The Second World Summit for Social Development convened in Doha from November 4 to 6, building on the 1995 First World Summit for Social Development and its Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. The Doha Summit aimed to take stock of social progress over the past three decades.
At the opening session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock urged world leaders to make the “last mile” push to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, create decent work, and reform the global financial architecture. They described the Doha Political Declaration as a “booster shot for development” and called on states to deliver on their commitments.
Ethiopia actively participated in the summit, presenting its achievements and best practices in poverty eradication, social justice, and inclusive development. In delivering Ethiopia’s statement, Feisel Aliyi, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the State of Qatar, highlighted the country’s impactful policies and initiatives advancing SDGs 1 and 2, lifting millions out of poverty and ensuring food security. He also emphasized Ethiopia’s achievements in health, education, women and girls’ empowerment, digital transformation, and food security. Addressing persistent social development challenges, he called for strengthened multilateralism and reforms in international financial architecture and trade regimes.
Ethiopia also secured significant financial support for its flagship initiatives. At a side event, the First Leaders’ Meeting of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty (GAAHP), Ethiopia showcased its “Yelemate Terufat” Initiative. The program was one of five selected from different countries for funding by GAAHP. At the conclusion of the event, the initiative received over USD 80 million in pledges and technical assistance, providing a major boost to its ongoing efforts to improve food and nutrition security.
At another side event organized by the FAO, focused on follow-up to the UN Food Systems Stocktake Summit held in Addis Ababa in July 2025, Ethiopia shared best practices and reiterated its commitment to transforming food systems.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration of the World Social Summit, demonstrating Member States’ collective determination to advance social development in a rapidly changing global context. The Declaration underscores the need for renewed global commitment, particularly in supporting developing countries’ access to fair and sustainable financing.
It is recalled that the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action (1995) identified poverty eradication, productive employment and decent work, and social inclusion as the three pillars of social development. These pillars have guided global action over the last three decades, including the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The The Doha Summit aimed to draw lessons, illuminate the path forward, and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.