Shared national experiences
Leaders and ministers repeatedly stressed that social development is not charity, but a strategic investment in stability.
Denmark highlighted its financing for long-term development and urged renewed global cooperation.
He Republic of Korea highlighted his own evolution from recipient of aid to donor, while Poland and Vietnam noted significant reductions in poverty and increases in education and life expectancy.
Tanzania reported support for 1.3 million households and growing political representation of women; Cyprus stressed that its guaranteed minimum income provides real protection.
Cape Verde and Malaysia described new data systems and policy reforms designed to target support more efficiently and maintain social cohesion, while the Dominican RepublicHe emphasized that social development is not an expense, but an investment in dignity, cohesion and future.
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Countries affected by the crisis speak
Conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable countries called for sustained solidarity.
Ukraine He said he continues to advocate for basic benefits even in the midst of war.
Syria and Sudan He called for alliances to rebuild the social bases destroyed by the conflict.
Seychelles and Grenade called for climate-resilient development and fairer access to finance, highlighting that small island states face growing vulnerability and shrinking fiscal space.
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Changing the global context
Many delegates said today’s challenges – aging populations, technological change, climate impacts and debt burdens – look very different from those of 1995. But the principle remains the same: no sustainable economic transformation is possible without solid social foundations.
Call for fairer financing
Developing countries argued that current lending standards and global financial structures make it difficult to expand social protection and invest in jobs.
Ugandaamong others, they called for reforms in the international financial architecture to offer fairer conditions.
Global commitment reaffirmed
Delegations also presented their views on the Doha Political Declaration, adopted on Tuesday, which reaffirms commitments to eradicate poverty, expand universal social protection, promote decent work and inclusion and strengthen the connection between social justice, peace and sustainable development.
While several delegations disassociated themselves from certain terms of the Declaration, the document itself was adopted by consensus, reflecting broad agreement on the need to accelerate progress.
Read more about the Doha Political Declaration
Watch the closing session
Doha to Belem
Closing the Summit, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the meeting marked “not an end, but a beginning,” and urged countries not to wait another 30 years to act.
Attention now changes to the upcoming G20 Summit and United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, where leaders are expected to continue the Summit’s focus on social justice and inclusion.
Follow our special coverage of COP30 here
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. Thursday’s press release is available. here (SOC/4928).