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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.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met today with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan Semaya Kumba, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently taking place in Doha. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to support and strengthen it, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met today with CEO of Save the Children, Inger Ashing, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, currently taking place in Doha. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen and expand partnerships between Qatar and Save the Children. They also addressed a range of issues of mutual concern.

CEO of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work Rashid Mohammed Al Hamda Al Naimi held bilateral meetings on Wednesday with UN officials, including CEO of Save the Children Inger Ashing; Executive Director of UN Women Dr. Sima Bahous; and Deputy Executive Secretary for Programmes and Leader of the Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development Cluster at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Dr. Mehrinaz El Awady. **media[378358]** During the meetings, discussions focused on ways to cooperate in the areas of child protection and developing the skills of social and psychological professionals, as well as enhancing the role of women and empowering them in the social development process. The meetings also explored opportunities for the Foundation to participate in training and capacity-building programs, joint research projects, and coordination in future UN events and meetings. These meetings reflect the Qatar Foundation for Social Work's commitment to strengthening its regional and international partnerships and actively contributing to global efforts aimed at achieving social justice and inclusive development. As part of its participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Qatar Foundation for Social Work organized a dialogue session entitled 'Fulfilling rights: inclusive access to education and health through targeted reforms,' in partnership with the Creators Union of Arab and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). **media[378359]** The session was held at the Qatar National Convention Centre and was moderated by Director of Therapeutic Services at the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities Dr. Mohammad Telfat. Participants were Executive Director of the Shafallah Center Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi and Executive Director of the Al Noor Center for the Blind Mishal Abdullah Al Nuaimi. They discussed ways to ensure equitable access to education and healthcare for persons with disabilities, and the role of assistive technology and targeted reforms in promoting social justice and human empowerment. Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi highlighted the most prominent efforts of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities in supporting inclusive education and health through initiatives that combine vocational training, early intervention programs, and assistive technology, all of which contribute to developing the capabilities of persons with disabilities and improving their quality of life. She noted that the center launched the therapeutic program for Cerebral Palsy using the "Space Suit" as an innovative model in the field of motor rehabilitation, in addition to developing inclusive learning environments that rely on interactive technology to facilitate learning and access to therapeutic and educational services. Al Suwaidi emphasized that the Shafallah experience reflects the Qatar Foundation for Social Work's commitment to achieving equality and equal opportunities and promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the educational and health processes. For his part, Executive Director of the Al Noor Center for the Blind Mishal Abdullah Al Nuaimi discussed the advanced programs implemented by the center in the field of rehabilitation and inclusive education for people with visual impairments. He pointed out that the center is working on developing a system that integrates modern technologies such as 3D printing, smart Braille technologies, and digital talking programs, which contributes to enabling blind people to pursue their education and benefit from therapeutic and rehabilitative services with ease. He further said that the center places great importance on raising the efficiency of national staff and strengthening research and technical partnerships with universities and specialized entities, stressing that investment in assistive technology is a fundamental pillar for empowering blind people and enhancing their community participation. The session concluded with participants emphasizing the importance of investing in inclusive education and comprehensive healthcare as a key entry point for realizing social justice and promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society. The session also highlighted Qatar's pioneering experience in providing integrated education and health systems that take into account diversity and individual needs and reflect the state's firm commitment to the principles of sustainable human development.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 taking place in Qatar, world and football industry leaders have congregated at the Aspire Zone to take in the action from what is regarded as one of football’s premier youth tournaments. This included Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, who is in Qatar for the Second World Summit for Social Development taking place from 4-6 November. Speaking to the tournament’s Local Organising Committee, Baerbock stressed on the role of sports in bridging nations and promoting social justice: “The global community has convened in Qatar to highlight the importance of social justice in building stronger societies. The same applies to sports – you only win when you play as one team,” said Baerbock, who has previously served as Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs from December 2021 until May 2025. With 48 teams coming together to compete for the coveted FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 trophy, Baerbock believes that this tournament is a testament to the power of sports in uniting players and fans alike and celebrating global diversity. **media[378328]** “The U-17 World Cup showcases the power of playing as a team. On a football pitch, your socio-economic background doesn’t matter. What matters is that you score well and play as a team. It is through sports that the youth learn to embrace diversity and overcome challenges together. The world of politics could also learn from sports that you either win together or lose together,” said Baerbock. “With FIFA talent academies established around the world, and with the U-17 World Cup now turning into an annual event, more children and families will have access to football and sports. I believe sports, especially football, teaches children to honour rules. If we adopted the same mindset in international diplomacy, and played by the rules, we would have more peace in the world. Combining impactful social policies with sports is a win-win situation for all,” added Baerbock. The Second World Summit for Social Development is taking place in Qatar, thirty years after the landmark 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. The Summit brings world leaders together to redefine strategies for social progress, strengthen global partnerships, and promote inclusive policies that foster equitable opportunities for all. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is taking place from 3-27 November at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone. Tickets and match schedule are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa

