social inclusion
• Tackling inequalities
• Gender equality
• Youth, ageing, and family
• Health, education, housing, water and sanitation
• Climate resilience and just transition
• Technology for social progress
• Disability inclusion
• Financing social development
• Follow up, review and monitoring