The Summit took place 30 years after the historic 1995 Copenhagen meeting, which placed social justice at the heart of sustainable development. Since then, many countries have reported considerable progress in education, health and poverty reduction – but also widening inequality, demographic pressures, climate vulnerability and conflict.
Shared national experiences
Leaders and ministers have repeatedly emphasized that social development is not charity but a strategic investment in stability.
Denmark highlighted its long-term development financing, calling for renewed global cooperation.
THE Republic of Korea highlighted his own evolution from aid recipient to donor, while Poland And Vietnam highlighted significant reductions in poverty and increases in education and life expectancy.
Tanzania reported support for 1.3 million households and increasing political representation of women; Cyprus stressed that its guaranteed minimum income offers real protection.
Cape Verde And Malaysia outlines new data systems and policy reforms designed to target support more effectively and maintain social cohesion, while the Dominican Republicstressed that social development is not an expense, but an investment in dignity, cohesion and the future.
Countries affected by the crisis speak out
Conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable countries have called for lasting solidarity.
Ukraine said it continues to maintain basic benefits even in the midst of war.
Syria And Sudan called for a partnership to rebuild the social foundations shattered by the conflict.
Seychelles And Grenade called for climate-resilient development and more equitable access to finance, highlighting that small island states face increasing vulnerability and shrinking fiscal space.
A changing global context
Many delegates said today’s challenges – population aging, technological change, climate impacts and debt burdens – are very different from those of 1995. But the principle remains the same: no sustainable economic transformation is possible without strong social foundations.
Calls for fairer funding
Developing countries have argued that current lending rules and global financial structures make it difficult to expand social protection and invest in jobs.
Ugandaamong others, called for reforms to the international financial architecture to provide a more level playing field.
A reaffirmed global commitment
Delegations also presented their views on the Doha Political Declaration, adopted on Tuesday, which reaffirms commitments to eradicate poverty, expand universal social protection, promote decent work and inclusion, and strengthen the link between social justice, peace and sustainable development.
Although several delegations dissociated themselves from certain terms of the Declaration, the document itself was adopted by consensus, reflecting broad agreement on the need to accelerate progress.
Learn more about the Doha Political Declaration
Doha to Belem
Closing of the SummitUN President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said the meeting marked “not an end, but a beginning,” urging countries not to wait another 30 years to act.
The focus now shifts at the upcoming G20 Summit and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, where leaders are expected to continue to emphasize social justice and inclusion.
Follow our special coverage of COP30 here
Editor’s note:
This story is based on reports from the United Nations Meetings Coverage Section, whose press officers attend Summit sessions, monitor statements made by Member States and delegates, and produce summary records and press releases. Thursday’s press release is available here (SOC/4928).
