UNDP’s Vision for Social Development: Prosperity, Dignity, and Inclusion

During the preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a powerful reflection on the state of global social progress: Prosperity, Dignity, and Inclusion. The piece takes stock of what has changed since the first Social Summit in 1995 and outlines why renewed commitment to shared development is urgently needed today.

Three decades of gains in education, life expectancy, and poverty reduction are now overshadowed by widening inequality, climate shocks, demographic transitions, and rapid technological change. UNDP argues that meeting this moment requires an integrated approach centered on the guiding pillars of the forthcoming Doha Political Declaration.

Prosperity: Moving from Poverty Reduction to Long-Term Resilience

Despite historic progress, 808 million people still live in extreme poverty in 2025, and 1.1 billion experience multidimensional deprivation. Climate change is accelerating this crisis: in the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, over 90% of people lack any form of social protection.

UNDP emphasizes social protection as the foundation of economic resilience. Shock-responsive systems not only prevent people from falling back into poverty, but also help communities withstand climate volatility and economic disruption. Partnerships — such as the UNDP–Qatar collaboration, which directs billions toward LDCs — demonstrate how targeted investment can drive more equitable development.

Dignity: Decent Work, Digital Access, and Economic Security

A thriving society requires work that is safe, meaningful, and accessible. Yet global youth unemployment remains more than double the adult rate, and 259 million young people are neither in education, employment, nor training. Over the next decade, 1.2 billion youth will enter the job market, competing for just 420 million jobs.

Digital transformation adds both opportunity and risk. Although new roles are emerging, the digital divide remains stark: 2.2 billion children and youth lack internet access at home, cutting them off from education, training, and civic participation.

UNDP is supporting countries to expand digital literacy, develop green and digital jobs, and build the enabling environments needed to ensure that technological change uplifts, rather than excludes, the next generation.

Inclusion: Ensuring No One Is Left Behind

Social inclusion is the third pillar of the Doha Declaration and a prerequisite for stability and peace. This means dismantling barriers that prevent marginalized groups — including women, youth, older persons, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities — from participating fully in economic and civic life.

UNDP’s experience shows that people-centered governance is key. When communities can shape decisions and monitor delivery, outcomes are more equitable and sustainable. Programs like Mali’s community-driven natural resource management or the Gender Equality Seal for public institutions show how inclusive governance directly strengthens trust, cohesion, and development.

UNDP’s message is clear: the challenge of our time is not a shortage of resources, but a shortage of inclusive choices. With the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, world leaders have an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to social justice, expand digital and economic opportunities, and build systems that ensure prosperity, dignity, and inclusion for all.

Read the full story by the UNDP here.