The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Doha Political Declaration [3] at the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from November 4-6, 2025. The Summit sought to build a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable world by assessing global progress since the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action.

The General Assembly emphasized that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement of peace and security among nations. It acknowledged that, since the convening of the World Summit for Social Development 30 years ago, progress remains slow and uneven. Millions live in extreme poverty or are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, informal employment remains pervasive, income inequalities have increased and the digital divide within and among countries persist.

To address these challenges, the General Assembly committed to creating an enabling economic, political, social, cultural and legal environment to achieve social development. It further commits to taking effective measures to address root causes of poverty and ensuring sustainable and equitable financing for social protection systems.

The General Assembly decided to proceed to a five year follow up on the Doha Political Declaration and the Copenhagen Declaration starting in 2031. It requested the Secretary General to prepare a report assessing progress and identifying gaps in social development. It also invited UN regional commissions to convene preparatory meetings at the regional level in advance of the follow up.