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On the second day of the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, continued to lead the global conversation on education and sustainable development through two pivotal sessions. Hosted in collaboration with international partners, the discussions focused on unlocking innovative financing for education and advancing integrated approaches to climate resilience, poverty eradication, and inclusion, reaffirming EAA’s Foundation mission to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The Reach Out To All (ROTA) programme, in collaboration with the SLNI, UNDP, UNICEF, the POWER Foundation, the Commission on the Status of Women Geneva and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations, hosted a high-level session titled “Learning for Climate Resilience: Integrated Pathways for Poverty Eradication, Jobs & Inclusion.” The discussion underscored the critical role of education in addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability. By showcasing integrated models that combine literacy, vocational training, and environmental awareness, the session demonstrated how education can empower youth and women, particularly in fragile, climate-affected contexts, to lead community-based solutions that promote sustainable development and inclusion. The panel brought together global and youth leaders committed to advancing the education–climate nexus. Speakers included Ms. Ivana Zivkovic, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, UNDP; Ms. Lana Al Wreikat, Director for the Gulf Area, UNICEF; H.E. Mr. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Permanent Representative of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations; Mr. Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Executive Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, EAA Foundation; Ms. Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, Generation17 Youth Representative, UNDP; and representatives from the Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative including, COO and President Ms. Hauwa Abbas; Media and Engagement Lead, Ms. Goodnews Chukwunyem, andYouth Advocate Ms. Aisha Isa Ushata. Together, they explored policy and programmatic recommendations for scaling climate-resilient education and green livelihood opportunities, calling for strengthened partnerships that place education at the heart of climate adaptation and social justice. In addition, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, in partnership with the OECD, convened a high-level session titled “From Silos to Synergy: Unlocking Education Financing Through Philanthropy” as part of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The event examined how Public-Private-Philanthropy Partnerships (PPPPs) can help bridge the USD 97 billion annual financing gap for education in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Building on priorities set during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the session explored how philanthropic actors, governments, and development institutions can collaborate to create catalytic co-funding models that advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Mohammed Al Kubaisi, CEO of the Education Above All Foundation, and Ms. Mary-Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD. The session featured Ms. Bathylle Missika, Head of the Inclusive Development & Partnerships Division, OECD Development Centre, as the co-lead moderator alongside Ms. Dana Al-Anzy, Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Education Above All Foundation. The session was divided into a high level policy discussion followed by a technical discussion brought together distinguished speakers including Ms. Kate Hampton, CEO, Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF); Ms. Laila Hosny, CEO, Sawiris Foundation for Social Development; Ms. Vanessa Anyoti, CEO, Jakaya Mrisho Foundation; Mr. Leonardo De Castro Pinheiro, Executive Director of Strategy, Policy and Research, EAA foundation; Ms. Natou Bamba-Colon, Senior Mobilization & Partnership Advisor, Agence Française de Développement; H.E. Mr. Nesmy Manigat, Former Minister of Education, Haiti & Lead, Global Partnership for Education High-Level Envoy. Mr. Mohammed Al Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, said: “Our presence at the Summit underscores EAA Foundation’s unwavering commitment to making education a driving force for equality, resilience, and opportunity. Through our sessions at the summit on access to quality education, youth employment, green skills, education financing, support for displaced learners, climate resilience, and poverty eradication, we are demonstrating how inclusive and quality education can create pathways to decent work, stability, and sustainable development. Together with our partners, we are shaping global solutions that empower learners, equip youth for the future, and strengthen societies for generations to come.” On the final day of the Summit, The Educate A Child (EAC) programme, in collaboration with UNICEF, will host a high-level session titled “Education is a Key Pillar for Poverty Eradication, Employment, and Social Inclusion.” The session will reaffirm that education is central to social development - not merely a social service but a transformative investment that will drive progress across all dimensions of sustainable development. The discussion will underscore education’s power in enabling equitable and resilient societies by lifting individuals out of poverty, expanding access to decent employment, and fostering cohesive, equitable societies. It will also highlight the urgency of placing education at the center of national policies and international cooperation frameworks for social development, particularly in countries grappling with inequality, unemployment, and conflict, to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel will bring together international leaders and partners committed to advancing inclusive, rights-based education systems. Speakers will include: H.E. Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education, Republic of Liberia, Mr. Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF; Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner, UNHCR; Ms. Inger Ashing, CEO, Save the Children; Mr. Ferdinando Regalía, Manager, Social Sector, Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB); Mr. Nhial Deng, Youth Advocate and former EAC\ UNHCR student; and Mr. Mohammed Al-Kubaisi, CEO, Education Above All Foundation. Together, they will explore how cross-sectoral collaboration and innovative financing can ensure that education remains a driving force for inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity. The session will conclude with a shared call to action for governments and multilateral institutions to invest in education as a foundation for social progress, without deepening the debt burdens of the world’s poorest countries. For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

