Press Release | World Leaders Unite in Doha for Just and Inclusive Societies
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - Time for Global Action for People and Planet
Doha, Qatar, 4 November 2025 – Amid geopolitical tensions and growing inequalities, world leaders gathered at the Second World Summit for Social Development to adopt the Doha Political Declaration. This declaration reflects a global commitment to creating fairer, more inclusive societies.
The declaration represents a unified pledge by governments to combat poverty, generate decent employment, promote equality, and uphold human rights. It emphasizes that social development is not only a moral duty but also vital for peace, stability, and sustainable economic growth.
“True development isn’t about prosperity for the few,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the opening press conference. “It’s about opportunities for the many, grounded in social justice, full employment, and human dignity.”
Describing the declaration as a “booster shot for development” and “a people’s plan,” Guterres stressed urgent action in four critical areas:
- Speeding up efforts to end poverty and inequality by strengthening social protection systems.
- Creating decent jobs through skill development, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
- Unlocking financial resources for developing nations by reforming global financial systems and easing debt burdens.
- Ensuring no one is left behind by empowering those most vulnerable to exclusion.
The Doha Political Declaration reflects renewed determination to address urgent social challenges and foster equitable development worldwide.
“It’s about opportunities for the many, grounded in social justice, full employment, and human dignity.”
Author's summary: The Doha Summit highlights a global pledge to fight poverty and inequality by promoting social justice, decent jobs, financial reforms, and inclusive growth, ensuring no one is left behind.