Government officials from several countries reviewed the key challenges and consequences affecting the social conditions of youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families around the world. They emphasized the importance of integrating these groups, the necessity of providing them with support, working to promote sustainable development, and finding optimal solutions to address all the problems they face. This came during the opening session of the third day of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, which discussed the global social situation of youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families. His Excellency Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja, stressed the importance of improving living standards for all, implementing a model development plan, and executing national policies to strengthen the social protection system to safeguard workers' rights, empower women and youth, and integrate people with disabilities into the labor market. In her address, she discussed key measures and plans implemented by the Republic of Uganda to promote sustainable development and innovation. She noted that the outbreak of wars and the escalation of crises and conflicts are among the main reasons for the slowdown in economic growth and the impediment to sustainable development. For her part,Minister of Social Affairs and Labor of the Syrian Arab Republic Hind Kabawat, stated that her country's recovery requires confronting numerous challenges due to the significant losses Syria has suffered throughout the years of war. She reviewed the most notable efforts undertaken by the new Syrian government to promote sustainable development, integrate people with disabilities, and support and empower youth and women. She revealed that the new administration in Syria inherited state institutions in a deplorable state, with many social services failing to provide services to the Syrian people and falling short of their aspirations. She emphasized the importance of promoting inclusivity and adopting methodologies and mechanisms that uphold individual rights and enhance justice and equal opportunities. For his part, the Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs of the Republic of Barbados, Kirk Humphrey, underscored the importance of strengthening community partnerships, prioritizing sustainable development, implementing the concept of social protection on the ground, providing decent work for young people and protecting their labor rights, and integrating people with disabilities into society. He discussed his country's main efforts to address challenges decisively, which require a strong multilateral system, noting that wars and conflicts constantly threaten to undermine the gains achieved and hinder the realization of the goals. Meanwhile, the Minister for the Promotion of Youth, Professional Integration, and Civic Service of the Republic of Cote D'Ivoire Mamadou Toure, stated that the theme of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, reflects the necessity of taking action to reduce poverty, promote social justice, and protect the most vulnerable groups. He pointed out that since 1995 World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) in Copenhagen, Cote D'Ivoire has implemented numerous measures to reduce poverty and has placed this goal at the heart of its public policies. Several other officials during the opening session also stressed the need to eradicate poverty, enhance sustainable development, improve infrastructure such as health and education, ensure access to healthcare, achieve social justice for youth, and empower women. They emphasized that this summit brings together experts and policymakers to build a more inclusive world and address existing gaps, reaffirming their commitment to the Doha Political Declaration and the Copenhagen Declaration to strengthen development and social protection, eradicate poverty, boost productivity, and promote decent work for all. Officials from countries affected by wars and conflicts also shared the key measures their governments have taken to address the impacts of these crises, which have led to increased poverty, unemployment, and the loss of essential services for many communities.

President of the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) Dr. Nawaf Kabbara stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation and joint action to support the rights of persons with disabilities. He noted that this cooperation represents a qualitative step towards achieving social justice and inclusion in Arab and international societies. In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Dr. Kabbara said such initiatives reflect the international community's commitment to working in a spirit of partnership and understanding, and emphasize the need to overcome conflicts and divisions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Kabbara noted the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Foundation for Social Work during the Summit, which will enable the implementation of joint programs to support the rights of persons with disabilities in Qatar, the Arab world, and internationally. He explained that this initiative represents a good start for everyone. He added that the outcomes of the Second World Summit for Social Development are a qualitative response to all those who want to eliminate the other or cling only to their position, noting the importance of coexistence and cooperation among people. Regarding cooperation with the State of Qatar, he expressed the organization's pride in hosting the Fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028, which will contribute to the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities leadership and Qatar in advancing the cause of the rights of persons with disabilities. Despite the difficult circumstances humanity is experiencing today, there is always hope, and history is dedicated to positive change, not negative change, Dr. Kabbara concluded in his remarks to QNA.

President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stressed that the State of Qatar's support for the the United Nations is a leading example, praising the country's role as an international mediator in conflict resolution and its active contribution to social development.In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the president explained that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha underscores the need to move from promises to implementation through concrete action in areas such as education, employment, and social justice, thus contributing to achieving social benefits and healthcare for all people.She highlighted the importance of promoting social development and achieving global justice, noting significant progress in certain economic and social indicators despite ongoing challenges in other parts of the world.President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly said that the unemployment rate in Qatar stands at around 1 percent, while in some other countries it reaches 30 percent, reflecting the persistent gap among nations in benefiting from the fruits of social development.She stressed that failure to address crises such as hunger exacerbates displacement and migration, emphasizing the need to break this vicious cycle by working on the three main pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, social development, and human rights.She added that the Summit aims to accelerate progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that all goals are interconnected and cannot be achieved in isolation, especially amid global climate challenges that affect food security.She also pointed to the importance of linking the Doha Summit with the Climate Change Conference to be held in the Amazonian city of Belem, Brazil, and the role of nationally determined commitments in reducing carbon emissions. She affirmed that investment in renewable energy benefits strong economies and enhances their competitiveness.The President of the UN General Assembly emphasized the importance of international cooperation to achieve social justice, explaining that global challenges know no borders, and that the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the necessity of international collaboration in providing vaccines and addressing health crises.In conclusion, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock told QNA that supporting UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, is vital to preventing hunger and human suffering in countries such as Sudan, stressing that immediate funding and support are essential to ensuring a dignified life for people around the world.

