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President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, arrived in Doha yesterday to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by Qatar from Nov 4 to 6. He was welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by the HE Director of Protocol, Ibrahim bin Yousif Fakhro, and ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Valerie Lusamba Kabeya.

Vice President of the People's Republic of China, Han Zheng arrived in Doha Sunday to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development, which is hosted by the State of Qatar from November 4 to 6.China's Vice President was welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani and HE Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the State of Qatar, Cao Xiaolin.

The visit of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Doha this week to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development marks a significant milestone in the steadily deepening relationship between Qatar and Uzbekistan. It highlights not only the strong diplomatic ties that unite our two nations but also the shared aspirations for sustainable growth, social progress, and cultural understanding grounded in our common Islamic heritage.Shared Heritage, Modern VisionBoth Qatar and Uzbekistan represent two vibrant centers of the Islamic world—one in the Gulf, the other in the heart of Central Asia—each with a rich legacy of scholarship, culture, and tolerance. Uzbekistan, the land of Bukhara and Samarkand, was once the beating heart of the Silk Road, where trade and learning flourished. Qatar, meanwhile, has emerged as a global hub for dialogue, education, and innovation in the 21st century.The convergence of these histories and values gives special depth to their cooperation today. Both nations uphold the principles of dialogue, peace, and development championed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.Economic Synergy and Energy PartnershipEconomically, Qatar and Uzbekistan are increasingly aligned in their ambitions. Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms have opened new avenues for foreign investment, especially in energy, logistics, finance, and infrastructure—fields where Qatar possesses world-class expertise and capacity.Qatar’s leading energy companies, including QatarEnergy, have expressed interest in contributing to Uzbekistan’s ambitious plans to modernize its gas infrastructure and expand renewable energy projects. This cooperation reflects a mutually beneficial dynamic: Qatar brings energy know-how and capital, while Uzbekistan offers promising markets and strategic access to Central Asia.In turn, Uzbekistan’s growing textile and agricultural industries present opportunities for Qatari investors eager to diversify portfolios beyond hydrocarbons. Bilateral trade, though modest in volume today, is poised for further growth through enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation.Social Development and Human CapitalThe President’s participation in the World Summit for Social Development in Doha underscores both nations’ shared commitment to placing people at the heart of progress. The summit’s focus on education, equity, and sustainable livelihoods resonates deeply with the development agendas of Qatar and Uzbekistan.Qatar’s experience in human capital development—through initiatives like the Qatar Foundation and Education City—serves as a model for collaboration. Uzbekistan, with its large and youthful population, is undertaking substantial education reforms and digital transformation efforts that align with Qatar’s expertise in innovation and smart infrastructure.Such cooperation not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to a broader Islamic and global agenda for inclusive growth—where social justice, knowledge, and economic empowerment go hand in hand.Cultural Diplomacy and Shared ValuesBeyond economics, Qatar and Uzbekistan share a commitment to cultural diplomacy. Both nations invest in preserving Islamic art, architecture, and heritage, while also promoting modern creative industries. Cultural exchanges—through art exhibitions, academic cooperation, and media collaboration—enhance mutual understanding and reaffirm the role of culture as a bridge between civilizations.Qatar Museums and Uzbek cultural institutions have already engaged in dialogue exploring partnerships that would bring Central Asian Islamic art to audiences in Doha and beyond. These efforts strengthen the spiritual and cultural fabric connecting the Gulf and Central Asia.A Future of Cooperation and StabilityAs global challenges grow more complex—whether in energy transition, climate change, or geopolitical uncertainty—the cooperation between nations sharing both vision and values becomes even more vital. Qatar and Uzbekistan are demonstrating that faith, modernity, and social progress can coexist harmoniously.The visit of President Mirziyoyev thus stands as a testament to an expanding partnership—one that moves beyond diplomacy to encompass trade, education, energy, and shared human values. It embodies the spirit of South–South cooperation and the belief that prosperity is best achieved through collaboration, not competition.As both nations chart their paths toward 2030 and beyond, the partnership between Qatar and Uzbekistan can serve as a model of constructive engagement in the Islamic world—a partnership rooted in mutual respect, cultural affinity, and a joint commitment to a fairer, more inclusive world.

