Pathway to the second World Summit for Social Development

Tripartite solutions for social justice

The ILO and UNDESA in collaboration with the Government of Qatar are pleased to convene this event during the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development to build on the momentum of the preparations for the 2025 World Social Summit under the title "Second World Summit for Social Development".

Programme

  • Keynote: High-level Representative of the State of Qatar
  • Panellists: High-level Representative of European Union; High-level Representative of OHCHR, High-level Representative of UNDP
  • Remarks: International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC
    International Organisation of Employers, IOE
  • Closing: High-level Representative of UNDESA

Context

The Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Qatar from 4 - 6 November 2025, represents a critical juncture in the global push for inclusive and sustainable development.

The ILO’s Governing Body, which includes representatives of governments, workers and employers’ organisations, has made substantial contributions toward shaping the Summit’s agenda, calling for a renewed global social contract to address these multifaceted challenges and advance social development. This event provides an opportunity to translate these contributions into actionable policies that are inclusive, forward-looking, and responsive to today’s complex realities.

By mobilizing the voices of governments, workers and employers, the discussion will strengthen the global narrative on the need for social justice as a driver of sustainable peace and prosperity. Moreover, it will advocate for the alignment of the outcomes of other pivotal global events—such as the 2023 SDG Summit, the 2024 Summit of the Future, and the 2025 Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development—with the Second World Summit for Social Development.

Expected outcome

This event aims to enhance understanding of the interconnected themes of social development while emphasizing the critical role of tripartite collaboration in advancing these objectives.

It will emphasise the objective of productive employment and decent work as one of the key aspirations of all peoples. By facilitating robust discussions and stakeholders’ engagement, the event will identify practical recommendations to embed social justice principles into Summit’s preparations and outcome.

Ultimately, the event aims to ensure that social development objectives are responsive to today’s situation and remain on the top of the national and global agendas as essential contributor to the realisation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.