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President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, stressed that the Second World Summit for Social Development (Doha 2025) presents an ideal opportunity to transition from charting plans to deploying practical solutions for the social challenges facing many of the world's communities.Addressing the Doha Solutions Forum for Social Development, held Monday as part of the summit hosted by Qatar from Nov. 4‑6, Baerbock affirmed that the broad participation expected at the summit will help impart prolific experiences and explore the best solutions to address both current and future social challenges.The summit broadly aims to unify efforts and share expertise to build practical and enduring solutions for global social development challenges, Baerbock underlined. She lavished praise on Qatar's role in backing international efforts to address social problems worldwide, particularly through hosting this monumental global event.The real challenge before the international community today, in terms of social development, lies in the capacity to implement solutions effectively, failure of which exacerbates suffering. Therefore, the Doha Summit is a perfect platform for learning, inspiring ideas, and fostering joint action toward a better future for all, she highlighted.The UN official cited a slew of successful global initiatives in social development, including the Sierra Leone initiative for enabling economic independence for persons with disabilities, which demonstrates empowerment through economic self-reliance rather than charity, achieved by removing barriers to employment, providing vocational training, and offering microloans for entrepreneurial projects.Similarly, India's Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has opened over 531mn new bank accounts, expanding the scope of social services, while civil society organizations in Sri Lanka launched a digital platform that created more than 25,000 job opportunities, underscoring that such initiatives demonstrate the immense value of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society, she outlined.She pointed out that the massive challenge before policymakers lies in scaling such solutions and mobilizing essential resources to implement them on the ground. The global financing gap in social development, estimated at approximately US$4tn, underscores the urgent necessity to establish cooperative frameworks and innovative financial instruments capable of scaling pilot projects into large‑scale initiatives benefiting millions, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, infrastructure enhancement, and social inclusion, Baerbock noted.She further indicated that public‑private sector partnerships, alongside civil society engagement, are the bedrock of achieving comprehensive development, emphasizing that the private sector should be conceived not merely as a source of funding but as a strategic partner in innovation and solution creation.She stressed the importance of women's empowerment and providing opportunities for them to assume leadership across diverse fields, in addition to recognizing existing solutions, exploring novel ones, and sharing expertise to build a more just and enduring future.

Qatar participated in the opening session of the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development. Qatar was represented at the meeting by Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi. In her address, Her Excellency explained that the session was being held just a few months after the Second World Summit for Social Development, which was hosted by Qatar in November 2025, QNA reported from New York. She emphasised that the country has solidified its position as a leading global destination for dialogue and international co-operation. Al-Nuaimi noted that the Summit achieved great success and positive global feedback, and that the Doha Political Declaration served as an important roadmap for translating ambitious commitments into practical actions to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. She also pointed to Qatar’s continued notable progress across all pillars of its National Vision, particularly in the field of social development, where the family is placed at the heart of social policies, alongside efforts to empower women, enhance the role of youth, and support persons with disabilities and the elderly. Her Excellency highlighted the launch of the Ministry of Social Development and Family’s National Strategy for the period 2025-2030, under the theme: “From Care to Empowerment,” which aims to enhance community participation and expand social protection. She reviewed achievements related to women’s empowerment, including the 2025 amendments to the Civil Human Resources Law, which expanded leave entitlements and supported work-family balance, leading to an increase in women’s participation in the workforce to more than 63%, in addition to their leadership roles in higher education institutions. Underscoring the importance of empowering youth, HE al-Nuaimi noted the issuance of Law No. (22) of 2025 on the rights of persons with disabilities and the State’s commitment to international standards in this field. She also announced the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work, which recognises impactful initiatives. She concluded her address by reaffirming Qatar’s continued support for the Palestinian cause. 