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.

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

Qatar Charity in co-operation with Nigeria’s Katsina State Government, has implemented a variety of income-generating projects, economically empowering 160 individuals, including women, orphans, and vulnerable groups.The initiative aims to restore dignity, create opportunities, and enable beneficiaries to achieve economic independence. The implementation of these projects coincides with the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to take place in Doha from November 4 to 6. The summit aims to reaffirm global commitment to social development, address existing gaps, accelerate efforts to eradicate poverty, promote full employment and decent work, and achieve social inclusion.The income-generating projects included the distribution of 100 sewing machines, 20 passenger tricycles, 20 cargo tricycles, and 20 grinding machines, benefiting individuals from across the state.Beneficiaries were nominated by the state government and verified by Qatar Charity using a rigorous process that prioritised vulnerability, business skills, and readiness. Speaking at the ceremony, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, described the initiative as more than material support, emphasising its role in restoring dignity and creating opportunities for vulnerable citizens. He urged beneficiaries to use the items wisely to start small businesses, generate income, support their families, and improve their livelihoods through hard work and discipline.“The empowerment items are more than material support – they are tools for transformation and steps toward economic independence,” governor Radda stated. Governor Radda acknowledged Qatar Charity Nigeria’s critical role in humanitarian work across Katsina State and Nigeria. “Your work is planting seeds of change, and we are deeply grateful,” he said, pledging to expand such initiatives to empower every orphan, widow, and vulnerable person in the state.Assem Abu al-Shaer, country director of Qatar Charity’s Nigeria office, emphasised the transformative impact of the empowerment items, noting that each piece of equipment will help beneficiaries generate income and create opportunities for others.

Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN, HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, has affirmed that the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha, marks the first official meeting of the UN General Assembly to convene outside its traditional venues in New York and Geneva, in accordance with the Assembly's rules of procedure.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Sheikha Alya said that hosting this historic summit in Doha underscores Qatar's position as an active and strategic partner of the UN, adding that in just a few days, Doha will once again open its doors to the world, guided by its unwavering commitment to international solidarity and multilateral co-operation.She emphasised that Qatar welcomes the international community back to Doha, a city that has become a global symbol of dialogue, partnership, and hope.She recalled that Qatar has previously hosted a series of landmark UN conferences, including the 2008 Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus, the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2012, the 13th UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII), and the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in 2023 — all united by the shared goal of promoting prosperity and achieving sustainable development for all.HE Sheikha Alya noted that the world returns to Doha to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development, which will be held from Nov 4 to 6, marking a pivotal moment to renew the commitments first made in Copenhagen three decades ago and to set forth bold visions and practical solutions for advancing social development.She highlighted that the summit will bring together more than 8,000 participants representing Member States, the UN system, and key stakeholders — including parliamentarians, civil society organisations, youth, academia, and representatives of workers, employers, and the private sector — all united in reaffirming their commitment to social justice and translating that commitment into concrete actions that place people at the heart of sustainable development.She underlined that at the heart of this historic summit lies the "Doha Political Declaration," a global call to action that renews governments' commitment to creating an enabling economic, political, social, cultural, and legal environment for achieving inclusive social development for all.She further pointed out that several key events will take place during the summit, leveraging this global gathering, most notably, the inaugural meeting of the "Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty." The summit will also witness a significant milestone with the convening of the "Doha Solutions Forum for Social Development," which represents a turning point toward adopting innovative and practical initiatives. The forum will be held alongside two major events — the Private Sector Forum and the Civil Society Forum — in addition to a wide range of activities taking place at the state-of-the-art Qatar National Convention Centre.HE Sheikha Alya emphasised that Doha is once again establishing itself as a beacon of global solidarity, where commitments transform into inspiration and partnerships become a driving force for progress, embodying a shared vision of an inclusive and sustainable future of peace and prosperity for all.

