Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
November 5, 2025 Sustainable Development Goals
Education took center stage during the first days of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. Politicians, educators, and youth activists participating in the forum agreed that adequate education is the foundation of inclusive and sustainable communities.
The vast Qatar National Convention Centre, where delegations, students, civil society representatives, and politicians from around the world gathered, fully reflected the scale of the event. Nearly 14,000 people registered to participate in the summit. The forum brings together governments, international organizations, and representatives of diverse communities committed to shaping a people-centered vision of social development.
Education as the basis
A high-level event titled "Education: Foundation of a New Social Contract" set the tone at the summit's outset. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Missned of Qatar delivered the keynote address, calling for renewed commitments to education. Referring to the 272 million children worldwide who are unable to attend school, often due to armed conflict, she stated that global progress is impossible without changing the status quo.
“Education is not a luxury or a favor, it is a right – and a matter of the future of nations,” the Sheikha said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this message, calling education "the best tool for fighting poverty." He warned of growing inequality, chronic underfunding, and a global shortage of qualified teachers.
"We need to address the cracks in this foundation," the UN chief said, calling for closing the digital divide, strengthening support for teachers, and viewing education as a strategic investment rather than an expense.
Later, at a press conference, Guterres emphasized that rebuilding education systems must be a key area for resolving crises, including in Gaza and Sudan.
"Education must be a central element of any project to rebuild Gaza," he said.
Photo by UN.
The presidents of Kenya, Albania and Palau at the summit podium.
Unanimity of the presidents
The session was attended by the presidents of Kenya, Albania, and Palau, who emphasized in their speeches that education is a long-term investment in human development and future economic growth.
In his speech, Kenyan President William Ruto called for aligning education with digital technologies and labor market needs. Albanian President Bajram Begaj called education a "universal human right." Palauan President Surangel Whipps, for his part, noted the importance of ensuring access to education in remote and island communities.
Practical solutions
Throughout the summit, sessions focused on practical solutions for expanding opportunities and social protection were held. In a key session on universal social protection, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif stated that social protection is "not charity, but a legitimate human right" critical to ensuring equitable and sustainable development. She also called for international financial reforms to protect public investment in education.
"We can move forward," Al-Nashif said. "Let's turn commitments into action."
ESCAP/B. Gatram
By 2030, 411 million people worldwide could move from “poverty” to “basic economic security” if countries develop labor markets and expand social protection.
A New Approach to the Problem of Poverty
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented a new report in Doha calling on governments to go beyond traditional poverty thresholds. The UNDP policy brief proposes introducing "prosperity floors" to ensure people are protected from shocks such as illness, job loss, or climate disasters.
According to the report, 411 million people worldwide could move from poverty to basic economic security by 2030 if countries develop labor markets, expand social protection, and implement policies that increase wages and improve working conditions.
"With decisive and comprehensive action, we can break the cycle of vulnerability and build sustainable prosperity. The past 30 years have shown that progress is possible," said UNDP Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu, recalling Copenhagen Declaration of 1995, which for the first time enshrined global commitments in the area of social development.
Throughout discussions on digital inclusion, healthy eating, disability rights, decent wages, and the aging population, forum participants repeatedly returned to the central idea: progress in development is possible when efforts and plans are based on the real needs of people.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.