Globally, growing inequalities, demographic shifts, and rapid technological transformation have signalled the urgent need for a renewed commitment to social progress. Thirty years ago, at the first World Summit for Social Development (WSSD), governments pledged to make poverty eradication, full employment, and social integration their overriding development objectives. 30 years later, the Second WSSD gathered world leaders to chart a new course towards achieving the goal of building societies that are more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

The first WSSD resulted in adoption of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and its Programme of Action, which aspired to “place people at the centre of development by ensuring full participation by all” and have guided multilateral action on social development ever since.

The second WSSD addressed persistent gaps in implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, reaffirm global commitment to social development, and give new momentum to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It was an opportunity for world leaders to come together to redefine strategies for social progress, strengthen global partnerships, and promote inclusive policies that foster equitable opportunities for all.

The Summit adopted the Doha Political Declaration, which has already been agreed by consensus through a UN intergovernmental negotiating process. The Doha Political Declaration recommits to the Copenhagen Declaration and builds on it. It includes a Call to Action to, among other things: adopt a holistic approach to eradicating all forms and dimensions of poverty; and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

The second WSSD took place from 4–6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Tomilola Akanle Eni-ibukun, Ph.D.; Gabriella Boger Prado; and Kate Helfenstein-Louw. The Digital Editor was Andrés Carvajal. The Editor was Lynn Wagner, Ph.D.