A flag-raising ceremony for the State of Qatar and the United Nations was held on Sunday morning at the Qatar National Convention Centre to mark the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted in Doha from November 4 to 6.**media[376455]**The summit features high-level participation from heads of state and government, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations.The ceremony was attended by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi; HE UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua; senior Qatari officials; and representatives of the United Nations.**media[376458]**In his remarks, HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Qatar's pride in hosting this major international event, held 30 years after the first social summit in Copenhagen.He affirmed that Qatar's hosting of the summit reflects its firm commitment to inclusive and sustainable social development and to multilateral cooperation in pursuit of social justice and well-being for all peoples.He added that the summit offers a pivotal opportunity to advance global dialogue on social development and accelerate implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.His Excellency also praised the strategic partnership between Qatar and the United Nations, highlighted by the opening of the UN House in Doha, which underscores Qatar's role as a trusted partner in supporting joint efforts with the international organization.**media[376457]**The occasion featured a parachute display organized by Education Above All Foundation, in collaboration with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the Qatar Air Sports Committee of the Joint Special Forces, with parachutists soaring over Doha bearing banners of the Sustainable Development Goals.The ceremony concluded with the raising of the flags of Qatar and the United Nations by Lekhwiya and UN security personnel, accompanied by celebratory music performed by the Lekhwiya band, a symbolic scene reflecting the depth of the partnership between Qatar and the United Nations and their shared commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable social development.

On the second day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) yesterday, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation continued to lead the global conversation on education and sustainable development through two pivotal sessions.Hosted in collaboration with international partners, the discussions focused on unlocking innovative financing for education and advancing integrated approaches to climate resilience, poverty eradication, and inclusion, reaffirming EAA’s mission to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.EAA's Reach Out To All (Rota) programme, in collaboration with the SLNI, UNDP, Unicef, the POWER Foundation, the Commission on the Status of Women Geneva and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations, hosted a high-level session titled “Learning for Climate Resilience: Integrated Pathways for Poverty Eradication, Jobs & Inclusion.”The discussion underscored the critical role of education in addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability.By showcasing integrated models that combine literacy, vocational training, and environmental awareness, the session demonstrated how education can empower youth and women, particularly in fragile, climate-affected contexts, to lead community-based solutions that promote sustainable development and inclusion.The panel brought together global and youth leaders committed to advancing the education–climate nexus.They explored policy and programmatic recommendations for scaling climate-resilient education and green livelihood opportunities, calling for strengthened partnerships that place education at the heart of climate adaptation and social justice.In addition, EAA Foundation, in partnership with the OECD, convened a high-level session titled “From Silos to Synergy: Unlocking Education Financing Through Philanthropy” as part of the Second World Summit for Social Development.The event examined how Public-Private-Philanthropy Partnerships can help bridge the $97bn annual financing gap for education in low- and lower-middle-income countries.Building on priorities set during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the session explored how philanthropic actors, governments, and development institutions can collaborate to create catalytic co-funding models that advance Sustainable Development Goal 4.Mohammed al-Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, said: “Our presence at the summit underscores EAA Foundation’s unwavering commitment to making education a driving force for equality, resilience, and opportunity. Through our sessions at the summit on access to quality education, youth employment, green skills, education financing, support for displaced learners, climate resilience, and poverty eradication, we are demonstrating how inclusive and quality education can create pathways to decent work, stability, and sustainable development."Together with our partners, we are shaping global solutions that empower learners, equip youth for the future, and strengthen societies for generations to come.”On the final day of the summit, EAA's Educate A Child programme, in collaboration with Unicef, will host a high-level session titled “Education is a Key Pillar for Poverty Eradication, Employment, and Social Inclusion.”The session will reaffirm that education is central to social development - not merely a social service but a transformative investment that will drive progress across all dimensions of sustainable development.The discussion will underscore education’s power in enabling equitable and resilient societies by lifting individuals out of poverty, expanding access to decent employment, and fostering cohesive, equitable societies.