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 Ministry of Education and Higher Education announces that all classes in public and private schools will be conducted remotely on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, in support of the State’s efforts to ensure the success of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, which the State of Qatar is hosting.All administrative and teaching staff will also work remotely on that day, with lessons delivered through the approved online learning platforms and schedules.

With generous support from Qatari people, Qatar Charity continues its humanitarian efforts to support the most vulnerable groups in northern Syria. The 'Our Children's Safety' project in partnership with the Syrian Forum in Azaz City aims to enhance the protection of children affected by crises and provide a safe and supportive environment for them and their families. The project's launch coincides with the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha next week. The topics to be discussed include comprehensive policies that promote fair opportunities for all and accelerate efforts towards social inclusion. The project benefits more than 3,900 children, families, and caregivers annually through a range of integrated activities, including psychosocial support sessions, awareness programmes on child protection issues, and training sessions for mothers and fathers, in addition to providing case management services for children most at risk. Mohammed Barakat, deputy director of Social Affairs and Labour in Aleppo, stated during the opening ceremony: "Many thanks to Qatar Charity, the Syrian Forum, and the generous supporters in Qatar for establishing such centres." Karam Ali, director of QC's office in Turkey, said the project is aimed at protecting children's rights and improving their psychological and social well-being in crisis areas, in line with its humanitarian principles of childcare and mitigating the impact of conflict on communities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a celebration on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) and the organization's international day, which falls on Oct. 24 annually, as part of celebrating the existing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the UN.In this context, Her Excellency Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi affirmed that over the past eight decades, the UN has been the cornerstone of the multilateral international system and a comprehensive platform for promoting international peace and security, advancing sustainable development, and protecting human rights around the world.In her speech during the ceremony, Her Excellency said that with the celebration of this distinguished legacy, the State of Qatar reaffirms its deep appreciation for the vital role played by the UN and renewed its firm commitment to the principles upon which the organization was founded.Her Excellency explained that this celebratory occasion represents an opportunity to review achievements and to explore the prospects for future joint action to confront the renewed challenges in the world, which today require strengthening international cooperation and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the values ​​of solidarity, partnership, and mutual respect, for a better future for humanity.HE Minister of Social Development and Family expressed the State of Qatar's pride regarding its close and strategic relationship with the UN and its various bodies and agencies, noting that this partnership is based on solid foundations of cooperation and coordination on many priority issues.The State of Qatar's commitment to being an active partner in supporting the UN's efforts in the areas of education, health, humanitarian action, development, women and youth empowerment, promoting peace, and resolving conflicts through peaceful means, reflects its unwavering commitment to its role as a responsible member of the international community, Her Excellency pointed out.The 80th anniversary of the UN comes at a time when the State of Qatar is preparing to host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November, in partnership with the UN, HE explained. This summit will represent a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the social dimension in achieving sustainable development and promoting policies that ensure social justice and human dignity, especially in light of the multiple challenges the world is witnessing, including increasing poverty, social inequality, and profound demographic and economic changes.Qatar's hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development reflects the state's deep belief in the importance of international cooperation in addressing social challenges and expanding the scope of social justice, thus achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, Her Excellency said. She also noted that the State of Qatar looks forward to continuing to strengthen its partnership with the UN and working towards a future of peace, justice, and development for all.On behalf of HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Her Excellency Director of