Social Justice, Peace Inseparable Foundations for Lasting Prosperity, Speakers Stress, as Doha Social Development Summit Continues

Social Justice, Peace Inseparable Foundations for Lasting Prosperity, Speakers Stress, as Doha Social Development Summit Continues

DOHA, QATAR (5 November) - At the World Summit for Social Development, delegates from all regions reaffirmed that true progress must place people at the centre, calling for stronger global solidarity, universal social protections and rights-based policies to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and ensure that "no one is left behind".

Speakers highlighted national progress and priorities - from South Africa's expanded safety net and Brazil's fight against hunger to Finland's trust-based welfare model and Singapore's integrated approach to inclusion - underscoring that sustainable development depends on equality, human dignity and resilience. Many called for renewed multilateral cooperation, predictable financing and investment in youth, women and vulnerable groups, stressing that social justice and peace are inseparable foundations for lasting prosperity.

Several countries focused their statements on expanding safety nets and improving food security and other basic social services. South Africa's delegate recalled that, three decades after Nelson Mandela's address to the 1995 World Summit for Social Development, the country has made significant strides - reducing poverty by half and extending social protection to nearly 44 per cent of the population. Yet challenges remain, including persistent unemployment, particularly among young people and women, and barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

Eradication of Poverty among Greatest Global Challenges

"Place people at the heart of development," urged the representative of the Gambia, who said his country is prioritizing social development by expanding opportunities for all, particularly women and youth. Saint Lucia's representative described efforts by her small island developing State to build a resilient and inclusive society guided by a "people-centred approach", citing initiatives to provide free maternal and child healthcare, expand social housing and pensions, and improve access to early childhood and tertiary education.

"The eradication of poverty remains the greatest global challenge," said Angola's delegate, noting that more than 1.7 million vulnerable families in Angola are benefiting from a national cash transfer programme with many using that support to create aquacultural cooperatives to help feed people.

"Hunger is not a natural phenomenon; it is a political choice," emphasized Brazil's delegate. Since 2023, Brazil has lifted 24.4 million people out of hunger and 7.6 million out of poverty through evidence-based policies prioritizing social inclusion, universal protection and food security.

People Must Be Placed at Centre of National Policies

Finland and Lithuania's representatives pointed to universal access to healthcare, education and childcare as foundations of social well-being. Finland's delegate highlighted her country's century-long experience in building a welfare state grounded in equality with universal systems fostering both well-being and economic growth. Ranked the world's happiest country for eight consecutive years, Finland attributes this to high trust in society and its social protection model.

Lithuania's representative added that her country's social model treats healthcare, education and protection as rights, not privileges, focusing on lifelong learning, care infrastructure and social services aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Copenhagen Declaration.

"We have no right to raise a doomed generation," added Bulgaria's representative, as he described how social exclusion leads not only to poverty, but also to crime and, hence, insecurity for the whole of society. People must be placed at the centre of national policies, which must in turn be based on democratic values and institutions, accountability and meaningful participation through social dialogue. Adding that Europe faces significant demographic challenges - as people lacking confidence in their security or future cannot be convinced to have children.

"Families form the bedrock of societies," added Singapore's delegate, noting that Singapore measures success not only by economic progress but also by social cohesion. He described his country's integrated approach to inclusion, developed since independence in 1965. The Government, he said, provides an enabling environment ensuring affordable housing, education and healthcare, while communities and businesses actively support one another.

Calls for More Just International Financial Order

The representative of Togo said the Summit was taking place "at a pivotal moment", as progress on social development is called into question. She commended the Doha Declaration as offering a lasting response to global challenges, while noting that Africa faces major structural and budgetary constraints. Calling for "a new, more just international financial order" that better reflects today's realities, she said this would allow countries, like Togo, to mobilize more resources for education and employment - the foundation of nations' future.

Progress "does not come by chance", emphasized Norway's delegate, citing national policies in childcare and women's rights that have transformed Norwegian society for the better. "In these testing times, we must hold firm on what we agree on," he said.

Türkiye's representative called for redefining the future of social development and forging "a new spirit of global solidarity that places people at the centre". True development, she said, is measured not by growth rates but by social cohesion and dignity, calling for policies that empower women, protect children and enable persons with disabilities and older persons to live active lives.

The representative of the Philippines also called for a "renewed global compact for social progress" urging predictable financing, stronger international cooperation and equitable access to technology. The "measure of development is not found in wealth alone, but in the well-being of every person, in every nation, without exception," he added.

Commitments Made in Doha Must Be Translated into Concrete Actions

Chile's representative, speaking for Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Qatar - and joined by 21 other countries - called for translating the political commitments made in Doha into concrete actions, focused on poverty eradication, decent work for all and social inclusion, and encouraged Member States and the UN system to define, by 2026, practical modalities for implementation.

Other countries outlined how humanitarian assistance and long-term investments alike are helping advance social development initiatives. Saudi Arabia's delegate said that, amid rapid transformation and mounting global socioeconomic challenges, human dignity and rights underpin Riyadh's vision. Riyadh, he noted, has launched global initiatives to support agriculture and farming, while integrating digital transformation - including via investments in artificial intelligence (AI) - into its broader development plan.

The representative of the United Arab Emirates emphasized her Government's commitment to protecting society's most vulnerable populations - particularly women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. National strategies also focus on empowering entrepreneurs and advancing technological skills. "We believe in tolerance and respect for religious and cultural diversity," she said, noting that the country's AI investments are being developed with social considerations in mind.

Sustainable Peace Begins with Social Justice

The State of Palestine, along with Iran and Lebanon, linked social progress to peace and justice, warning that conflict, occupation and sanctions undermine human development and social cohesion.

"The aroma of slow-cooked lamb, fresh herbs and warm bread once filled every corner of Palestinian homes", said the speaker for the State of Palestine. "But now, the table is gone, there is no meat, no smell, no family", she said, as the mother who prepared the feast is buried under the rubble of her destroyed home and her children are missing, buried or limbless.

Underscoring that "this is Gaza today", she stressed that the loss of the family is not just a personal tragedy - "it is the unravelling of Gaza's social fabric". Destroyed homes represent not just a loss of shelter, but also of safety and memory. Reconstructing Gaza and the West Bank, she stressed, "must mean restoring humanity". She concluded: "Sustainable peace begins with social justice and dignity for all Palestinians."

"Social development and peace are related," added Lebanon's representative, noting that Israeli attacks on her country not only claim innocent lives but also erode social stability. She also urged the international community to shift from short-term aid to long-term investment strategies aimed at the inclusive growth of Lebanon.

Iran's representative highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as "a clear example of genocide and a crime against humanity". Tehran emphasized that "social development is incompatible with sanction-based policies", urging greater South-South cooperation and mechanisms to strengthen global resilience.

South Sudan's delegate added to that despite his country's progress in consolidating peace, many people still live below the poverty line, facing not only low income but also limited access to opportunities. Social protection programmes, safety nets and community projects - implemented in collaboration with UN agencies - have helped empower women and youth, but "further partnership is needed", he stressed. With youth making up 70 per cent of the population, unemployment remains a serious challenge. South Sudan is addressing this through vocational training and support for entrepreneurship and small businesses, calling for investment by the international community.

"Empowering women and girls is essential to social transformation," he went on to say, also highlighting efforts under the Revitalized Peace Agreement to enable the voluntary return and reintegration of displaced persons and refugees.

Complete Live Blog coverage of today's meeting can be found here.