Press Release
World Leaders in Doha Unite for Just and Inclusive Societies
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - Time for Global Action for People and Planet
Doha, Qatar, 4 November 2025 – Amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing inequalities, world leaders at the Second World Summit for Social Development adopted the Doha Political Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to building fairer, more inclusive societies.
The declaration reflects a global pledge to combat poverty, generate quality employment, promote equality, and uphold human rights. It emphasizes that social development is both a moral duty and essential for peace, stability, and sustainable economic growth.
“True development isn’t about prosperity for the few,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the opening press conference. “It’s about opportunities for the many, grounded in social justice, full employment, and human dignity.”
Describing the Doha Political Declaration as a “booster shot for development” and “a people’s plan,” Guterres called for immediate efforts in four critical areas:
- Accelerate the end of poverty and inequality by strengthening social systems.
- Create decent jobs by enhancing skills, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
- Unlock financing for developing countries through global system reforms and debt relief.
- Ensure that no one is left behind by empowering those most vulnerable to exclusion.
This renewed global action underlines the importance of social progress for sustainable development worldwide.
Author’s summary: The Doha Summit demonstrates a critical collective effort by leaders to prioritize inclusive growth and social justice as foundations for global peace and prosperity.