Qatar participated in the pre-summit briefing for the Second World Summit on Social Development, scheduled to be held in Doha from November 4 to 6, 2025. Qatar was represented at the briefing by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani. Also participating was HE President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Annalena Baerbock. HE Sheikha Alya Al-Thani explained that the State of Qatar, as the host country of the Second World Summit on Social Development, is honored to welcome the international community and the participation of more than 8,000 representatives of member states, at the level of heads of state and government, ministers, the United Nations, civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth, to renew their commitment to social justice and placing human beings at the heart of the sustainable development process. She added that the summit, which comes thirty years after the Copenhagen Conference, represents a unique opportunity to renew the shared commitment to social development and inclusion, and to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. She emphasized that this summit marks a pivotal moment in the path of social development. Her Excellency also noted that the summit will culminate in the adoption of the "Doha Political Declaration," explaining that the declaration reaffirms the interconnectedness of eradicating poverty, providing decent work opportunities for all, and achieving social inclusion as essential elements for achieving sustainable development. She expressed the State of Qatar's confidence that the summit will result in practical and constructive commitments, including genuine pledges that will enhance social justice, empower vulnerable groups, and advance the path of sustainable development at the international level. For her part, HE President of the 80th UNGA, stated that the State of Qatar plays a pivotal role in advancing development at the international level by hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development, which comes at a critical juncture requiring redoubled efforts to eradicate poverty and inequality, promote social justice, and empower communities. She added that the summit will contribute to launching a new phase of international cooperation aimed at translating commitments into concrete, practical steps, noting the importance of strengthening partnerships between governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector to build more sustainable societies. She expressed the United Nations' appreciation to the State of Qatar for hosting this important summit, emphasizing that its convening will contribute to developing practical and implementable solutions that will benefit all peoples and societies, address the root causes of poverty, and promote social justice and development. (QNA)

The Second World Summit for Social Development opened its second day on Wednesday with a plenary session focused on the main global challenges and opportunities related to social development. During the session, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international solidarity and placing humans at the center of social policies to achieve sustainable well-being among communities.They called for enhanced cooperation between countries and international institutions to develop comprehensive social policies, with a focus on investing in youth, women, and vulnerable groups to ensure sustainable social development and promote equality and justice.In this context, Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas said that development is not measured solely by economic growth indicators, but also by social cohesion, citizens' quality of life, and human dignity.She added that Turkiye is working to achieve a balance between work, education, health, and social life, ensuring women's empowerment, protecting children, promoting active and healthy lives for youth and the elderly, and transforming social assistance from temporary support into a sustainable environment that encourages citizens' active participation in social development.Meanwhile, Minister of Social Development of Oman Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar emphasized that true development begins and ends with humans, and that justice and equality are fundamental pillars for building a modern state.She explained that the Sultanate of Oman follows a comprehensive social strategy that includes combating poverty, promoting social integration, and distributing social benefits fairly, with a focus on supporting families, improving the professional environment for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and using data-driven assessments to enhance social policies.In turn, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Sanni Grahn-Laasonen stressed her country's full support for United Nations reform and its commitment to human rights and gender equality, with an emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights.She noted that Finland is a leader in social innovation, and that its investments in parental care, free education, school meals, and public childcare have contributed to improving quality of life and empowering women to participate in the labor market. She also emphasized the importance of youth and ensuring the rights of future generations to a dignified life and a sustainable future.

President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Annalena Baerbock stated that Tuesday's adoption of the Doha Political Declaration represents a crucial step towards achieving inclusive social development that leaves no one behind, and that Doha should be the final stage on this path that began in Copenhagen three decades ago. In her address at the opening session of the Second World Summit for Social Development — ​​Doha 2025, she recalled the experience shaped by the 1995 Copenhagen Conference, saying: "Copenhagen taught us 30 years ago that social development and inclusion is essential for strong societies. Today, Doha must go the last mile and teach us how to leave no one behind, end social injustice, and guarantee dignity for everyone." Baerbock added that the past three decades have seen "tangible progress," saying: "Unemployment, which stood at 1bn people, 30% of the global workforce in 1995 fell to a historic low of 5% in 2024." However, she noted that "economic growth alone has been insufficient to pull people in all regions out of poverty," as gaps widen and structural imbalances persist, leaving millions marginalised. On these gaps, she pointed out that girls in many countries find themselves left behind for reasons beyond their control. She added, "Copenhagen has allowed millions to take a step forward. But far too many have remained stuck or have even fallen further back. 800mn people still live in extreme poverty. In some countries, half of the girls do not even go to primary school.” Baerbock continued by saying: "While unemployment has fallen