From 4 to 6 November, ESCWA participated in the Second World Social Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held in Doha, Qatar, and co-organized several events focusing on advancing social protection, fiscal sustainability, and smarter spending for stronger societies.
WSSD2 brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to explore ways to renew the global commitment to social justice, equality, and human well-being, ensuring that no one is left behind.
ESCWA co-organized a session to explore the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on social development. The session also launched a Pact on AI for Social Inclusion, aligned with regional digital and AI agendas, outlining concrete actions that Arab Ministries of Social Affairs can collectively pursue to leverage AI for the public good while preventing adverse impacts on social services.
In the urban development track, ESCWA co-organized a session which highlighted how quality of life considerations can serve as a transformative framework for advancing people-centred and inclusive development agendas.
The SDG Stories team at ESCWA also made a special contribution by launching Volume V of the "ESCWA Stories" comic book, inspired by the Summit's themes and reflecting the project's mission to engage Arab youth in sustainable development. The team further co-organized a youth-focused session which brought together policymakers, experts, and students to amplify youth voices and their vision for a more inclusive and sustainable Arab future.
One of the Summit's main sessions, "The Role of Regional Commissions in Supporting Member States in Implementing the Outcomes of WSSD2," jointly organized by ESCWA and other UN regional commissions. The session addressed key social challenges across regions, discussed the outcomes of WSSD2, and explored how the Commissions can support their implementation at the regional level.
ESCWA also contributed, through other events it co-organized, in discussing several other priority themes, including Ageing Futures, the Future of Work and Care and Housing as a Human Right.
In conclusion, the Summit reaffirmed the vision of placing people at the centre of development and gave fresh momentum to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
