By Prof Lauren Graham, South African Research Chair in Welfare & Social Development

As a scholar of social development, while I maintain an interest in global social policy shifts and debates, I have not been involved in or researched multilateral engagements. This year, that changed. Earlier in 2025 I was part of a team from the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) that supported the South African leadership team of the G20 Development Working Group (DWG). Our involvement meant a steep learning curve regarding how multilateral negotiations took place and what multilateral engagements can and cannot do. Later I was fortunate to form part of the ICSD delegation that attended the WSSD2 in Doha where we led and participated in side events and had the opportunity to see the Doha Declaration be adopted by consensus.

What has struck me over the past year is how much multilateral engagements and agreements do for global order, stability and progress. I have often been asked in the past few months why countries spend so much on these engagements when they do not really result in any real change. It was in those moments that I was able to point towards the incredible progress we have made globally in reducing unemployment (from 36% of the world’s population to just 5% today) and in reducing extreme poverty from 37.9% in 1990 to 8.5% of the world’s population in 2024. These are gains that we reflected on in the ICSD response statement to the WSSD draft declaration. Yes, we still have a long way to go, but these are remarkable achievements in a period of around three decades. And much has to do with multilateral commitments. The First WSSD in Copenhagen paved the way for the adoption of the Millenium Development Goals and later the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most countries today measure progress against the SDGs, despite these global goals not being based on binding agreements. This progress proves that having a shared commitment and vision, even when not binding, does contribute to social progress.

And as we have moved into a period of increasing political instability, rising conflicts, erosion of human rights gains, especially for women, and a rolling back of welfare; one might wonder about the power of these engagements to foster change. I would argue that it is precisely in these times that multilateral engagements are so important, as they hold the centre, provide some protection for the gains we have made, and envision a more just and equitable world.

Consider that many of the outcome documents adopted in multilateral engagements this year contain statements that in countries that have elected more conservative governments would be seen as very liberal. The Compromiso de Sevilla – the outcome document from the Financing For Development Conference – explicitly mentions enhancing efforts to address tax evasion and avoidance by high-net-worth individuals and ensuring their effective taxation (page 8), possibly prompted by significant civil society advocacy. This adoption paved the way for the DWG outcome document on Illicit Financial Flows to include similar language, demonstrating that the wording of multilateral agreements is reinforced in different domains.

My experience in supporting the negotiations on the Social Protection outcome document of the G20 DWG demonstrated that where states with more conservative governments tried to step back from prior commitments (for example on gender equity or on Agenda 2030), other countries were able to leverage the wording in several other multilateral documents to hold them to these commitments. It seemed to be very difficult for countries to erode the gains of the past. Even as the United States attempted to oppose a Leader’s declaration of the G20, the vast majority of the working groups have agreed outcome documents and ministerial declarations already in place that will continue to shape their future engagements and their national agenda setting.

The WSSD Doha declaration was therefore a triumphant moment. For the declaration to be adopted by consensus in the context of such global political instability is, in itself, remarkable and indicates that despite individual governments’ retracting from prior commitments, most countries continue to pursue justice, peace and equity. The declaration was not only holding the line as the global ship sways, but of ensuring that our bow is pointing in the right direction.

I may be criticised for being an optimist. But as Thomas Friedman said, “pessimists are usually right and optimists are usually wrong, but all the great changes have been accomplished by optimists.” It was a privilege to be surrounded by 14000 optimists who feel that another world is indeed possible.

By Prof Manohar Pawar, Professor of Social Work, School of Social Work and Arts, Charles Sturt University and former President of the ICSD

In a fully packed opening session of the Second World Summit for Social Development (SWSSD), convened under the auspices of the UN General Assembly at the Qatar National Convention Centre, listening to the unanimous endorsement of the Doha Political Declaration—reaffirming the values and commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration 30 years ago—evoked a profound sense of world unity and renewed hope for eradicating poverty, providing full employment and decent work, and achieving social integration, along with addressing the climate crisis. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the Declaration is a “booster shot for development.” The President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, stated: “Social development is not a ‘nice to have’, nor an act of charity. It is in the self-interest of every country.”