to 5% globally, this hides vast disparities. For instance, unemployment stands at less than 1% in some countries, yet it amounts to more than 20% in others. And young people remain three times more likely to be unemployed. These are undeniable facts, and we must join forces in order to make life fair for everyone work towards a world that is fair to everyone, regardless of their birthplace or circumstances.” Regarding shared challenges, she emphasized that the climate crisis is the biggest obstacle to social development, noting that climate disasters cause the collapse of social services and an immediate decline in GDP. Just last week, Hurricane Melissa barreled through the Caribbean, causing $2bn in losses. Such disasters directly account for at least $200bn in annual losses, she said, adding: "If we continue like this, it is estimated that if the planet warms by more than two degrees, almost 200mn more people could face food insecurity.” She said that hunger and poverty are also drivers of displacement. And displacement, in turn, leads to insecurity and instability. Thus begins a vicious circle, stressing that the opportunity still exists to reduce emissions and keep the temperature rise below two degrees. "Fighting the climate crisis and ending hunger and poverty is not merely an act of charity. It is a matter of security and self-interest for all countries.” Baerbock also called for the adoption of interconnected solutions for social development, noting that the Doha Declaration, as well as the SDGs, call for holistic strategies because eradicating hunger cannot be achieved in isolation from education, equality, or decent work. They are not separate 17 goals, but rather an integrated framework where advancement in one area accelerates progress in others, she said. Baerbock affirmed that the Doha Declaration was formulated with everyone's participation and delivering on this all together in unity won't be easy. "With the Declaration just adopted, with the promises we made, to level the playing field for all, once and forever," she added It is worth noting that the opening session of the conference witnessed the formal adoption of the Doha Political Declaration by the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The declaration was agreed upon through an intergovernmental negotiation process held at the UN in New York. According to the UN, this declaration represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to accelerate social progress, eradicate poverty, and build more inclusive, just, and sustainable societies.

Hosted by Qatar from November 4 to 6, the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) concluded Thursday with wide international praise for its outcomes and results in terms of advancing social development globally and linking it to sustainable development.At the closing session, the summit reiterated its welcome of the Doha Political Declaration, which was adopted by the conference. The declaration emphasized the inter-connectedness of eradicating poverty, providing decent work opportunities for all, and achieving social inclusion as essential elements for attaining sustainable development.It also provided significant impetus to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.In her address at the Summit's closing session, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stated that the Doha Summit marks a new beginning for advancing social development globally and achieving many goals related to improving education, healthcare services, communications, and other vital areas that serve societies.She noted that the Doha Political Declaration and its provisions, adopted by the summit, form the basis for building more just, secure, and resilient societies, 30 years after the first summit.She further said that the Second World Summit in Doha marked a turning point, as it moved from diagnosing problems to taking practical steps to solve them, thanks to multilateral efforts involving governmental and international organisations, civil society organisations, and the private sector.The time has come more than ever to capitalize on the great momentum generated by the Doha Summit after listening to and learning about the views of heads of state, heads of government, and all parties concerned with social development, she stressed, noting that the focus should now be on transforming the ideas and proposals presented into tangible innovations, actions, and initiatives by considering how to invest in the financial commitments related to the Sustainable Development Goals.The President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly commended Qatar for its outstanding organisation of the summit and its significant role in the success of this important global event.She also reiterated that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a just and lasting peace, as conflicts not only claim lives but also set back decades of social progress.Following the closing session of the conference, the UN flag was lowered at the Qatar National Convention Centre, officially marking the conclusion of the Second World Summit for Social Development.The summit saw the participation of approximately 8,000 representatives from member states, including heads of state and government, ministers, representatives from the UN, civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth. They all reaffirmed the importance of social development and the well-being of societies and presented practical solutions and proposals for achieving sustainable development through its social dimension.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development at the Qatar National Convention Center Tuesday.The opening ceremony was attended by Their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies, leaders of sisterly and friendly countries, heads of government, and participating delegations.**media[377301]**During the opening session, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was elected Chair of the Second World Summit for Social Development.His Highness the Amir delivered a speech in the opening ceremony, read as follows: In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Your Excellency the President of the UN General Assembly, Your Excellency the Secretary-General of the UN, Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Honourable Audience, May peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.Our hosting of this summit... reflects our keenness to advance social development, support international efforts to eradicate poverty, increase job opportunities, and promote all that safeguards human dignity and social inclusion.At the outset it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Doha, wishing you a pleasant stay.The State of Qatar takes pride in hosting this summit, which comes thirty years after the first Summit held in Copenhagen in 1995. It is an event that affirms the spirit of solidarity and international cooperation in addressing the challenges that hinder economic growth, and slow down the achievement of human development goals, which will threaten social peace.