Educate A Child programme under Education Above All (EAA) Foundation has provided quality education for over 14.5mn out-of-school children so far, disclosed a senior official of the organisation.“We have enrolled over 14.5mn out-of-school children into quality primary education in over 50 countries. The work continues and lots and lots of people are interested in us. And we work with over 50 organisations globally,” Mary Joy Pigozzi, chief education officer, EAA told Gulf Times.Pigozzi was interacting with Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ongoing Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) where EAA is showcasing its activities and taking part in several events of the summit.According to the official, EAA has awarded more than 10,500 scholarships to disadvantaged youth to enable their pursuit of higher education and equipped nearly 4mn youth with skills and economic opportunities for employment since it was founded in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.“I think what is good about having been around for more than a decade is that people know that there is one programme which is Educate A Child that focuses specifically on out-of-school children. We have that unified and unitary focus,” noted the official.The official said that EAA has just started a new strategy. She explained: “What we are trying to do now is to try to link our different programmes a little more coherently. So we are looking to work in some countries where more than one programme will be working together. And we will be working in unison. So that is a slightly different approach than we have had in the past.“The point of the new unified approach is to work with countries to support greater impact at the national level through our work across different levels of education to employment,” continued, Pigozzi.She noted that EAA works with various organisations of the UN and have many partnerships with UN agencies such as Unicef, Unesco as well as UNDP.“I think we will continue to work with them in various fields. And as we look at the relationships between education and other sectors, we are also likely to be involved with organisations such as World Food Programme,“ highlighted Pigozzi.The chief education officer said that the EAA has been providing support for the families in terms of income generation through initiatives such as setting up small enterprises as it will help the families and enable them to support their children’s education.Pigozzi stated that the major challenges in providing education to the out of school children are related to the economic factors. “It is poverty and it has many faces. There are many ways that it can be overcome. There are certainly challenges but there are also many opportunities.“Among the opportunities that are encouraging are the engagement of ministries in making more flexible education systems and the engagement of communities and families,” highlighted the official.EAA will hold a session Thursday at the summit on the role of education as a key to social development. “The real focus is how education is a significant key to sustainable development. Education is the real foundation because what is realised through education is not just going to school but learning how to live,” added Pigozzi.

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 United Nations on Wednesday launched a new global initiative focused on youth mental health on the margins of the Second World Summit for Social  Development held in Doha.The initiative intends to bolster the cognitive and psychological well‑being of young people, enabling them to confront the mounting challenges in a world characterised by uncertainty and rapid development.Briefing the media about the salient features of the initiative, Felipe Paullier, assistant secretary-general for Youth Affairs at the United Nations Youth Office said the initiative was launched at the summit as it was linked with social development.“It is just the start of something very big. We believe that when we are talking about mental health, well-being, it is really about social development and it is really about the societies we are shaping. And this summit is really about renewing hope, rebuilding trust, and that starts by building communities that embed care, connection, and compassion in our social fabric,” said Paullier. He was accompanied at the press conference by Tanatswa Chikaura, young leader for the SDGs and mental health advocate and founder of Ndinewe Foundation.Paullier noted that young people are not only demanding better mental health support and care, they are demanding transforming the systems and inclusion.“For too long, mental health has been understood primarily as a medical issue. But for young people, the absence of illness does not mean that they are well. Well-being is about much more than a treatment. It's about dignity, it's about belonging, and it's about living with purpose and connection,” he elaborated.He highlighted that true progress requires to shift from narrow focuses on treating symptoms to building systems that nurture inclusion, creativity, and care in the schools, at the workplaces, in the communities, and in the digital space.“And this is even more important at this time of history, where young people are navigating a time of profound uncertainty, living within economic instability, within conflict, within raising inequalities, climate anxiety, and a digital culture that often amplifies isolation instead of connection,” he continued.Paullier said that WHO atlas on mental health shows that one in seven young people live with a mental health condition and suicide remains as one of the leading causes of death among young people. “And the trends are not positive. But if we go beyond the numbers, there are lived realities of millions of young people whose potential to thrive is being stiffed by systems that fail to support this well-being,” he highlighted.The official noted that the new initiative is about taking a different approach, and building that at a global level from an advocacy effort.He highlighted:“ It is about taking an ecosystemic approach to mental health and well-being, grounding it in the realities of young people, and proposing a model which is inclusive, holistic, youthful, and youth responsive. The initiative is grounded in three simple but powerful principles. The first one, mental health is a human right. The second one, there is no future without well-being. The third principle is that care, connection, and community are the real building blocks of the future of our societies.” Chikaura hoped that with the UN Youth Office's flagship initiative on mental health and wellbeing, there could be empathy-led communities that prioritise inclusion, and resilience.“We should not act because people have died by suicide. We should act to prevent people from dying by suicide. I have hope for the future of youth mental health, and I invite everyone to be a part of the solution. Let us make a collective effort to create safe spaces in our communities,” she concluded.

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.