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres affirmed that the Doha Political Declaration serves as a "booster shot" for development and a comprehensive, people-centered roadmap. He stressed that delivering on the declaration requires action in four priority areas: accelerating the fight against poverty and inequality; maintaining a strong focus on job creation and employment opportunities; mobilizing adequate financing; and upholding human rights and inclusivity for all.In his opening address at the Second World Summit for Social Development, His Excellency emphasized that the Doha Political Declaration can be translated into tangible outcomes by ensuring opportunities for all, grounded in the principles of social justice, full employment, and the preservation of human dignity.**media[377290]**He added that the convening of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha comes at a time when the world is witnessing profound challenges, including growing uncertainty, deepening geopolitical divisions, armed conflicts, and widespread human suffering. He stressed that millions of people continue to endure hunger, poverty, and unemployment, while many developing countries remain without the adequate support needed to confront these challenges.He explained that the Doha Political Declaration is, at its core, a people-centered plan to accelerate efforts to combat poverty and reduce inequality. It calls for comprehensive investments in food security, healthcare and education systems, water and sanitation infrastructure, adequate housing, clean and affordable energy, and robust social protection mechanisms, supported by reliable data systems to monitor progress.He called on governments participating in the upcoming 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil to present concrete plans to reduce emissions over the next decade, while simultaneously advancing climate justice for communities on the front lines of the crisis, despite having contributed least to its causes.He also emphasized the need to invest in the future of the planet through concrete plans to reduce emissions and advance climate justice. He urged countries to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support climate action in developing nations, to double adaptation financing to at least $40 billion this year, and to capitalize the Loss and Damage Fund with substantial contributions.**media[377289]**The UN chief emphasized that expanding employment opportunities is a central pillar of the people-centered roadmap. He stressed the need for governments and the private sector to promote decent work and fair wages, facilitate the transition of workers from the informal economy to green, digital, and care-driven sectors, and invest in training, skills development, and lifelong learning. He also highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to digital and artificial-intelligence skills, guaranteeing equal opportunities for women, strengthening care systems, and protecting workers' rights.With regard to financing, he underscored the need to strengthen the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, expand private-sector financing, alleviate debt burdens, and reform the global financial architecture to better represent the priorities of developing countries. He also stressed the importance of increasing the participation of these countries in decision-making processes to ensure inclusive and equitable global economic governance.He emphasized that any people-centered plan must uphold human rights and inclusivity, warning against the continued exclusion of many groups, including women, minorities, migrants, refugees, older persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and youth. He stressed the importance of protecting democratic values, enhancing women's participation, eliminating discrimination and gender-based violence, and building societies resilient to misinformation and hate speech, with human rights serving as a guiding compass for justice and a better future for all.The UN Secretary-General noted that the first World Summit for Social Development, held in Copenhagen in 1995, marked a moment of moral clarity in which the international community affirmed that true development is not about prosperity for a privileged few, but about ensuring opportunities for all. He highlighted that since then, more than one billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, global unemployment has fallen to historic lows, and access to healthcare, education, and social protection has expanded significantly. He added that life expectancy has risen, child and maternal mortality have declined, and the number of girls attending school, along with graduation rates for all students, has increased markedly.In conclusion, Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres stressed that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha represents a critical opportunity to rekindle hope through collective action. He called for translating the Doha Political Declaration into concrete reality through a bold global plan that addresses shared challenges and secures a better future for all.

