Countries commit to investing in and strengthening social protection

On 5 November during the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Doha Political Declaration was adopted with a pledge to strengthen social protection through policymaking and financing.

Governments signing the Doha Declaration committed to strengthening social protection systems, especially by expanding coverage by at least two percentage points per year, in line with ILO standards. This pledge is part of a broader effort to advance poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion amid global uncertainty. The Declaration also endorsed universal, gender-responsive social protection; equitable access to health and education; and recognized the UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions as a key implementation mechanism.

At the Second World Summit for Social Development (4–6 November 2025), four sessions focused on social protection:

Country-led solutions on 4 November emphasized joint investments in jobs, skills, and social protection as drivers of productivity, social cohesion, and labour participation. Examples highlighted the positive impact of Global Accelerator-supported initiatives. Universal social protection for equitable growth the same day reinforced social protection’s role in reducing poverty and fostering inclusion, and urged countries to uphold commitments, especially the annual 2-percentage-point expansion in coverage.

On 5 November, the ‘advancing social protection for migrant workers’ session addressed gaps facing migrant workers across GCC, South Asia, and Africa. The session showcased new cross-regional efforts like the ILO’s STREAM Programme to improve migrant access to social protection.

Co-organized with WHO, the ‘universal social protection for better health and resilience’ session highlighted the need to integrate social protection and health systems to build resilience, reduce poverty, and enhance wellbeing, especially amid fiscal and environmental challenges.

Across the sessions, ministers, experts, and development partners shared strategies for integrated policy design and sustainable financing at a time when many developing countries face fiscal constraints. Overall, the Summit reaffirmed universal social protection as central to inclusive growth, social justice, and sustainable development.

For more information, please visit ILO.