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.