Reviving Hope and Unity: A Reflection from the Second UN World Social Summit in Doha

The Doha Political Declaration reaffirms a global commitment to social justice, solidarity, and sustainability amid widening inequalities and climate crisis

By Rezaul Karim Chowdhury
5 November 2025, Doha, Qatar

Yesterday, state leaders formally adopted the Doha Political Declaration from the Second United Nations World Social Summit (WSSD2). This morning, the inauguration of the two-day Civil Society Forum took place, where Roberto Bissio of Social Watch and several others spoke passionately about the social issues emerging from different UN declarations over time.

The Doha Political Declaration does not introduce an entirely new agenda, but it includes several significant additions. These include:

(i) addressing growing inequalities both within and among states

(ii) bridging the digital divide while harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence

(iii) prioritize poverty alleviation, creation of decent employment, climate resilience, and ensuring a sustainable future.

It also reaffirms global commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and calls for rigorous collective efforts. It also underscores the importance of multilateralism and the role of the United Nations, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, as the central pillar of international cooperation and shared responsibility.

More than 2,000 delegates from over 800 organizations have participated in WSSD2. Yesterday, I met with the Bangladesh delegation, which was facilitated by our Ambassador to Qatar.

Among them was Mr. Sarwar, Deputy Secretary at the Cabinet Division, who previously worked in the Rohingya camps and is originally from Moheshkhali.

He is currently organizing a side event on social security, reflecting Bangladesh’s proactive approach to inclusive social development. I found the delegation team to be active, thoughtful, and deeply courteous.

Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General, in her remarks, emphasized the pivotal role of civil society in ensuring accountability and mobilizing people at the local level.

Their message was clear that the governments alone cannot fulfill the promises of social justice and equality; civic participation and community mobilization remain essential to sustainable progress.

The atmosphere throughout the WSSD2 premises was jubilant, particularly with the inspiring news that Zohran Mamdani has won the election as Mayor of New York City. His victory carries deep symbolic meaning, a triumph for diversity, inclusion, and progressive values. It reminds us to reject all forms of anti-immigrant sentiment and narrow, self-serving nationalism.

This moment, both in Doha and beyond, urges us to revive hope. That hope which lives in democratic values, in human solidarity, and in the power of collective action. The vision of Democratic Socialism, grounded in affordability, justice, and equitable distribution, offers a path forward to rebuild societies on the foundation of fairness and compassion.

Let us, therefore, revive the hope and unite for the future to reassert that global justice, sustainable development, and human dignity must remain at the heart of our shared journey.