International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that this occasion is the culmination of a long journey of collective action to serve international peace and security, and to promote development, justice, and human rights around the world.In her speech during the ceremony, Her Excellency highlighted the UN's pivotal role in addressing global challenges, and referred to the close partnership between the State of Qatar and the organization and its specialized institutions.Since joining the UN, the State of Qatar believed in the importance of multilateralism and joint international action, and has made supporting the efforts of the UN a fundamental pillar of its foreign policy, based on its firm commitment to its international responsibilities, Her Excellency pointed out.HE Director of International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Qatar is preparing to host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November, in partnership with the UN. This reaffirms the importance of social development as a cornerstone for achieving peace, stability, and prosperity. This summit also represents a renewed opportunity to unify international efforts to enhance social cohesion, confront marginalization, and achieve social justice for all.HE explained that the summit comes at a time when the world is witnessing profound transformations and intertwined challenges, requiring all to strengthen multilateral cooperation and activate international mechanisms to achieve sustainable development goals, especially in light of the economic, environmental, and humanitarian crises witnessed globally.The 80th anniversary of the UN's founding represents a moment of contemplation of the achievements made despite challenges, and a moment of anticipation of a more united and just international path, she added.Her Excellency said that today, the State of Qatar renews its firm commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and to working together for a world built on dialogue and understanding, in which human dignity is preserved, and policies are formulated on the foundations of sustainable development, social justice, and mutual respect.For her part, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed said that with the celebration of UN Day, which marked 80 years since the UN Charter came to be, through which nations chose cooperation over conflict and declared that peace, justice and dignity are the right of everyone, everywhere.She said in a video address broadcast during the ceremony that the UN Charter remains the compass, but what the world envisions has not yet been achieved, especially with the emergence of new conflicts, growing inequalities, and the emergence of modern technologies that are reshaping the world. She also noted that the UN must be prepared for what lies ahead.She added that with five years to go until 2030, the world knows that we are not where we should be, and that the Sustainable Development Goals remain unfinished business. She explained the urgent need to accelerate the pace and intensify action, by addressing inequality, reforming the international financial architecture, raising climate ambition, achieving a just energy transition, and ensuring that women and youth have the power to lead change.Deputy Secretary-General of the UN noted that all UN teams in all countries are working to advance this work and bring the UN closer to the people it serves. Her Excellency noted that, after 80 years, the world still looks to the UN as a source of hope, and therefore, there must be continued work aimed for a world of peace and opportunity and dignity for all.In turn, HE Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for Gulf States and Yemen, and Director of its Doha Office, Salah Khaled, said the State of Qatar hosts 13 UN agencies, with more than 300 staff working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, support Qatar National Vision 2030, and respond together to regional and global challenges.In his speech during the ceremony, His Excellency added that their partnership with the State of Qatar encompasses education, innovation, climate resilience, social inclusion, labor mobility, cultural heritage, and other areas. He emphasized that Qatar has been and will remain a key partner in transforming the UN's principles into a tangible reality.His Excellency added that the State of Qatar, through the call launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, was the initiator of the establishment of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which was celebrated for the first time in 2020 by the Education Above All Foundation, UNICEF, and UNESCO.HE pointed out that Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development, recently provided a $20 million grant in 2023 to support the efforts of the Education Cannot Wait initiative, a global fund established by the UN to support education in emergencies and protracted crises.His Excellency praised Qatar's diplomatic mediation efforts and its success in leading negotiations aimed at ending conflicts and preserving peace, while advocating for human rights, and described these efforts as commendable.

