The ceremony marked the United Nations’ official takeover of the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) as the venue where world leaders will work to reinvigorate the global social compact.
The brief but symbolic event, held at the sprawling conference center, was attended by senior officials from Qatar and the United Nations, accompanied by a formation of UN security officers and members of the Qatari Lekhwiya Police Force, standing on either side of the two flagpoles.
Speaking at the ceremony, Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said the moment reflected a shared commitment to cooperation and collective progress.
“This moment officially marks the handover of this historic installation to the United Nations,“, he said. “The QNCC has now been transformed into a space where the global community will come together to propose solutions and renew hope.”
Ahmad Hassen Al-Hamadi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, welcomed the international community, emphasizing the country’s support as host and partner in facilitating dialogue and cooperation at the highest level.
“We are convinced that this The summit will provide a crucial opportunity to reaffirm political will and capitalize on the numerous opportunities to accelerate and stimulate transformative actions to achieve social development and social justice for all.and accelerate progress for the 2030 Agenda [for Sustainable Development].”
A crucial gathering amid global challenges
Over the coming days, more than 8,000 participants – including heads of state and government, ministers, civil society leaders, youth delegates, workers and representatives of the private sector – will take part in plenary sessions, high-level roundtables and side forums focusing on social protection, inequality, decent work and the inclusion of marginalized groups.
Ahead of the Summit last week, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that Secretary-General António Guterres will speak at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Mr. Guterres is expected to highlight progress made since the first Copenhagen Social Summit in 1995, while highlighting major global challenges, including widening inequality, unemployment, poverty, conflict and widespread human suffering.
In Doha, the Secretary-General is also expected to participate in a side event on education and hold bilateral meetings with senior officials.
A team of Qatari paratroopers perform an aerial display, descending above the QNCC while carrying the 17 colorful Sustainable Development Goals flags, alongside the flags of the UN and Qatar.
SDG colors in the sky
Adding a striking visual touch to Sunday’s ceremony, a team of Qatari paratroopers performed an aerial display, descending above the QNCC while carrying the 17 colorful Sustainable Development Goals flags, alongside the flags of the UN and Qatar.
Adopted by all 193 UN member states in 2015, the SDGs constitute a common global plan to end poverty, reduce inequality, protect the planet and ensure dignity for all.
The descent drew applause from delegates and spectators, symbolizing the Summit themes of unity, shared responsibility and collective action, and visually reinforcing the message that social development is inseparable from the entire SDG agenda.
UN Info on the ground
As delegations continue to arrive, final preparations are being made inside the QNCC, where banners, interpretation booths and media facilities are being finalized and security and logistics teams are coordinating movements across the venue.
UN News is on the ground in Doha, providing ongoing coverage throughout the week, including live updates, interviews and analysis from the Summit. Follow our cover here.
