Engagement Opportunities in the lead up to WSSD2 2025

On Women’s Day, UNRISD will organize outreach activities and share research insights emphasizing the critical role of gender equality in achieving social development. These efforts will contribute to the WSSD by promoting dialogue and action on gender inclusive policies for sustainable progress.

UNRISD organized and co-convened side event entitled "Towards the World Summit for Social Development: Economy of Wellbeing Approach and Social Justice as Investments for Future Generations" to foster dialogue among thought leaders, policymakers, and activists. The event served as a platform to highlight research findings and actionable recommendations stemming from UNRISD’s preparatory work. Partners for side events included UN agencies, UN member states, civil society organizations, and experts.

Online expert group meetings have been carried out in the Africa, Asia, LAC regions and Nordic countries reaching over 80 experts to identify regional priorities and perspectives. A brief for each consultation has been developed and disseminated widely to inform the WSSD consultations. Link to video broadcasts insights shared at the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development in February 2025.

The objective is to identify controversial aspects of the negotiations around the Political Declaration and prepare briefs designed to facilitate effective multilateral negotiations by providing clear, evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations. These briefs will present comprehensive analyses of key issues, incorporating data, research findings, and best practices from various contexts. By summarizing the positions and concerns of different stakeholders, they seek to ensure that all voices are considered, fostering a balanced and inclusive approach to decision-making. Visual aids such as charts, graphs, and infographics will make complex information more accessible, helping negotiators quickly grasp the essential points.

In the first half of 2025, ECE member States conduct national stakeholder engagements on future ageing policy priorities to identify the primary challenges at national level in relation to demographic change and ageing. ECE will issue of summary report of these findings in October 2025. This process is primarily intended to inform an update of the regional implementation strategy of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, however, the insights gained will identify gaps and priorities for social development in the context of ageing societies. Inputs could feed into the summit through various channels, including inputs by member States, UN system and civil society.

Prepare at least four targeted research outputs on poverty eradication, inequality reduction, transformative social policies and just transitions. Disseminate these briefs to provide evidence-based guidance to policymakers and stakeholders. Invite external experts to contribute to a blog series on key issues related to contemporary social development challenges. Amplify the blog series through strategic outreach across digital platforms, newsletters, and social media to ensure broad engagement with diverse audiences.