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, will take part in the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha from 4 to 6 November 2025. EAA Foundation will convene and host six high-level sessions alongside strategic partners, addressing education challenges, youth empowerment, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth, underscoring the Foundation’s vision of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.On 4 November, Silatech programme will host a high-level session in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), under the theme “An Introspective Look: From Challenges to Solutions for Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment Programming”. The session will take stock of youth employability and employment programming, and of progress towards SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. As part of this examination, the high-level event aims to identify meaningful solutions to move the needle forward on tackling youth unemployment through encouraging innovative approaches to decent work and social inclusion. The session aims to highlight the importance of prioritising relevant, responsive youth employability and employment programmes and policies that address the major global shifts and realities of today and the future.Also on the same day, Al Fakhoora Programme, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Al Jazeera Media Network, will lead a session titled “Unheard, Unseen, Unstoppable: Rethinking Social Progress Through the Lens of Displaced Youth.” This thought-provoking discussion will explore how education in crisis restores a sense of purpose and possibility, how reintegration and durable solutions rebuild lives with dignity, and how the media can reshape narratives around displacement to reveal not only the suffering but also the strength, talent, and determination of young people rising from conflict.In addition, Silatech programme, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), Qatar Fund For Development, and the Government of Kenya, will take part in a high-level session titled “Unlocking Skills, Employment, and Resilient Food Systems in Kenya.” The event will emphasise how partnerships between government, international organisations, and the private sector can strengthen economic inclusion, promote green value chains, and create sustainable livelihoods, positioning Kenya as a model for integrated, climate-resilient development.On 5 November, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation will co-host, in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) netFWD, a high-level session titled “From Silos to Synergy: Unlocking Education Financing Through Philanthropy.” The session will explore how innovative Public-Private-Philanthropy Partnerships (PPPPs) can help close the global education financing gap and expand access to quality learning across the Global South. The discussion will highlight the role of philanthropy in de-risking investments, fostering collaboration between foundations and development partners, and driving inclusive, locally led education initiatives that advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.Also, the Reach Out To All (ROTA) programme, in collaboration with the Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative (SLNI), UNDP, UNICEF and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), will host a session titled “Learning for Climate Resilience: Integrated Pathways for Poverty Eradication, Jobs & Inclusion.” This important panel discussion will demonstrate how education serves as a vital enabler of climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods, showcasing integrated models that combine literacy, vocational training, and climate education to empower youth and women, particularly in fragile and climate-affected contexts, to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.On 6 November, the Educate A Child (EAC) programme, in collaboration with UNICEF, will hold a high-level session titled Education as a Key Pillar for Poverty Eradication, Employment, and Social Inclusion. The session will centre on education as the driver of social development, highlighting its power to break cycles of poverty and build inclusive, resilient societies. It will also emphasise the importance of collective investment and cross-sectoral collaboration to place education at the heart of global social development agendas, reaffirming EAC’s mission to ensure that every child receives an education that opens doors to dignity, opportunity, and inclusion.Mr. Mohammed Al Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, Said:“The Second World Summit for Social Development provides a unique platform to strengthen global partnerships for social progress. Our sessions reflect EAA’s conviction that education, when pursued through inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches, can drive tangible change across nations and generations.”Ahead of the Summit, the EAA Foundation, in collaboration with Lekhiwya Internal Security Force, held a symbolic Parachute Show at Education City’s Green Spine, creating a powerful visual celebration of the Sustainable Development Goals. The display featured nine parachute jumps, each representing one of the SDGs aligned with EAA’s mission, alongside a parachute bearing the EAA logo. The event served as a striking representation of EAA’s commitment to advancing education, equity, and sustainability.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

The Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN, in co-operation with the Permanent Mission of France, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), organised a high-level side event on the margins of the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development, entitled “Delivering on the Doha Promise: Promoting Innovative Solutions for Social Development”, in New York. The event was attended by Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Her Excellency Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, and Anousheh Karvar, representative of the government of France to the ILO and chairperson of the ILO governing body. The high-level meeting, held at the UN headquarters in New York, brought together senior ministers and top UN officials, including Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland Kaisa Juuso, Minister of Social Services of Sweden Camilla Waltersson Gronvall, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance of Cyprus Marinos Moushouttas, Assistant Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator of the UN Development Programme Marcos Athias Neto, ILO Special Representative and Director of the ILO Office at the UN Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, and Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Co-ordination at UNDESA Bjorg Sandkjaer. In her opening remarks, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family underscored the strategic importance of the event, noting that it was convened at a critical juncture, only months after the Second World Summit for Social Development — a landmark milestone marked by renewed international resolve, revitalised multilateral co-operation, and a shared commitment to transformative social progress. Her Excellency highlighted the consensus adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, emphasising that it embodies concrete commitments and forward-looking measures aimed at promoting innovative solutions, strengthening comprehensive international co-operation, and advancing integrated, people-centred policies to achieve social development for all, in line with the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. She further drew attention to the Doha Solutions Platform for Social Development, describing it as a comprehensive, results-oriented mechanism designed to showcase practical and scalable policies with measurable impact in the areas of poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion. Her Excellency stressed that the platform serves as a practical instrument for monitoring commitments, fostering mutual learning, and sustaining post-summit momentum. She affirmed that the current session of the Commission for Social Development represents a pivotal opportunity to move decisively from diagnosing challenges to implementing proven solutions, underscoring that delivering on the Doha Promise constitutes the true benchmark of the international community’s success in achieving inclusive and sustainable social development through strengthened partnerships and collective action. During the discussions, representatives of governments and UN entities examined concrete pathways to advance innovative and actionable solutions for inclusive social development, building on the momentum generated by the Second World Summit for Social Development and the Doha Political Declaration, while exploring enhanced co-operation among stakeholders to address pressing global social and development challenges. 

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with several leaders of friendly nations participating in the Second World Summit for Social Development on the sidelines of the summit today at the Qatar National Convention Centre. His Highness met separately with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; President Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo; President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; President Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan; and President Jakov Milojević, President of the Republic of Montenegro. During the meetings, they exchanged views on the most prominent topics on the summit's agenda, particularly those related to supporting the summit's outcomes in the areas of poverty eradication, promoting social development, and economic transformation. They also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and their respective countries in various fields of cooperation, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues of common interest. The meetings were attended by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Head of the Amiri Diwan, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a number of other high-ranking officials.

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.

On the opening day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, convened two high-level sessions in partnership with global organisations to address some of the most pressing challenges facing youth and vulnerable communities around the world.EAA’s Silatech Programme, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), hosted a high-level session titled “An Introspective Look: From Challenges to Solutions for Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment Programming” The session will take stock of youth employability and employment programming and progress towards SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. As part of this examination, the high-level event aims to identify meaningful solutions to move the needle forward on tackling youth unemployment through encouraging innovative approaches to decent work and social inclusion. The aim of the session is to highlight the importance of prioritising relevant and responsive youth employability and employment programmes and policies that respond to the major global shifts and realities of today and the future.Speakers included His Excellency Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director-General of QFFD, Her Excellency Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of International Organizations Department, MOFA Qatar, , Ms. Laura Thompson, ILO Assistant Director General for External and Corporate Relations, Mr. Laurent Biddiscombe, Executive Director for Global Client Solution, AFD, Dr. Issa Faye, Director-General, Global Practice and Partnerships, IsDB, Ms. Susana Puerto-Gonzalez, Head, Youth Employment Unit, ILO, Ms. Hayfa Al-Abdullah, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director, QSTP,Ms, Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,Senior Vice President, Global Impact Initiatives, USCIB (US Council for International Business), and Ms, Carolin Vollmann, Head of Division in the International Department of the German Trade Union Confederationr, EAA. The panel also featured the voices of two youth changemakers, Sharon Odongo and Khalid Al Kuwari. Participants discussed how rapid technological shifts, climate change, and demographic transitions are reshaping labour markets, and underscored the need for adaptable, inclusive strategies that empower youth to thrive in evolving economies.