Doha: The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, expressed his country's pride in hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development, marking a significant occasion thirty years after the first summit held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995. During his opening speech, Sheikh Tamim emphasized that the summit mirrors Qatar's commitment to collective action in addressing global challenges, promoting social development, eradicating poverty, and upholding human dignity.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Sheikh Tamim underscored that social development is an essential pursuit rather than an option. He pointed out that the summit coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations serves as an opportunity to renew commitment to the UN Charter and foster multilateral cooperation. Highlighting Qatar's advancements in social development, he mentioned the launch of the Ministry of Social Development and Family's 2025-2030 strategy, which aims to build a cohesive and just society in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Amir reaffirmed Qatar's partnership with the United Nations and its ongoing support for social development initiatives through the Qatar Fund for Development, among others. He urged for the translation of international pledges, including those from the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration, into actionable steps. Sheikh Tamim praised the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration as a strategic guide for tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
In his address, the Amir highlighted the importance of lasting peace for development, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and advocating for increased international support for reconstruction efforts. He condemned the violence in Sudan's Darfur region and called for a political resolution to the conflict. Concluding his speech, Sheikh Tamim expressed optimism that the summit could serve as a catalyst for transforming discussions into practical measures, making the ideals of peace and social development a reality for all, without discrimination.