Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
November 3, 2025 Economic development
Against a backdrop of deepening global challenges – from rising hunger and poverty to climate instability – representatives from governments, civil society, and international organizations from around the world gathered in Doha on Monday to discuss concrete steps to address the most pressing challenges of our time.
The Second World Summit for Social Development will be held in Qatar from November 4th to 6th. In the lead-up to the summit, discussions were held within the Social Development Solutions Forum and the first meeting of the leaders of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.
Learn from each other
Opening the Decision Forum, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock noted that the event symbolizes the transition from discussion of problems to practical action.
"Too often we are faced with situations where we don't know how to help people who are suffering," she said.
“Or we have a solution, but we are unable or unwilling to take the necessary steps,” Baerbock added.
She said world leaders had gathered in Doha to "learn from each other, build on successful ideas, join forces, and follow common principles."
Successful solutions
The forum, co-organized by Qatar and France with the support of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, brought together representatives of governments, businesses, and various organizations to present successful examples of projects addressing poverty alleviation, ensuring decent work conditions, and social inclusion.
Baerbock cited several examples. Sierra Leone is implementing a program to support people with disabilities through training, employment, and microloans. In Sri Lanka, an innovation center provides vocational training for young people. In India, a national digital identity system has enabled the opening of over 300 million bank accounts and expanded access to social services.
These initiatives, she said, demonstrate what can be achieved when innovation, partnerships and resources are effectively used.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed the need to move from promises to fulfilling commitments.
She noted the importance of the Doha Political Declaration, which is planned to be adopted at the summit: “This declaration calls for the creation of effective social contracts – fair, inclusive, and consistent with the realities of today.”
"To achieve this, we must scale up solutions that have already proven effective," Mohammed said, urging forum participants to share successful examples. "Use these examples, and let them inspire you," she added.
Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
The first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty also took place on Monday.
Today, with more than 670 million people suffering from hunger and 2.3 billion food insecure, Baerbock emphasized that the crisis is not about food shortages, but about “inequality, conflict, and misguided policies.”
"These are billions of people who don't know where to get food for the next day. Parents forced to watch their children go to bed hungry… This crisis is preventable," she said.
The climate crisis is fueling instability.
Baerbock highlighted climate change as one of the key factors exacerbating food insecurity.
"Farmlands in the Sahel are turning to dust – this is the new front line in the fight against hunger," she said, warning that without decisive action, global warming could push another 1.8 billion people into hunger.
The Global Alliance, established in 2024 under Brazil's G20 Presidency, already includes nearly 200 members – governments, regional associations, international organizations, and civil society structures.
The goal of the meeting is to strengthen coordination within the alliance: expand social protection, support agriculture, and invest in climate-resilient farming.
"In a world with more than enough resources, every person can be fed," Baerbock emphasized. "A world without hunger and poverty is not a utopia, but a goal we can achieve if we act together."
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