The International Labour Organization (ILO) has welcomed the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, the outcome of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), held in Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025. The Declaration repositioned social development as a shared global responsibility and reaffirmed the importance of the multilateral system, international law, and global cooperation in advancing social justice.
“This Summit has sent a powerful signal: that progress in the economy and in society must go hand in hand,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. “The commitment to fairness, decent work and dialogue gives multilateralism a human face and puts social justice where it belongs, at the heart of global policy.”
The Doha Political Declaration renews and updates the 1995 Copenhagen commitments on poverty eradication, employment, and social inclusion, while acknowledging today’s global realities, from the climate crisis and digital transformation to demographic change. It calls for macroeconomic policies that generate decent jobs and living wages, supported by stronger labour institutions and universal social protection for all.
The Declaration also underlines the need for fair and inclusive transitions in the digital and green economies, and greater investment in the care sector to create quality jobs and meet growing demand for care services. It urges stronger action to promote gender equality, expand opportunities for young people, and help workers and enterprises move from the informal to the formal economy.
With more than 40 Heads of State and Government, over 230 ministers and senior officials, and nearly 14,000 attendees took part in the Summit, the WSSD2 marked a turning point for global cooperation on social development, renewing momentum to place people and social justice at the heart of sustainable progress.
ILO events at the summit
During the Summit, the ILO hosted the Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum, co-convened with the State of Qatar, Brazil, and Switzerland. Chaired by the ILO Director-General, the high-level event gathered Heads of State, ministers, employers and workers’ representatives, and leaders from partner organizations to showcase progress and announce new commitments under the Coalition.
The Forum highlighted how collaboration across governments, social partners and international organizations can turn the Doha Declaration into tangible action. Participants presented initiatives and partnerships advancing decent work, social protection, and social justice worldwide.
In addition to the Global Coalition Forum, the ILO organized several tripartite side events that showcased solutions, partnerships, and innovative initiatives. These included: Advancing Living Wages for Social Justice; Advancing Social Development through Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work; and Universal Social Protection for Better Health, Improved Resilience and Poverty Reduction, alongside participation in several partner-led discussions that encouraged dialogue, shared experiences and explored new areas for collaboration.
Through its active engagement across the Summit, the ILO reaffirmed its leading role in advancing the 2030 Agenda and promoting decent work and social justice worldwide. As the custodian agency for SDG 8 – which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all – and the convener of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, the ILO will work with governments, employers, and workers to implement the commitments of the Doha Declaration, ensuring that just transitions deliver concrete results for people and the planet.