Doha: HE President of the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Lok Bahadur Thapa highlighted the importance of the Doha Declaration at the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, describing it as a crucial tool for strengthening social development. He remarked that the declaration is a product of significant international negotiations aimed at guiding future efforts in social progress.
According to Qatar News Agency, Thapa, in his opening address at the Qatar National Convention Centre, noted the considerable social and economic progress achieved globally over the past three decades. Despite these advancements, he warned that efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are lagging, with only five out of the total goals realized, representing roughly 35 percent.
Thapa pledged that ECOSOC will collaborate with member states, the UN system, and partners to ensure the Doha Declaration results in real progress for individuals globally. He urged for collective efforts to foster societies based on dignity, equal opportunities, and inclusivity.
He acknowledged the ongoing efforts by governments to achieve the UN's SDGs amidst diminishing opportunities. The Doha Political Declaration, he said, emphasizes the urgent need to bolster social aspects of development, particularly in poverty eradication, employment promotion, and social inclusion.
Highlighting global challenges, Thapa pointed out that over 800 million people live in extreme poverty, with many more hovering near the poverty line. In Africa and Asia, 80 percent and 70 percent of workers, respectively, experience adverse conditions that threaten their economic stability.
Thapa expressed concern over wealth concentration among a small demographic while billions lack social safety nets, which erodes public trust in institutions. He emphasized that ECOSOC's mission centers on advancing the SDGs and translating commitments into practical actions.
He reiterated ECOSOC's dedication to working with the UN system to ensure the Doha Declaration facilitates tangible improvements, focusing on community strengthening and human dignity. He outlined plans for the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC, and partners to convert commitments into actionable policies, enhancing social development coherence, climate resilience, and digital inclusion.
Thapa concluded by marking ECOSOC's 80th anniversary as an opportunity to reaffirm its foundational values and renew its commitment to protecting individual dignity through collaborative efforts.