President of the General Assembly Calls for Bold Action to Build a Fairer, More Inclusive World

In the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, H.E. Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, called on Member States and all partners to “prove through action, not words, that a fairer, more inclusive world is within our reach.”

Recalling the spirit of the 1995 Copenhagen World Summit for Social Development, she reminded the international community of its founding conviction: that “humanity is about living a life in dignity, not survival.” While progress has been achieved over the past three decades, she underscored that the gaps remain profound — with over 800 million people still living in extreme poverty and millions lacking basic social protections, healthcare, and education.

“With only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must reignite global ambition and deliver inclusive, resilient and just societies,” she said. “Societies where every child goes to school, where hunger is ended once and for all, and where none are left behind.”

H.E. Baerbock stressed that social development remains the “bedrock of peace, security and justice,” urging all governments and stakeholders to arrive in Doha with “concrete and innovative solutions that accelerate social progress for all.”

The Second World Summit for Social Development, taking place from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar, will bring together Heads of State and Government to renew the global commitment to eradicate poverty, promote decent work and social inclusion, and adopt the Doha Political Declaration.