Delegates hail Qatar’s role in advancing global social development agenda

Doha, Qatar: The Second World Summit for Social Development closed on a note of high praise for Qatar s remarkable organization and unwavering dedicat...

Doha, Qatar: The Second World Summit for Social Development closed on a note of high praise for Qatar’s remarkable organization and unwavering dedication to global progress.

Delegates described the summit, recently hosted at the Qatar National Convention Centre, as a defining moment for unity, culminating in a political declaration that strengthens international commitment to peace and sustainable development.

The summit saw the unanimous adoption of a landmark political declaration reaffirming global commitments to sustainable development, social justice, and peacebuilding.

Lauren Graham, Vice President for Special Projects at the International Consortium for Social Development, described the summit as a “landmark event” that set the tone for renewed global cooperation. “The adoption of the political declaration by consensus was very exciting. I think it marks a stand for development and against some of the conservatism that has undermined our progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said. Graham emphasized that the summit puts the world “back on track” toward achieving the SDGs, especially amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.

Echoing this sentiment was Professor Manohar Pawar of Charles Sturt University in Australia, who stressed the enduring relevance of social development priorities first outlined in 1995: “Even after 30 years, issues such as poverty alleviation, full employment, decent work, and social integration remain crucial. That is why this conference is so significant.”