The Second World Summit for Social Development took place in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6, 2025. Convening thirty years after the landmark 1995 Copenhagen gathering, the summit brought together heads of state, civil society, and business leaders to address widening inequalities, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. The summit represented an important opportunity to position population ageing as a central social development issue. Discussions highlighted the growing need for policies and systems that support healthy, dignified, and equitable ageing as global populations continue to age rapidly.
Key priorities included strengthening income security and social protection systems, improving access to healthcare and long-term care, addressing ageism and social isolation, and supporting affordable and accessible housing for older adults. The summit also emphasized the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences of ageing populations, including older women, Indigenous older adults, racialized communities, and low-income seniors, who often face compounded social and economic inequities. The summit further reinforced the importance of intergenerational solidarity and acknowledged the significant contributions older persons make through caregiving, volunteerism, leadership, and community engagement. More broadly, it highlighted the connection between ageing and wider social development goals, including gender equality, accessibility, poverty reduction, and human rights.
For more information, visit: https://social.desa.un.org/world-summit-2025