**media[377313]**In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Kenya, EAA’s Silatech Programme contributed to the high-level panel “Unlocking Skills, Employment, and Resilient Food Systems in Kenya.” The discussion explored how public–private partnerships and national programmes can promote economic inclusion, adaptive social protection, and green value chains.Moderated by Ms. Rania Dagash, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, the panel featured Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (Kenya); Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer, EAA; Sheikha Haya Al-Thani, Deputy Director General of Planning, QFFD, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Deputy CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); and Ms. Betty Ka, WFP Kenya Country Director.**media[377315]**Speakers highlighted youth innovative Economic Inclusion Programmes and the power of collaboration between governments, international agencies, and the private sector to expand employment, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, and move from protection to long-term prosperityMr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, Said: “The sessions held today reflect Education Above All Foundation’s commitment to advancing practical solutions that link education, employment, and social inclusion. Through our programmes, we are addressing critical issues such as youth unemployment, economic empowerment, and the resilience of communities affected by conflict and climate change. By partnering with strategic organisations, EAA continues to champion education as the foundation for dignity, opportunity, and sustainable development.”Through these sessions, the Education Above All Foundation reaffirmed its global commitment to advancing inclusive education, youth empowerment, and social protection. By connecting education to employment, inclusion, and dignity, EAA continues to drive innovative partnerships that leave no one behind, ensuring that education remains the cornerstone of social and economic transformation.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the Arab Labor Organization, and the Arab Council for Childhood and Development have jointly affirmed that the children of Gaza are enduring one of the gravest humanitarian tragedies, with their fundamental right to life being flagrantly violated. They stressed that the ongoing situation in Gaza places the international community before an urgent moral and legal responsibility to protect Palestinian children and safeguard their rights to health, education, and a safe and dignified life.In a joint statement issued on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12, the organizations revealed that recent statistics indicate the martyrdom of nearly 18,000 children in Gaza, while thousands of others have been deprived of the most basic necessities of life.The statement emphasized that the forthcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to take place in Qatar this November, represents a pivotal opportunity to address mechanisms for promoting decent work and combating poverty, the primary driver of child labour. The summit's outcomes are expected to contribute to the deliberations of the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, to be held in Morocco in 2026, thereby strengthening the synergy between national, regional, and international efforts.The statement urgently called on all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to protect children from all forms of exploitation and to uphold their rights as enshrined in international charters and agreements. It particularly underscored the plight of working children, who have been stripped of their childhood and innocence, subjected to harm both physically and psychologically, and denied their basic rights to education, development, and a life of dignity, humanity, and justice.The statement further called for intensified Arab and international attention and reiterated the need to reinforce regional and global commitments to eliminating all forms of child labour. It also pointed out that this year's observance of the World Day Against Child Labour comes while the global goal of eradicating child labour in all its forms by 2025 remains far from reach.It noted that the latest global estimates, issued in 2021, revealed that approximately 160 million children are engaged in child labour worldwide, 63 million girls and 97 million boys. This alarming figure is attributed to a succession of global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, ongoing conflicts and wars, rapid technological advancement, and widening social and economic disparities.The joint statement affirmed the unwavering commitment of the participating organizations to continue collaborative efforts to combat child labour and to support international movements and UN-led initiatives in this regard.It is worth noting that the International Labour Organization (ILO) designated June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002, aiming to raise global awareness about the prevalence of child labour and to mobilize efforts towards its eradication. (

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Tuesday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and means to support and develop them.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani patronised the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, held in Doha, with the participation of Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies — leaders of states, heads of government, and delegations from brotherly and friendly countries.