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Second World Summit for Social Development
4 - 6 November 2025 | Doha, Qatar
The United Nations General Assembly, through its resolutions 78/261 and 78/318, decided to convene the “World Social Summit” in 2025, under the title “the Second World Summit for Social Development.” Convening at the level of Heads of State or Government, the summit aims to address the gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action and its implementation and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The summit will be held in Doha, Qatar from 4-6 November.
In a world facing deepening inequalities, demographic shifts, and rapid technological and environmental changes, the Second World Summit for Social Development provides a crucial platform for global dialogue and collaborative action. It is a unique space for leaders from governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society, the private sector, academic institutions, and the UN system to engage on social development issues at the highest level and advance social progress, ensuring that no one is left behind in our global sustainable development journey.
Key Dates
Circulation of the Food for Thought paper
This key document outlines ideas for substantive elements to be featured in the outcome document of the summit, based on submissions received by the co-facilitators from Member States and other stakeholders. 📖 Read the full paper here.
Presentation of the Food for Thought paper with Member States and Hearing from civil society and relevant stakeholders
Food for Thought paper: A presentation and discussion with Member States was held on 28 March and a Hearing from civil society and stakeholders was held on 22 April 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Circulation of the zero draft of the political declaration and timeline for negotiations
This key document outlines ideas for substantive elements to be featured in the political declaration of the summit, based on submissions received by the co-facilitators from Member States and other stakeholders.
Informal consultations and negotiations
Intergovernmental consultations and negotiations to refine and finalize the draft political declaration. Letter from President General Assembly on WSSD2 Zero Draft of the Political Declaration
Adoption of the Political Declaration at the Summit
Second World Social Summit 2025 in Doha, Qatar: Adoption of the Political Declaration at the Summit.
The Road to the Second World Summit for Social Development
World Summit For Social Development 1995 and Copenhagen Declaration
A historic summit The World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) was, at its time, the largest gathering of world leaders ever assembled. It was attended by more than 14,000 people, including delegates from 186 countries, with 117 represented at the level of Heads of State or Government. At the Summit, Governments pledged to make the conquest of poverty, the goal of full employment and the fostering of social integration overriding objectives of development.
2015: 2030 AGENDA AND SDGS
The 2030 Agenda is a global action plan adopted by the United Nations, in 2015, to promote peace, prosperity, and well-being for people and the planet. The agenda includes 17 integrated and indivisible Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and 169 associated targets, addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The agenda emphasizes the importance of collaboration among countries and stakeholders to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations and ensure that progress leaves no one behind.
2023: SDG SUMMIT
The 2023 SDG Summit marked the halfway point in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and launched a new phase of accelerated action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. As the centrepiece of the General Assembly’s high-level week, the summit responded to the impact of multiple, interrelated global crises. The Political Declaration, adopted by consensus at the summit, aims to reignite hope, optimism and commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
2024: SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE
At the 2024 Summit of the Future, Heads of State and Government the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. The Pact addresses a wide range of themes, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender equality, youth and future generations, as well as the transformation of global governance.
2025: UN80 ANNIVERSARY
The United Nations (UN) was officially established on October 24, 1945, a date now celebrated annually as United Nations Day. In 2025, the UN will mark its 80th anniversary—a milestone to reflect on its legacy and global impact. It also offers an opportunity to renew commitments to peace, sustainability, and multilateral cooperation. This anniversary invites the world to look ahead and help shape a better future for all.
2025: SECOND WORLD SUMMIT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Second World Summit for Social Development presents an opportunity for us to revitalize global efforts to address poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, promote decent work, and advance social justice, solidarity and equality. The summit will bring global actors together to accelerate progress on social development, promote well-being for all to create a more inclusive and sustainable world.
Latest News
Circulation of the Zero Draft of the Political Declaration for the Second World Summit for Social Development
In a key milestone for preparations toward the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), the President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Philemon Yang, has circulated the Zero Draft of the…
Special Accreditation for the Second World Summit for Social Development
The application period for special accreditation to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) is now open and will run from 28 April to 13 June 2025.
Convened by the United Nations General Assembly in accordance…
Synthesizing Key Messages on the Three Pillars of Social Development
As momentum builds toward the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) in Doha this November, The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force supporting preparations (UN IATF) for the Second World Summit for Social Development has prepared…
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Zero Draft of the Political Declaration of the Second World Summit for Social Development
Download DocumentThe Zero Draft of the Political Declaration for the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha in November 2025, renews global commitment to the principles of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. It underscores the urgency of tackling deep-rooted challenges such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and inequality, which persist despite global…
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Food for Thought Paper
Download DocumentThe Food for Thought Paper for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) is now available! This key document outlines the substantive elements shaping the Political Declaration, highlighting critical priorities such as poverty eradication, decent work, social inclusion, digital transformation and climate resilience. It serves as a basis for the zero draft political declaration…
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Modalities of the “World Social Summit” under the title “the Second World Summit for Social Development”
Download DocumentThe United Nations General Assembly has decided to convene the World Social Summit under the title, “the Second World Summit for Social Development”, in the State of Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025.
The social summit aims to address gaps and reaffirm the principles outlined in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action, while also…
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Resolution to convene the "Second World Summit for Social Development" in 2025
Download DocumentOn February 26, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 78/261, officially establishing the "World Social Summit" under the title "Second World Summit for Social Development." Scheduled for 2025, this Summit represents a renewed global commitment to addressing persistent gaps in social development and accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.…
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H.E. Ambassador Sophie De Smedt, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations
"30 years after the Copenhagen Summit, we owe it to the world to show ambition for accelerating our common work on the SDGs and more specifically on the social aspect of the SDGs. The first World Summit for Social Development was a real milestone in the multilateral system. It was a global commitment to social development that still resonates today."
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H.E. Ambassador Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations
"As we are shaping the path towards the summit, let's make of this intergovernmental process a turning point, a moment when we transform values and principles into innovative action that uh tackle the challenges of today. The summit shall be also a vehicle to create an environment for building trust, give momentum to the implementation of 2030 agenda, promote innovative solutions and inclusive international cooperation."
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H.E. Ambassador Bob Rae, President, Economic and Social Council
"As we look to the future, the Summit of the Future has underscored the aspirations, hopes, and commitments required to build a better future for both present and future generations. This momentum provides a critical foundation for the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, where we will continue to strengthen our collective resolve in addressing the most pressing social development challenges of our time."
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Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly
"The Second World Summit for Social Development in November will be a key moment to demonstrate what we have learned, assess the gaps, promote human dignity, and offer bold solutions that ensure socially equitable outcomes for future generations."
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António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
“This would be an opportunity to hold a different form of global deliberation and to live up to the values, including trust and listening, that underpin the social contract. The Summit outcome could be an update of the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development, covering issues such as universal social protection floors, including universal health coverage, adequate housing, education for all and decent work, and give momentum towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
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Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General
"Some Member States have expressed a legitimate concern about creating new Agendas in the current context, when the task of realizing the SDGs and the Copenhagen commitments is not yet done. This is not the time to change course. Rather, the Social Summit is an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the programme of action of the first World Summit for Social Development, five years ahead of 2030."
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H.E. Ms. Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Nations
"It is an opportunity after 30 years to build momentum, to reaffirm our commitment to the Copenhagen plan of action and as well to use it as an opportunity to generate momentum to adopt a new outcome that will galvanize the achievement of the 2030 agenda and as well the uh pact of the future and as well to ensure that social development is at the heart of our global agenda. It is very important that the Doha summit delivers a result driven summit."
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FAQ
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.