Webinar on Preparations for the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, addressed to Resident Coordinators in Latin America and the Caribbean

On 19 August, UN DESA and UNDCO jointly hosted a regional webinar for United Nations Resident Coordinators in Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD). The discussion was framed by a presentation by Mr. Claudio Santibáñez Servat, UNDESA Interregional Advisor, which contextualized WSSD regional preparations based on an ECLAC report highlighting current socio-economic features of the LAC region: low growth, high inequality, high unemployment and informality, demographic shifts (mainly population aging), weak institutions and policy fluctuations. Additionally, information was also shared on the logistical arrangements for the Summit, with guidance on the role that RCs can play in building momentum and interest nationally, as well as on the status of the intergovernmental negotiations for the Summit outcome document.

Image

A second presentation was made by Mr. Dennis Zulu, UNRC for MCO Jamaica which highlighted the strong institutional collaboration between the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and the United Nations system. He emphasized the Government of Jamaica’s active engagement in the lead-up to the WSSD, reaffirming the prioritization of social development within the national development strategy, Vision 2030. Mr. Zulu noted that the recently completed Common Country Analysis (CCA) process was particularly timely, as it facilitated deep engagement with national stakeholders on critical socio-economic issues. The result of this process was the identification of national policy priorities such as youth engagement and empowerment, gender equality, capacity development, and knowledge sharing. These outcomes have now informed the Jamaican position to be presented at the forthcoming Summit. Additionally, he referenced a national study on the future of work, which explored emerging trends including social protection, migration, and digitalization. The study provided valuable insights into how these factors are shaping the evolution of Jamaica’s labour market.

During the interactive Q&A, RCs sought clarification on the expected outcomes of the Summit and the potential modalities for follow-up implementation at the national level. The role of civil society organizations, both at the Summit and in the implementation of its outcomes, was also discussed. RCs will engage with government counterparts to help mobilize interest and ensure active national participation in the Summit.

Similar Webinars will be held for Africa (28 August 2025 - TBD); Asia and the Pacific (26 August 2025); and the Middle East and North Africa (27 August 2025). A Webinar for Europe and Central Asia was held in July.