Highlights and images for 6 November 2025

In the words of the President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the closing of the Second World Summit for Social Development marks not an end, but the beginning of a new opportunity - to turn the Doha Political Declaration into concrete action and ensure no one is left behind.

Throughout the final day of the Summit, leaders continued to call for stronger international cooperation to advance social development, particularly for the most vulnerable. They urged "going beyond gross domestic product” to measure progress that reflects dignity, wellbeing, and equality.

Uganda highlighted national initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, which aims to move the 33% of Ugandans in subsistence production into a money economy, the Small Business Recovery Fund, and other programmes for the elderly, youth, and women. She called for addressing financing challenges and reforming the global financial architecture to secure fairer terms for developing countries.

Barbados emphasized that “progress is not an accident—it’s built” and described his country’s social dialogue model, where government, trade unions, and employers jointly shape policy. He said this collaboration has led to the establishment of a national minimum wage, fair working conditions, and expanded social protections, including for self-employed workers.

France announced plans to integrate social development priorities into its upcoming G7 presidency, focusing on combating the informal economy through tailored financing for social protection and promoting a social economy grounded in solidarity.

The Council of Europe noted the Doha Political Declaration reaffirms that education, health, and social protection are fundamental rights. He emphasized that empowering young people through access to education, employment, and health services is essential for achieving social and sustainable development.

Canada acknowledged progress has been made but lamented that global shocks and shifting political landscapes have disrupted supply chains, strained local resources, and affected social inclusion.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) emphasized that parliaments and parliamentarians serve as a bridge between global ambitions and local implementation, but can only fulfill this role if they are recognized as equal partners in global governance. She encouraged enhanced cooperation between the IPU and UN in order to include the parliamentary perspective in the UN.

Cyprus called for strengthening the interconnection between jobs, labor rights, and inclusive growth, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to decent work and reducing inequalities. Ecuador shared progress on eradicating child malnutrition through various national programmes, showcasing the “1000-day programme” that provides prenatal and child health assistance.

Speaking at the close of the Summit, UNGA President Annalena Baerbock emphasized that the initiatives and partnerships showcased over the three days of the Summit must now be implemented at scale to lift the remaining population living in extreme poverty. She stressed that investment in social development is the smartest possible investment states and businesses can make. 

She closed the Summit at 5:17 pm.