Additional Background Information

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.

This joint document underscores the need to strengthen social policies and tailor them to a risk structure reconfigured by global crises. Alongside high levels of poverty, inequality and informal employment, profound transformations in demographics, climate, technology and the labour market are under way. Complementary actions beyond social policy are also needed, as progress is equally crucial in the economic and environmental dimensions. Regional frameworks and agreements have been instrumental in driving social policy change and must continue to be leveraged, including in the universalization of social protection systems and in the areas of migration, labour inclusion, taxation and resource management, to achieve shared growth and stability.

This document presents key milestones in the recent history of social development and the main challenges and specific proposals submitted by the ministries of social development and equivalent entities of the region, in the framework of the Regional Conference on Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, for consideration during the work and discussions of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The aim of these inputs is to advance inclusive social development worldwide, with a view to transforming the development model and building a more productive, inclusive and sustainable future.

The ILO policy brief, “Peak-level social dialogue: An essential force for economic development and social progress, highlights the role of peak-level social dialogue in fostering inclusive, legitimate policymaking and advancing the UN 2030 Agenda. It examines current challenges and gaps in participation, resources, and fundamental rights that affect its effectiveness.

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.