4–6 November 2025 | Doha, Qatar
The International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) was proud to play an active and visible role at the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from 4 to 6 November 2025. A delegation of 15 representatives joined global leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners to advance the agenda of social justice, inclusion, and sustainable development.
A strong voice for social development
ICSD’s participation spanned multiple sessions, exhibitions, and collaborations across the three days of the Summit, reaffirming its leadership in shaping people-centred, evidence-based solutions to global challenges.
Together with its long-standing partners — the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) — ICSD contributed to discussions that strengthened the link between research, policy, and practice in building inclusive societies.
Highlights of ICSD’s engagement
Joint Intervention at Round Table 2
On 5 November, Prof. Antoinette Lombard delivered a joint statement from the floor on behalf of ICSD, IASSW, ICSW, and IFSW. The statement affirmed the collective commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration, the 2030 Agenda, and the Doha Declaration, calling for renewed investment in human capital, integrated policies, and stronger social care systems to promote equality and inclusion. Read the joint statement here.
ICSD Exhibition: “Understanding Social Development – From Awareness to Action”
The ICSD’s interactive exhibition invited participants to engage with the values and principles underpinning social development. Through immersive activities — including the Social Development Values Wall and Map Your Impact — delegates explored how equity, dignity, and capacity-building can transform awareness into action across communities and sectors.
Partnership Side Events
ICSD co-organised and participated in several high-level sessions that showcased global collaboration and practical innovation:
Strengthening Social Integration through Intergenerational Solidarity (4 November) – highlighting intergenerational connections as a foundation for inclusive societies.
Integrated Social Policy as a Core Driver of Sustainable Development (5 November) – featuring a joint presentation by Prof. Leila Patel and Prof. Lauren Graham on policy coherence and equity.
Universal Social Protection as a Pillar of a Just Society (5 November) – with Mahesh Chougule representing ICSD and discussing rights-based approaches to protection and inclusion.
Linking Social Protection with Labour Market Programs, Employment and Services (6 November) – co-hosted with South Africa’s Department of Social Development (DSD) and UNRISD, exploring integrated pathways to poverty eradication.
Collaborative Dialogue and Research Leadership
ICSD also partnered in the high-level event Accelerating Social Development — From Copenhagen to Beyond the Doha Declaration, alongside UNRISD, UNESCAP, and the Centre for Social Development at Washington University. The session highlighted evidence-based, cross-sector strategies for inclusive growth and just transitions.
Driving collaboration and global impact
Throughout the Summit, ICSD delegates contributed to policy dialogue, research exchange, and collaborative solutions — reinforcing the Consortium’s commitment to advancing social justice, equality, and sustainable human development.
The organization’s active engagement across sessions and its visible presence at the Summit underscored its role as a leading global voice linking knowledge to action in the pursuit of inclusive social progress.