UNRISD Research and Consultations Pave the Way for Second World Social Summit

1 June 2025 – Geneva: In preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar, the UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) has launched a series of research and impact activities to inform and influence the Summit’s outcomes, including the Political Declaration. Outlined in their Annual Report 2024, these efforts include a global consultation and a series of online regional dialogues with leading experts from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Nordic countries. Complemented by policy briefs, side events, and targeted convenings, they aim to equip stakeholders in the negotiation process with the evidence and tools needed to foster political consensus and secure ambitious, progressive outcomes.

UNRISD is working to ensure broad, inclusive participation in the Summit’s preparatory process, as called for in General Assembly resolution 78/318, by amplifying marginalized voices and engaging stakeholders from the global South. Through its global network, it brings together academia, civil society, and policymakers to deliver evidence-based recommendations on poverty eradication, social protection, employment, gender equality, and just transitions. The goal is to shape Summit outcomes and future advocacy, so renewed commitments lead to concrete, sustainable results.

1. Global Consultation

• Launched in July 2024 and opened until February 2025, the global consultation identified the three most pressing social development challenges, and three key policy demands from a diverse global audience.
• The consultation invited participation from policymakers, civil society, academics, and the public, ensuring perspectives from all regions and demographics are captured for the Political Declaration.
• Read more about the global consultation here.

2. Regional Dialogues

• Four regional consultations were held across Africa, Asia, Latin America & Caribbean, and the Nordic countries.
• The initiative brought together 84 experts from different sectors to share region-specific challenges and solutions.
• The objective was to understand key concerns and collect effective policy solutions tailored to regional, sub-regional, and national contexts.

3. Research Contributions and Partnerships

• UNRISD deepened collaboration with the WHO and ILO on health equity and the social determinants of health in preparation for the Second WSSD, launching the webinar Unpacking Social Protection for Health Equity in December. It also worked closely with UNDESA and the Summit’s co-facilitators (Belgium and Morocco) to ensure evidence-based proposals from its global consultation and regional dialogues directly inform the Political Declaration.

With these initiatives, UNRISD is not only contributing critical evidence and policy guidance to the Summit, but also ensuring that diverse voices, especially from marginalized groups and the global South, are represented in shaping the Summit’s vision. The Institute’s work in 2024-2025 is paving the way for renewed commitments to translate into tangible, inclusive, and sustainable social development outcomes.

Read the full Annual Report by UNRISD here.