To be present and to meaningfully participate in the SWSSD with a 15-member delegation was a historic experience for the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD). In partnering with others, ICSD was a lead organiser of a solution-focused session—Accelerating Social Development: Solution-Focused Research, Advocacy, and Practice — From Copenhagen to Beyond the Doha Declaration—with clear recommendations. An exhibition was successfully curated to facilitate understanding of social development and awareness for action. In addition, ICSD partnered with governments and international organisations to organise several solution sessions. In these events, ICSD colleagues significantly contributed as moderators and panel speakers.

This level of engagement would not have been possible without proactive planning and preparation well in advance. Inspired and empowered by an ICSD’s special committee, important participatory steps were initiated. As President of the ICSD (till 15 July 2025), and representer of our aspiration, I felt anxious about ICSD’s participation in the Summit, and missing out, since we did not have any formal status with the UN and had limited entry points to participate in the SWSSD. We watched like an eagle for announcements and quickly submitted required applications with the help of colleagues. Our application for special consultative status with the UN was pending, and its outcome was uncertain.

I am grateful to the ICSD Board for supporting the idea of appointing the special committee, which I chaired, to prepare for and participate in the SWSSD. I am thankful to the committee members: Profs. Leila Patel, Ram Ramanathan, Bipin Jojo, Ben Lough, and Lauren Graham. The finalisation of the core questions for a specially organised forum at the 24th ICSD biennial conference helped seek input for the Summit from members and conference participants. This research approach and evidence helped to develop the basic document, which was further refined by several colleagues’ and members’ inputs. The final summary and detailed document–that aligned with the draft declaration–showed how well we worked as a team. Working together, having one voice, is vital.

Success in gaining UN special consultative status for ICSD as well as special accreditation to participate in the Summit enhanced our hope and confidence. With this status, we partnered with several organisations and successfully submitted applications for solution sessions. The ICSD exhibition at the SWSSD was successful and produced good learning and exposure experiences for both ICSD and its delegates, attracting significant interest in its activities. Most ICSD delegates volunteered to be at the booth as per the roster, and for that I am grateful for their time and cooperation. These engagements at the Summit kept us busy, and it was overwhelming, as we could not attend several parallel sessions we wanted to. Solution sessions resulted in specific recommendations to support the Doha Political Declaration. I am proud to have launched a campaign to declare a World Social Development Day, and I hope ICSD, and similar organisations will advocate for it. It was a unique life experience for me, and I believe it was so for all who were ICSD delegates at the historic Summit. Drawing on this positive and heartening exposure to the Summit, the following pointers may help us do better in the future.

• Be proactive, plan early, and implement decisions without delay.
• Be inclusive, keep one voice, and maintain clear communication and coordination.
• Recognise everybody’s contributions, as different people participate in different ways.
• Whether members’ participation is small or big, pursue the decided path with dedication.
• Chart out the next course of action in the post-Summit era in terms of social development research, advocacy, and practice.
• Cultivate, partner and work with like-minded collaborators and organisations with a focus.

By Mahesh Chougule, Asst Prof Social Policy and Development, Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand

Participating in the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic and professional journey. Representing the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) and the Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand. I had the privilege to contribute to two high-level panels addressing social protection and integrated social policy areas central to ICSD’s mission of advancing equity and inclusive development.

This Summit provided a unique platform to bring Thailand and ASEAN perspectives into global dialogues that are often dominated by Global North narratives. Sharing evidence on Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage, community-driven housing through CODI, and ASEAN’s evolving social protection commitments allowed me to highlight the region’s innovations and challenges. I also engaged with delegates, UN officials, and academic leaders, opening avenues for future collaboration, joint research, and regional partnerships.

A significant takeaway for me was the Doha Declaration’s renewed call for universal social protection, poverty eradication, and stronger community-based development. These priorities resonate deeply with ICSD’s values and offer strategic opportunities for our consortium to strengthen its footprint in Asia-Pacific, where needs and potential are both immense.