**media[377299]**Our hosting of this summit stems from our firm conviction in the importance of collective action on issues that should not be contentious in order to address common global challenges. It also reflects our keenness to advance social development, support international efforts to eradicate poverty, increase job opportunities, and promote all that safeguards human dignity and social inclusion — ultimately paving the way toward a future of greater prosperity and justice for all.On this occasion, we value the tireless efforts of Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, which embody his well-known commitment to enhancing the work of the UN. We extend our appreciation to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs for its efforts in coordinating and preparing this summit.Qatar takes pride in its strong strategic partnership with the UNHonourable Audience, Social development is not a matter of choice-it is a fundamental necessity. As we commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the founding of the UN this year, this summit provides us with an opportunity to renew our commitment to its charter, to multilateral cooperation within its institutions, and to redouble our efforts to solidify the values of social development as an essential foundation for achieving security, prosperity, and stability for all.At the national level, Qatar has accorded special importance to social development and has achieved clear progress, as reflected in indicators issued by relevant international institutions. The State continues to work diligently in this regard-enhancing human development, improving quality of life, promoting prosperity and well-being, and advancing education quality, economic empowerment, healthcare, family welfare, and social protection.The Doha Declaration constitutes an ambitious document aimed at achieving the desired social development.The State, through the Ministry of Social Development and Family, has recently launched its 2025-2030 Strategy, under the theme: "From Care to Empowerment.” One of its main pillars is to build a cohesive society founded on justice, equal opportunity, and human empowerment- in line with the State’s strategies and Qatar National Vision 2030.At the international level, we recognise that the challenges facing realising social development-such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality-require collective cooperation and effective solidarity. Qatar takes pride in its strong strategic partnership with the UN, and has never faltered in fulfilling its commitments. It ranks among the leading supporters of the UN across various domains.Social development can never be achieved without peace and stability.The State of Qatar will remain an active partner in the international community and a supporter of social development efforts through its contributions and assistance to many countries and communities via Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, and others.Honourable Audience, The minimum measure of seriousness in addressing humanity’s shared challenges — such as environmental and climate issues, poverty, displacement, and human rights — lies in honouring commitments.In the case of social development, this requires translating the pledges made by countries in the Copenhagen Declaration into tangible reality, by addressing implementation gaps and prioritising innovative solutions, effective partnerships, and persistence in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The Doha Declaration, adopted at this summit, is the fruit of diligent and dedicated work, as well as extensive consultations held in New York. It constitutes an ambitious document aimed at achieving the desired social development. We commend the valuable efforts of the Representatives of Morocco and Belgium to the UN for their sincere efforts in leading and facilitating the intergovernmental negotiations.We are confident that the Doha Declaration, which reaffirms a political, economic, and ethical vision for social development grounded in human dignity, human rights, equality, and peace, will lend new momentum to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and will serve as a roadmap and solid foundation for addressing social development issues, particularly poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.We call upon the international community to redouble its efforts and extend support to the Palestinian peopleSocial development can never be achieved without peace and stability. We believe that the lasting peace — unlike temporary settlements — is the just peace. It is no secret that the brotherly Palestinian people are in dire need of all possible support to address the catastrophic consequences of the brutal Israeli aggression and to resist the establishment of an apartheid system in Palestine.We call upon the international community to redouble its efforts and extend support to the Palestinian people in reconstruction and meeting the basic needs of this steadfast people until justice is achieved and their legitimate rights are exercised on their soil and their homeland.It is high time to end the war in Sudan and reach a political solution that guarantees Sudan's unityIn the context of peace and stability, I cannot conclude this address without referring to our collective shock at the horrific atrocities committed in the city of El Fasher in the Darfur region of Sudan, and our unequivocal condemnation of these acts. Did we need further proof to understand that neglecting violations of States’ security, sovereignty, and stability, and turning a blind eye to civil wars and their atrocities inevitably leads to such tragedies. Sudan has endured the horrors of this war for two and a half years, and it is high time to end it and reach a political solution that guarantees Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.Honourable Audience, Our success will be measured by our ability to translate our commitments into tangible actions that achieve social development for all — especially in developing countries. Together, we can make this summit a pivotal milestone, ensuring that our deliberations lead to practical and effective steps that contribute to transforming the slogans of peace, social development, and prosperity into a tangible reality for all, without discrimination.In conclusion, I once again welcome you to Doha, wishing that this summit will achieve its envisioned objectives.Thank you.May Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.The opening ceremony was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, a number of ministers and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the state, members of delegations, representatives of regional and international institutions and organisations, and guests.

