Doha: Europe and the Arabs

Education took center stage on the opening day of the second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, where leaders, educators, and youth advocates emphasized that education is fundamental to building inclusive and resilient societies.

The vast Qatar National Convention Centre, packed with delegates, students, civil society representatives, and policymakers from around the world, reflected the scale of the event.

Nearly 14,000 participants registered for the summit, which brought together governments, international organizations, and community stakeholders to formulate a human-centered vision for social development over the next decade.

Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract

According to the UN Daily News, the summit's opening day began with a high-level event under the theme: "Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract." Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser delivered an opening address, calling for a redoubling of efforts in education as the cornerstone of justice and opportunity. Her Highness pointed out that 272 million children are currently deprived of education, many due to conflict, and stressed that progress is impossible if exclusion continues. She said, "Education is not a luxury, nor a gift. It is a right – and an existential issue for the future of nations."

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reinforced this message, describing education as "our best tool for fighting poverty." However, he warned of widening inequalities, chronic underinvestment, and a global shortage of trained teachers.

He called for repairing "the cracks in this vital foundation," urging the bridging of the digital divide, increased support for teachers, and treating education not as a cost, but as a strategic investment.

In a subsequent press conference, Mr. Guterres emphasized that rebuilding education systems will be essential in crisis contexts, including Gaza and Sudan.

He said, "Education must be a cornerstone of any reconstruction project in Gaza." Heads of State Dialogue

The session also included a high-level dialogue with the presidents of Kenya, Albania, and Palau, who affirmed that education is an investment in human development and future growth.

Kenyan President William Ruto called for aligning education with digital needs and the labor market; Albanian President Bajram Begai emphasized education as a universal right; and Palau President Sorangele Wippes highlighted the importance of ensuring access to education in remote and island communities.

Solutions Emerging from the Summit
Across the conference venue, solutions-focused sessions explored viable ways to expand opportunities and strengthen social protection.

In a key session on comprehensive social protection, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif stressed that social protection “is not charity, it is a human right,” and is essential for achieving justice and resilience.

She highlighted progress in expanding coverage to include informal workers and urged international financial reforms to safeguard public investment. She said, “Practical solutions are within reach. Let’s turn commitments into action.” A New Policy Approach to Combat Poverty

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released a new analysis urging governments to move beyond traditional poverty thresholds. Its policy brief proposes establishing a “prosperity minimum”—to ensure that people not only escape poverty but also remain resilient to shocks such as illness, job loss, or climate-related disasters.

According to the analysis, 411 million people could move from poverty to basic security by 2030 if countries pursue intensive job growth, adaptive social protection, and policies that improve wages and working conditions.

In an interview with UN News, UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu said, “Through decisive and integrated action, we can break the cycle of vulnerability and achieve lasting prosperity. The past 30 years have shown that progress is possible,” referring to the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration, which first outlined global commitments for social development.

Time for Action
From youth dialogues to discussions on digital inclusion, nutrition, the rights of persons with disabilities, decent work, and aging societies, participants emphasized a shared message: progress is possible, but it must be rooted in real needs on the ground.

With leaders adopting the Doha Political Declaration, the focus now shifts to translating commitments into action and investment.

"SDG Ambassadors"
On the opening day of the summit, young children, who identified themselves as "SDG Ambassadors," represented the youngest delegation at the World Summit for Social Development in Doha. These children are part of a Qatari community initiative involving children aged 10-14. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals among young people.

Heads of State and Government, ministers, civil society leaders, youth delegates, workers, and private sector representatives participated in plenary sessions, high-level roundtables, and parallel forums focusing on social protection, inequality, decent work, and the inclusion of marginalized groups. Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a speech at the opening ceremony on Tuesday. He highlighted the progress made since the first World Social Summit in Copenhagen in 1995, while emphasizing major global challenges, including widening inequalities, unemployment, poverty, conflicts, and widespread human suffering.  

While in Doha, the Secretary-General participated in a side event on education and held bilateral meetings with senior officials.

According to the UN Daily News, the idea of ​​human-centered, inclusive, and equitable development is not new. It is a vision the world committed to 30 years ago at the UN Summit in Copenhagen, and its echoes still resonate today.

Leaders from around the world are meeting in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6, to assess progress, address persistent gaps, and chart a new course forward.

At the heart of the meetings lies a simple yet powerful question: How can we ensure that no one is left behind?

Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Lee Junhwa said the summit comes at a critical juncture. He added: “Inequalities are widening, trust is eroding, and societies are struggling with conflict, climate shocks, and rapid technological change. Yet, we are also witnessing extraordinary innovation, resilience, and solidarity. This is our opportunity to rebuild trust between governments and their people, and between nations.”