Doha Social Summit: The Path to a Just Society Begins in School

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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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.

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The planet's forests are under serious threat due to climate change.

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November 5, 2025 Climate and environment

Decades of efforts to protect forests, which serve as a vital natural barrier against rising carbon dioxide concentrations, are under threat from the accelerating climate crisis, according to experts from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The situation is critical due to an increase in forest fires and droughts caused by higher temperatures, decreased humidity and pest infestations.

1.76 billion hectares of forest are at risk

The UNECE countries – in Europe, North America, the Caucasus and Central Asia – contain more than 1.76 billion hectares of forests, representing more than 40 percent of the world's forest cover.

While the region's total forest area has increased by 60 million hectares (with the largest increase recorded in Europe and Central Asia), the global trend is the opposite, with approximately 10.9 million hectares of forest disappearing annually.

Fires and pests: the scale of the disaster

In 2021, forest fires destroyed 12.6 million hectares of forest – an area comparable to the size of Greece, according to UNECE representative Paola Deda. Another 73 million hectares of forest, roughly equivalent to the combined area of Spain and Portugal, are affected by insects and diseases.

"If these trends continue, forests, which today serve as a powerful carbon sink, could become a source of emissions, jeopardizing global climate goals," Deda warned.

Forest protection

With the support of UNECE member states, forest protection programmes are continuing, including measures against acid rain in Central Europe, which previously caused serious damage to ecosystems.

Since 1990, the area allocated for biodiversity conservation and soil and water protection has doubled. Today, over 300 million hectares of forest (approximately the size of all of Italy) are legally protected.

However, the UNECE warns that the impact of climate change is accelerating forest destruction, threatening to undo decades of environmental progress.

The UNECE also notes the special role of boreal forests. The forests surrounding the Arctic contain approximately 32 percent of all terrestrial carbon stocks. They are negatively impacted by melting permafrost and rising temperatures. Their protection requires coordinated international policy.

Climate summit in Brazil

Ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, UNECE called on world leaders to strengthen forest conservation measures, including fire prevention, pest control and large-scale forest restoration.

According to the organization, carbon stocks in forests have increased by 11 percent since 1990.

"The world's most forested country isn't Brazil, but Russia," Paola Deda reminded. "And although the climate conference will be held in the Southern Hemisphere, it's the forests of the northern regions that are crucial to the planet's climate."

Read also:

Russia maintains the world's largest forest reserve: new FAO data on global forest resources

"Everything we've achieved over the past three decades is now under serious threat due to the climate crisis. We cannot afford to lose the planet's most powerful natural defense," said UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molchan.

She said the world's forests could be so severely damaged that they would be impossible to restore.

"The international community – especially the leaders who will gather in Belém – must understand that forest conservation is no longer just an environmental issue; it is the foundation of global carbon security," the head of the UNECE emphasized.

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National Unity Day at SPbGASU: a festival of cultures and friendship among students from around the world

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Head of the Public Relations Department of the Council of Foreign Students Soykan Shenturk, Antonia Angelova, Sergey Mikhailov and Sabrinkhon Solehzoda open the celebration

On November 5, a festival dedicated to National Unity Day was held at the "Tochka Rosta" space. Organized by the Council of International Students of SPbGASU, the event brought together students from St. Petersburg universities and 14 countries. The event, part of the All-Russian "Russia – a Family of Families" campaign, demonstrated how cultural diversity can be a source of mutual understanding and friendship.

The ceremony was opened by Antonia Angelova, Chair of the Council of Foreign Students. In keeping with ancient Slavic tradition, she treated the guests to bread, piquant drinks, and honey—symbols of hospitality, prosperity, and peace.

Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Sergey Mikhailov addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. "Our university is proud of the atmosphere of friendship, cooperation, and respect for the traditions of different peoples created at SPbGASU," Sergey Vladimirovich emphasized. He recalled that the university enrolls students from all 89 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and 54 countries. The Vice-Rector also noted that such initiatives help strengthen cultural ties and highlight the important role of students in developing international cooperation.

A veritable kaleidoscope of national traditions unfolded on the festival stage: the audience was impressed by the Indonesian song "Boru Panggoaran" performed by SPbGASU student Ikhda Prasetia, the Chinese dance "Land of Ceremonies and Rituals" performed by Zhang Jitao, as well as performances by guests from other universities – Peruvian David Carol Outten (St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University) and Alisson Stephanie Mandieta (St. Petersburg Polytechnic University) from Nigeria.

Following the concert, participants and guests went to a cultural fair, where students presented their countries' national dishes and drinks. Teams from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, China, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Ecuador set up tables with refreshments.

In addition, the Council of Foreign Students and the Ideal Youth Center of the Admiralty District organized a quiz called "The Origins of Unity." The questions covered the history of the holiday, the cultural traditions of the peoples of Russia, and the values of mutual respect.

Sabrinkhon Solehzoda, a postgraduate student in the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Deputy Chair of the International Students' Council, noted: "This is my seventh year studying at SPbGASU, and this is the seventh year this event has been held. It brings together all cultures, all international students at our university. We want to show what we have in common and how different cultures can become one big family."

Veronika Pivo, a second-year student in the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Urban Management, echoed her sentiments: "I'm an international student from Belarus. Events like these help you realize you're not alone in this country, help you make friends, and better understand other cultures."

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War and Peace: GUU students visited the Patriotic War of 1812 Museum

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Before National Unity Day, third- and fourth-year students majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, led by instructors Olga Vasilyeva and Alexandra Timokhovich, visited the Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812 to refresh their memories of the Napoleonic Wars.

During the tour, the children examined over 2,000 exhibits and learned about the exploits of Russian soldiers and commanders who demonstrated impressive courage and selflessness. "I was particularly struck by the 'Road to Triumph' hall, dedicated to the Russian army's foreign campaigns and the decisive battles leading to victory over Napoleon. The exhibit vividly illustrates the journey from the expulsion of the invaders from Russia to the complete defeat of the French army, highlighting the genius of the commanders and the indomitable spirit of the Russian people. This is not just a chronology of victories, but a story of the unity of nations in the struggle for freedom," shared Emilia Vasilenko.

The museum's exhibition is structured chronologically, from the early 19th century to the end of the pan-European confrontation of 1815. Display cases feature reconstructed uniforms of the Russian and French armies, weapons, and authentic items from soldiers' everyday lives. Modern multimedia technologies make the visit interactive and visual.

"When you stand before the authentic uniform of a private from the Pavlovsky Grenadier Regiment, and interactive battle maps come to life on the wall, it's a powerful experience. This combination allows you to study the tactical aspects of the battle in detail. We felt how important it is to preserve the memory of the past and share it with others," said Ekaterina Smirnova.

Students were able to experience the world of commanders-in-chief, see the personal belongings of Emperors Alexander I and Napoleon Bonaparte, and the monumental paintings of Vasily Vereshchagin and the final hall with military trophies vividly demonstrated the triumph of the Russian army.

"The museum visit was a true journey through history, helping us feel the spirit of the times and understand how culture and communication intertwine even in a museum setting. For us, communications students, the museum became an example of how to connect with an audience without words—through emotion, aesthetics, and atmosphere. The combination of historical accuracy, modern technology, and rare exhibits makes the museum's exhibition not just educational, but truly vibrant and emotional," noted Angelina Igoshina.

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Rashid Mangushev and Anatoly Osokin took part in an international conference on tunneling and underground construction.

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Representatives of SPbGASU at the conference

The 25th annual conference on tunneling and underground construction was held in Hefei, China, on October 25–26.

SPbGASU was represented by Rashid Mangushev, Academic Director of the Scientific and Pedagogical School, Director of the Scientific, Production and Consulting Center for Geotechnology at SPbGASU, Honored Scientist of Russia, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, Doctor of Engineering, Professor of the Department of Geotechnics, and Anatoly Osokin, Head of the Department of Geotechnics, Honored Builder of Russia, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Associate Professor.

Representatives from SPbGASU presented reports on the developments of scientists from the Department of Geotechnics, which address challenges arising during underground work during the construction of unique building foundations and in metro construction. The reports sparked interest among our Chinese colleagues.

During the conference, representatives of the Russian Engineering Academy and the China Tunnel Association signed a cooperation agreement to exchange educational programs and conduct joint scientific research in the field of underground construction and tunneling.

During the negotiations, Russian and Chinese colleagues agreed on the possibility of educational exchanges for postgraduate and master's students in their respective fields.

"We are confident that educational exchanges for students, master's students, and postgraduates, joint scientific and technical conferences on underground construction in complex soil conditions, and collaboration in geotechnical research will enable us to reach a new level of subsurface development and new geotechnical discoveries in design, calculation, and technology," said Rashid Mangushev. "We hope that the collaboration initiated during our attendance at the anniversary conference will continue."

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The King of Thailand will visit China /detailed version-1/

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, November 6 (Xinhua) — At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand will pay a state visit to China from November 13 to 17, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Thursday.

At a regular departmental press conference, Mao Ning announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang will meet with the King of Thailand separately.

“This is the first visit of the King of Thailand to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” Mao Ning noted.

According to her, the fact that the King of Thailand chose China as the first major country for his official visit fully reflects the great importance that both sides attach to the development of bilateral relations.

China and Thailand are close and friendly neighbors, and a community of shared destiny. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, China-Thailand relations have maintained a high level of development, and the concept of "China and Thailand as close as one family" has deeply penetrated the hearts of the people of both countries, Mao Ning said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and the "Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship," which opens up new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, Mao Ning noted.

She emphasized that through this visit, China hopes to continue the traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve more fruitful results in building a China-Thailand community with a shared future, which will bring more benefits to the two peoples and make a positive contribution to maintaining peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region. -0-

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Xi Jinping congratulated Suluhu Hassan on her assumption of office as President of Tanzania

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Samia Suluhu Hassan on her inauguration as President of Tanzania.

Noting that China and Tanzania enjoy deep traditional friendship, Xi Jinping said in his message that bilateral relations have developed at a high level in recent years, with both sides supporting each other on issues affecting their core interests and major concerns, and achieving fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields.

Xi Jinping stated that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Tanzania relations and is willing to work with Suluhu Hassan to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, continuously elevating the China-Tanzania comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights and making greater contributions to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

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China's "Golden Milk Belt" has delivered a batch of 87 elite cows to Uzbekistan.

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, November 6 (Xinhua) — A batch of 87 elite dairy cows bred in the Litong District of Wuzhong City in Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region recently passed strict export quarantine inspections and were shipped to Uzbekistan. This marks the first time dairy cows have been exported from Ningxia, according to the news portal chinanews.com.cn, citing a statement from the local agricultural department.

The Litong region, located on the Yellow River plain in northwest China, is recognized as a "Golden Milk Belt" due to its favorable geographic and natural conditions for livestock farming. Statistics show that the region currently houses 235,000 dairy cows, with a 98 percent scalability rate. In recent years, China's leading dairy companies have established premium raw milk bases here, allowing Litong's annual fresh milk production to exceed 1.2 million tons.

Local authorities claim that the successful export of the first batch of dairy cows to Uzbekistan has opened new horizons for international cooperation in livestock farming in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, thereby giving impetus to the development of exchanges between China and the Central Asian region on agricultural technology and becoming a new shining example of agricultural cooperation between countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

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The State Council of the People's Republic of China has made personnel changes.

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, November 6 (Xinhua) — China's State Council announced a series of personnel changes on Thursday.

Zhou Zhaohua has been appointed deputy director of the State Postal Administration of China, replacing Liu Jun.

Wang Daoxi has been relieved of his posts as Deputy Minister of Emergency Management and Deputy Minister of Water Resources. -0-

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Project Russia: Happy Project Manager Day!

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Every year on the first Thursday of November, the entire planet celebrates International Project Manager Day: this is a way for us to recognize the important role of program managers in managing and implementing concepts across a wide range of industries.

The initiators of this holiday's establishment in 2004 were the staff of the International Institute for Learning (IIL). The State University of Management, as a leader in project-based learning in higher education, joins those who advocate for a deeper understanding of this complex field and congratulates all those involved—accomplished experts, project team members, members of trade associations, faculty, and students—on this professional holiday.

Thanks to your expertise, the most incredible projects are realized in all areas of activity, even in conditions of economic and political instability, with limited resources and potential risks.

We wish you accurate grades, united teams, broad opportunities, and the successful implementation of your ideas! And our university, in turn, is always ready to assist in developing programs and training a new generation of powerful Russian managers for the benefit of Russia.

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