The Second World Summit for Social Development opened its second day on Wednesday with a plenary session focused on the main global challenges and opportunities related to social development.During the session, participants emphasised the importance of strengthening international solidarity and placing humans at the centre of social policies to achieve sustainable well-being among communities.They called for enhanced co-operation between countries and international institutions to develop comprehensive social policies, with a focus on investing in youth, women, and vulnerable groups to ensure sustainable social development and promote equality and justice.In this context, Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas said that development is not measured solely by economic growth indicators, but also by social cohesion, citizens’ quality of life, and human dignity.She added that Turkiye is working to achieve a balance between work, education, health, and social life, ensuring women’s empowerment, protecting children, promoting active and healthy lives for youth and the elderly, and transforming social assistance from temporary support into a sustainable environment that encourages citizens’ active participation in social development.Meanwhile, Minister of Social Development of Oman Dr Laila bint Ahmed al-Najjar emphasised that true development begins and ends with humans, and that justice and equality are fundamental pillars for building a modern state.She explained that Oman follows a comprehensive social strategy that includes combating poverty, promoting social integration, and distributing social benefits fairly, with a focus on supporting families, improving the professional environment for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and using data-driven assessments to enhance social policies.In turn, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Sanni Grahn-Laasonen stressed her country’s full support for UN reform and its commitment to human rights and gender equality, with an emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights.She noted that Finland is a leader in social innovation, and that its investments in parental care, free education, school meals, and public childcare have contributed to improving quality of life and empowering women to participate in the labour market. She also emphasised the importance of youth and ensuring the rights of future generations to a dignified life and a sustainable future.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) participated in a high-level international event held on Tuesday under the theme "Digital Pathways Towards Regulating the Social and Solidarity Economy," as part of the activities of the Second World Summit for Social Development. Representatives from several Arab and international organizations were also in attendance.In his address, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs, Fahad bin Mohammed Al Khayarin, emphasized that an economy combining family solidarity, social development, and digital transformation embodies the core vision of Qatar.He noted that global experience has proven that the government sector alone cannot meet all developmental needs.He added that the social and solidarity economy, as a strategic approach, promotes social development and equal opportunities. He explained that the State of Qatar places great importance on empowering vulnerable groups by creating decent job opportunities for youth, women, and people with disabilities, and by supporting productive family projects and transforming them into organized economic entities.This contributes to strengthening family and community cohesion and providing a sustainable social and economic safety net.The two options highlighted the importance of utilizing digital tools to organize productive families by building digital platforms that enable registration, market access, and efficient and transparent management of financial operations.This includes facilitating smart financing and equitable access to accessible financial solutions that support the growth of small businesses and open up opportunities for cross-border trade.He emphasized the necessity of building the digital capacities of those working in the social sector, particularly young people, and empowering them with the skills needed to use modern technologies and transform their ideas into innovative projects that support the national economy.He pointed out that the family represents the nurturing and driving environment for the social economy, and that small businesses often originate within homes and rely on family solidarity.He affirmed that the success of these projects means empowering the entire family and strengthening its vital role in achieving sustainable development.Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Fahad bin Mohammed Al Khayarin, affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to continuing regional and international efforts to accelerate the transition towards a social and solidarity economy and enhance the integration of social and economic policies. This will make the family a central pillar in building a cohesive and prosperous society capable of keeping pace with transformations and achieving social justice and comprehensive development in the region.

The Minister of Social, Family and Childhood Affairs of Kuwait Dr. Amthal Al Huwailah stated that women in the region and the world are a driving force for positive transformation and for building a more inclusive, just, and equitable future for all, adding that investing in women is not only a commitment to equality but a genuine investment in creating sustainable solutions for entire societies.This came in Dr. Al Huwailah's speech at the opening of the high-level side event "SheBuilds: Women Innovating Social Solutions for an Inclusive Future," held as part of the 2nd World Summit for Social Development, and attended by HE Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the Unesco Regional Office in Doha Salah El Din Zaki Khaled.Dr. Al Huwailah said that the event celebrates women's creativity in social development and their ability to devise solutions that make a real difference in communities and people's lives. She noted that women-led social innovation is inherently inclusive, grounded in a deep understanding of marginalized groups' needs and dedicated to removing barriers to participation in development.Women do not only come up with ideas, rather they are redefining the very meaning of development and justice from a human-centered perspective, Dr. Al Huwailah continued, adding that the workshop will begin with a brief presentation on women-led innovation in Kuwait, showcasing real-life stories and experiences of Kuwaiti women who have creatively and constructively addressed social challenges.She further said that participants will engage in an interactive experience, a journey of thought and practice that begins with inspiration and culminates in creativity, aiming to empower participants to adopt an innovative mindset in tackling social challenges by transforming ideas into practical, applicable solutions.

Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Developments and Family, Fahd bin Mohammed al-Khayarin, yesterday met with Under-Secretary-General of the UN, and Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Diene Keita. Al-Khayarin also met separately with Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Rania Hedeya.Held on the margin of the Second World Summit for Social Development, the two meetings discussed cooperation between Qatar and the UN agencies and international organisations, in the fields of social development and population.The meetings also discussed the participation in the World Urban Forum, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in May 2026, as well as the preparations for the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Reconstruction, slated for Dec 14-16 in Doha.Discussions also focused on ways to cooperate in developing social programs and building institutional capacities, strengthening the partnership between the Fund and Qatar on population and social issues, and keeping pace with demographic shifts in the region and the world. Al-Khayarin reiterated Qatar’s firm commitment to strengthening international partnerships and exchanging expertise, which contributes to achieving social development goals and empowering individuals, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Qatar's Cabinet, chaired by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, held its weekly meeting Wednesday at the Amiri Diwan, during which ministers praised His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's address at the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) 2025 in Doha.In a statement following the session, HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi said the Cabinet commended the Amir's emphasis on Qatar's commitment to social development, human advancement, and the improvement of quality of life through education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social protection.The Cabinet noted that His Highness’s address had expressed the aspirations of the world's peoples for dignity, social justice, and equality, and conveyed the conscience of humanity in his references to the suffering of Palestinians under the brutal Israeli aggression, as well as his condemnation of the atrocities committed in the Sudanese city of El-Fashir.His Highness the Amir had called for a political resolution in Sudan that safeguards the country's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.The ministers also highlighted that the Amir's election as Chair of the World Summit for Social Development reflected Qatar's strategic partnership with the UN and its steadfast commitment to international solidarity and multilateral co-operation. The Cabinet described social development as a vital necessity rather than a policy option.Welcoming world leaders, senior officials, and representatives of international and regional organisations attending the summit, the Cabinet hailed the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the conference.The declaration reaffirmed the three pillars of social development — poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social inclusion — and was described by the ministers as a roadmap for comprehensive and sustainable development.Qatar's hosting of the summit, the Cabinet added, underscores the country's growing global standing and its constructive and positive role in promoting peace, development, and the defence of human rights.Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved a draft law amending certain provisions of Law No 6 of 2014 regulating real estate development. The amendment, proposed by the Ministry of Municipality, aims to strengthen urban planning and sustainable development.Under the new framework, executive procedures related to the subdivision of real estate under development projects will be assigned to the Ministry of Municipality, while the Real Estate Regulatory Authority will continue to oversee project approvals.The Cabinet also endorsed a draft decision by the Minister of Commerce and Industry adopting the Gulf Technical Regulation for Electric Vehicles as a Qatari technical standard. The measure, prepared in co-ordination with the Qatar General Organisation for Standardisation, supports environmental sustainability, the reduction of carbon emissions, and enhanced safety in the electric vehicle sector.In addition, the Cabinet approved several MoUs, including a political consultation framework between Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala; a partnership agreement between the Qatar Fund for Development and the Asian Development Bank; and a co-operation and marketing MoU between Qatar Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority.The MoUs also include an agricultural co-operation between Qatar's Ministry of Municipality and Greece's Ministry of Rural Development and Food; and a media cooperation and news exchange between Qatar News Agency (QNA) and Uzbekistan's National News Agency.The Cabinet also reviewed a report prepared by relevant authorities regarding a proposal from the Shura Council on family upbringing initiatives, and took appropriate decisions on the matter. Tuesday's meeting, which followed the high-profile social development summit, reflected the government's ongoing efforts to link Qatar's domestic legislative reforms with its international diplomacy.