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The adoption of the Declaration demonstrates a shared commitment by governments to fight poverty, create decent jobs, combat discrimination, expand access to social protection and protect human rights. It also emphasizes that social development is not only a moral imperative, but also a prerequisite for peace, stability and sustainable growth. The Summit brought together more than 14,000 stakeholders under one roof, including more than 40 heads of state and government, 170 ministers, leaders of international organizations, youth representatives, civil society actors and experts. At the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha, delegates moved between meeting rooms and bustling networking spaces packed with students, activists and community leaders – underscoring that social development is not the work of governments alone. The Doha Political Declaration Named after the city of his adoption, the Doha Political Declaration renews leaders’ commitment to the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and the 2030 Agendacentering social development on three mutually reinforcing pillars: the eradication of poverty, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social inclusion. It links social justice to peace, security and human rights, commits to leaving no one behind and calls for urgent climate action under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) And Paris Agreementreaffirming the Rio principles, notably common but differentiated responsibilities. Financing is placed at the forefront: the Declaration reaffirms the Addis Ababa Action Agenda as an integral part of the 2030 Agenda, welcomes Seville’s commitment to renew the financing framework and calls for stronger and more representative multilateral institutions. Monitoring will be led by the Social Development Commission, with a five-year review process to assess progress and address gaps. Walk the last mile, don’t leave anyone behind Speaking after the adoption, President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stressed that Doha must “go the last mile” to ensure no one is left behind. Reflecting on progress since Copenhagen, she noted that unemployment had fallen globally and extreme poverty had declined, but disparities remained stark, particularly for women and young people. She warned that economic growth alone has proven insufficient to overcome structural inequalities, emphasizing that climate change, demographic pressures and conflict are deepening social vulnerabilities. Ms. Baerbock called for comprehensive, interconnected solutions that together tackle poverty, hunger, education, health, climate resilience and gender equality, stressing that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are “not 17 separate targets, but an integrated framework in which progress in one area accelerates progress in others.» “These are not siled programs, they all emphasize that human security is the foundation of global security,” she said. A boost for development UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that progress on the SDGs is too slow, with several goals blocked or reversed. “The Doha Political Declaration is a boost for development,” he said, calling it a “people’s plan” focused on expanding universal social protection, ensuring equitable access to health and education, creating decent work and bridging the digital divide. He also highlighted the urgency of reforming the global financial architecture to ensure equitable access to development and climate finance, particularly for developing countries facing debt distress. In conclusion, the Secretary-General stressed that the Summit focuses on ‘hope through collective action’ – and on mobilizing the political and financial will to keep the promise made in Copenhagen. “Guided by the Doha Political Declaration, let us realize the bold people’s plan that humanity needs and deserves.» he said. UN Info on the ground is on the ground in Dohaproviding ongoing coverage throughout the week, including live updates, interviews and analysis from the Summit. Follow our cover here.