Overall, the Summit reaffirmed my commitment to advancing participatory, rights-based, and evidence-informed social policy. I am grateful to ICSD for the trust and support, and I look forward to contributing more actively to our shared vision of inclusive and sustainable social development globally.

By Marianne Colvin – Associate Dean of Research & Academic Effectiveness and Associate Professor, Director, Child Welfare Institute – Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, FAU College of Social Work & Criminal Justice
I was so grateful to join the Summit as a delegate of the International Consortium of Social Development (ICSD). It was inspiring to be with colleagues from around the world and I returned home energized and humbled by how much there is to learn through global collaboration. Three takeaways stand out.

First, a central theme across the solution sessions emphasised that social development is not only a matter of global commitment, but of local systems working effectively together. This mirrors the successes and challenges I see in my own research examining cross-sector, multiprofessional coordination in child welfare and the need for integrated supports that reflect the lived realities of families most affected.

Second, I was encouraged by the recognition of social workers as essential connectors in this pursuit. Their practice- and research-based insights bridge policy intentions with real-world implementation, ensuring that public commitments reach – and work for – the people they are meant to serve.

Finally, perhaps most inspiring was seeing how the often only vocalized priority of collaboration was fully actioned among our own partner organisations in Doha. The joint solution sessions that were held demonstrated an unprecedented level of coordination among leading organizations in our field and our strength lies in working together across sectors, disciplines, and borders. I look forward to carrying this momentum into the work ahead!

By Marianne S. Ulriksen, Danish Centre for Welfare Studies, University of Southern Denmark & Centre for Social Development, University of Johannesburg

On 4 November 2025, world leaders adopted the Doha Political Declaration, which signals renewed global commitment to building more just and inclusive societies. Now the dust has settled over Doha after the whirlwind of 14,000 excited delegates shared experiences, ambitions, and promises for the advancement of the common good.

Everyone has gone back to their respective places where either fundamental crisis or just day-to-day responsibilities often divert attention away from our commitment to social development.

Many might be be cynical. What’s it worth? A non-binding document. A document viewed as low priority to some. Some might lament the low levels of media attention. While there was evidence of a disjuncture between many states, from Russia’s emphasis on “preserving traditional family values” to South Africa’s commitment to “strengthening social protection systems to be more universal [and] rights-based”.

But once can be optimistic. The SDGs have been instrumental in reducing hunger, poverty and many other indicators. In Doha there were many, many delegates with knowledge and passion to keep governments and agencies dedicated to the course.

I choose to be a cautious realist. Universal and inclusive social development can build robust societies capable of preempting and addressing multiple crises. We know this. However, the hard part is to make this fact a shared worldview that decision-makers are willing to act upon. The Doha Declaration was a milestone, but our work has only just begun.

By Prof. Sanjoy Roy, Member of ICSD. Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Head, Department of Social Work, University of Delhi, India

The Second World Summit for Social Development concluded in Doha, Qatar on 6 November 2025. It aims to ensure that measurable progress is made on poverty reduction, decent work, social protection and social inclusion by 2030 and beyond. Alongside the formal plenary and roundtable discussions, more than 250 “solution sessions” were held by nation states, academic institutions and civil society organisations. Practical ways of improving access to healthcare and education and supporting work and social protection were shared.

At the Summit, the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), the International Council for Social Welfare and The International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) co-led key “Solutions Sessions” that advocated for universal social protection as a pillar of a just society and highlighted the importance of robust social protection strategies, integrated policy approaches, and mobilising resources for sustainable investment.

I was happy to be involved in drafting a joint statement by the four organisations in which we called for greater investment in the social work workforce and stronger coordination across social, economic, and environmental policies.

I believe our statement is a testament to the resilience of the civil society sector in informing equitable social policies and working collectively to drive long-term transformation. Our collaborative engagement in Doha has strengthened the collective global voice of social work, social development, and social welfare, marking a renewed commitment to co-building a fairer, greener, and more inclusive world.