A strategic global partnership between four leading international organisations — the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD), the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) — delivered a joint intervention from the floor at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha on 5 November 2025. The statement was presented by Prof. Antoinette Lombard, representing the collective voice of these four organisations.
Together, the partners bring a rich history in promoting welfare and social development spanning close to a century, with a footprint that “covers all corners of the globe incorporating local, regional and national formations in communities, professions, academia and workspaces.
The statement highlighted how this strategic alliance links global policy to local action and provides renewed momentum to accelerate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the welfare and development field.
Affirming Global Commitments
Aligned with the theme of Round Table 2, the submission reaffirmed the partners’ “commitment to the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration, Agenda 2030 and the Doha Declaration.”
It further called for “closing the gap in making smart investments in human capital development and in the design of integrated multidimensional and multi-sectoral policies across the priorities and cross-cutting themes.”
The organisations also “affirmed the importance of the inclusion of a pillar of social care and support to promote gender equality and social inclusion,” and “suggested pointers for strengthening social services and community-based development programs as a vital component of the care and support pillar.”
Collective Work and Global Impact
In the lead-up to the Summit, “our partners have held consultative forums, conferences, work sessions and preparatory meetings in different regions of the world.” As accredited members of ECOSOC, “these insights were shared by our respective representatives at various UN forums to shape the Doha Declaration.”
The submission emphasised that the partners’ collective contribution:
• “Provides a bridge between global policy commitments and the search for actionable solutions in different societal contexts that have deep roots in people-centered development at local levels.”
• “Is informed by research and contributes to education and professional practice.”
• “Offers groundbreaking integrated evidence-based innovation in reducing poverty, overcoming systemic inequalities, linking social protection, employment, social integration and ensuring just technological and energy transitions.”
• “Stems from research and practice in promoting the inclusion of left behind groups by delivering protection, care and psychosocial support, developing human capabilities, asset building and financial capabilities, navigating life transitions, promoting resilience, empowerment, strengthening livelihoods, transforming unjust social systems and improving human relations.”
The statement also reaffirmed the partnership’s ongoing efforts to “foster social integration through inclusive social policies and intergenerational initiatives, advance gender equality through education and advocacy, and ensure access to quality education and healthcare by supporting evidence-based policy and service innovation.”
Finally, it underscored the organizations’ shared mission to “mobilize international cooperation by connecting global research and local practice, fostering partnerships that enhance the social dimension of sustainable development.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
The intervention highlighted the enduring value of collaboration among social development actors in shaping a more equitable, just, and sustainable future. Through research, advocacy, and people-centered practice, ICSD, IASSW, ICSW, and IFSW reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that social development remains at the heart of global progress.