On my first day in office as Colombia’s president just over 15 years ago, I met with the leaders of four indigenous peoples in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – the Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo. As we stood together in the shadow of a magnificent mountain range next to the Caribbean Sea, the wisdom they imparted transformed how I viewed my responsibilities as a leader. It also changed how I saw our collective duty as transitory inhabitants of this increasingly bruised planet. I was given a wooden baton – a symbol of power – to remind me to strive toward two goals: peace among our citizens after 50 years of conflict, and peace with nature. The indigenous leaders warned me that our relationship with the natural world had been harmed, that nature was angry, and that we would suffer the consequences. Two weeks later, La Nina hit Colombia with devastating floods, and I spent the first two years of my administration supporting those affected and preparing for the next natural disaster. We now live in a world threatened by shattering storms – both physical and ideological. Just recently, flooding killed at least 1,006 people in Pakistan, with 2.5mn reportedly evacuated from Punjab and Sindh, regions that were also hit by colossal flooding in 2022. Disturbing attacks on multilateralism and the post-World War II institutional foundations of human rights are making matters worse. Our entire value system, it seems, is under siege. But as The Elders (a group of former leaders that I currently chair) recently stated, fatalism and cynicism are never options, no matter how relentless the crises we face may be. Multilateralism was developed precisely for times like these – to guide us through disagreements and disasters, with no exceptions. This November, two major summits aimed at tackling global problems will take place. The first is the second World Summit for Social Development. The first such summit 30 years ago brought together an unprecedented number of world leaders, marking a new chapter for multilateralism in the service of human development. The other summit next month, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, will address the existential crisis of global warming. As president of Colombia, I saw firsthand that when disaster strikes, the poor are always hit the hardest. That is why we created various institutions to co-ordinate assistance following the 2010 floods. Now, it is essential that all countries take heed of climate warnings and scale up their own resilience and adaptation policies. A timely new report from researchers at the University of Oxford and the UN Development Programme shines a spotlight on this issue. It finds that almost 80% of multidimensionally poor people – whose deprivations are measured beyond low incomes – across 108 developing countries, totaling 887mn individuals, live in regions exposed to at least one climate-related hazard (such as extreme heat, drought, flooding, or air pollution). The report also confirms that people in lower-middle-income countries confront more overlapping climate hazards than those in low-income or upper-middle-income countries. And while upper-middle-income countries have relatively fewer poor people, this cohort is still exposed to air pollution and flooding in particular. Such findings underscore the need for a just energy transition. To that end, Colombia introduced Latin America’s first carbon tax in 2016. Now, in the run-up to COP30, The Elders are calling for G20 countries to use their financial advantages to “turbocharge the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework.” At COP29 last year, world leaders committed to provide $300bn to fund such efforts, even though the total needed is closer to $1.3tn. Given the size of this gap, we welcome the International Court of Justice’s recent advisory opinion ruling that states are legally responsible for climate harms, particularly those caused by the fossil-fuel industry. I am reminded of a moment in 2011 when two civil servants in my government, Paula Caballero and Patti Londono, came to me with the idea of putting sustainability at the heart of development. Caballero and Londono planted the seed that eventually grew into the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I was happy to do what I could to support that agenda, and thanks to the multilateral framework that was in place ten years ago, the UN unanimously adopted the SDGs. The joy in that room will stay with me for the rest of my life. But the party is over. While flashes of hope remain – just this year, countries adopted a historic marine conservation treaty – the planet is hurting more than ever. Last month in New York, the Planetary Guardians presented the Planetary Health Check 2025 report, which confirmed that seven of nine planetary boundaries, including ocean acidification, have already been transgressed. Together, these nine boundaries form Earth’s operating system: the interconnected life-support processes that must remain within safe limits to keep humanity safe and the natural world resilient. With the Planetary Health Check warning of accelerating deterioration and the growing risk of reaching dangerous tipping points, we urgently need to improve our understanding of where and how both the planet and its people are suffering. That means reinvigorating efforts to support the interconnected agendas of climate action and poverty reduction. When I left office in 2018, I met again with the indigenous leaders who had entrusted their hopes to me. I tried to return the baton. But to my surprise, they asked me to keep it, and then articulated a new principle that the international community would do well to consider. They spoke of the spiritual bond between humans and nature: nothing can be taken without first asking for permission and giving something in return. We break this bond at our peril. Today, many connections are broken – between peoples and between humans and the planet. Our task in the years ahead is to restore them. – Project Syndicate Juan Manuel Santos, a former president of Colombia, is Chair of The Elders and received the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize.