Nations highlight progress and challenges
- South Africa reported having expanded social protection to nearly 44 percent of its population, but noted that youth unemployment and barriers for people with disabilities persisted.
- Brazil He emphasized that hunger is a political choice, citing recent programs that have lifted 24.4 million people out of hunger and 7.6 million out of poverty since 2023.
- Gambia and Saint Lucia They outlined people-centred strategies focusing on healthcare, housing, pensions and education, especially for women and young people.
- Angola highlighted a national cash transfer program that supports 1.7 million vulnerable families, some of whom are forming aquaculture cooperatives to boost food security.
Several European and Asian countries stressed the value of universal services. Finland and Lithuania said that access to health care, child care and education strengthens trust and social cohesion, while Singapore described families and community networks as central to his development model.
Finance social progress
Many countries highlighted that debt burdens, high borrowing costs and limited access to capital are limiting their ability to invest in people. Chili On behalf of a group of nations, he urged all States and the UN system to define, for next year, practical modalities for the implementation of the Doha commitments.
The human cost of conflict
Delegations of Palestine, Lebanon and Iran Such conflict, occupation and sanctions are eroding the foundations of social progress. The representative of Palestine described the destruction of homes and families in Gaza and stated: “Sustainable peace begins with social justice and dignity for all Palestinians.”
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Track achievements, identify gaps
During a final roundtable, officials and experts urged clearer monitoring frameworks and targeted investments.
- Go called for a fairer global financial system.
- Qatar He said he believes that “social investment is not a cost, it is an engine of stability and growth.”
- save the children He reminded delegates that progress will be judged by results for young people: “When we put children first, we keep all our promises.”
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Moving forward together
In a keynote address, UN Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed urged collective action, warning that “we cannot… continue with the approaches that got us here” and that incremental change is not enough: “Real progress only happens when we move forward together, on all fronts.”
Stay tuned for Thursday: Plenary statements, civil society forum concludes, closing press conference and closing plenary session.
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Editor’s note:
This story is based on reports from the United Nations Meetings Coverage Section, whose press officers attend Summit sessions, follow statements delivered by Member States and delegates, and produce summary minutes and press releases. Wednesday’s press releases are available. here (SOC/4926) and here (SOC/4927).