The UN Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from 4 until 6 November 2026, marked a truly historic moment for the global social work and social development community. For the first time, the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) worked together as a unified civil society partnership throughout the Summit.
This collaboration shaped three successful solutions sessions organised by this partnership and featuring representatives from all four organisations. The sessions placed strong emphasis on integrated social policy, universal social protection and intergenerational solidarity.
In addition, a jointly crafted statement was submitted to the High-Level Round Table, drawing on the combined expertise of the four organisations. It underscored the need for integrated and effective social policies supported by smarter public spending that strengthens human capital and expands access to essential services, particularly for those left behind. The statement placed social work and social development practitioners at the heart of the care and support pillar, recognising their essential role in improving wellbeing, reducing vulnerability and building resilient communities. It called for greater investment in this workforce and for stronger coordination across social, economic and environmental policies to advance inclusive and sustainable development.
This call was supported by ICSD institutional members: the Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg; Centre for Social Development, Washington University; Danish Centre for Welfare Studies, University of Southern Denmark; and the Social Work and Social Development Research Alliance, Charles Sturt University, Australia.
During her pre-summit address, the United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed affirmed that social workers are at the forefront of social development. Her words resonated throughout the Summit and were welcomed by all partners as important recognition of the profession’s essential role in shaping humane and resilient societies.
UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, addressing the audience
Building on a Thirty Year Journey
This powerful collaboration stands on the shoulders of an international journey that began over thirty years ago. The 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen was, at the time, the largest gathering of world leaders ever held. Delegates from 186 countries, including 117 Heads of State or Government, committed themselves to reducing poverty, achieving full employment and strengthening social integration. These commitments provided a landmark blueprint for global social progress.
The Doha Summit also built on the momentum of subsequent milestones: the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, the renewed commitments of the 2023 SDG Summit, the forward-looking Pact for the Future adopted during the 2024 Summit of the Future and the reflections sparked by the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations in 2025.
Against this backdrop, the adoption of the Doha Declaration on Social Development represents a renewed global commitment to social justice, solidarity and wellbeing for all.
Innovation from Civil Society
This Summit highlighted the creativity, resilience and innovation that continue to emerge from the civil society sector. Social work educators, practitioners, social development professionals, and community leaders demonstrated how collaborative action can inform integrated and equitable social policies. Together, the four partner organisations reaffirmed that co-building inclusive and just societies require deeper cooperation, shared learning and sustained collective effort.
Statements from the Presidents
Leila Patel, ICSD President, Pascal Rudin, IFSW Secretary General (representing IFSW on behalf of President Joachim Mumba), Antoinette Lombard, IASSW President, and Sergei Szelenev, ICSW President,
Antoinette Lombard, President of IASSW
Our successful partnership-panel discussions at this Summit demonstrate the power of shared purpose and collaboration. When educators, researchers, and practitioners come together, we strengthen the global capacity of social work and social development to shape just and inclusive societies. This partnership marks a milestone in reaffirming our collective commitment to advancing transformational social development.
Leila Patel, President of ICSD
The Summit reminded us that social development thrives when knowledge, innovation, evidence-based solutions, practice and community experience move hand in hand. Our collaborative efforts show that when civil society actors work with vision, unity and determination much can be achieved to advance social development worldwide.
Sergei Zelenev, President of ICSW:
Social development practitioners often work across multiple sectors—health, education, employment, housing, and justice—and are acutely aware of the fragmentation that hampers effective service delivery. Well-designed, integrated social policies that promote greater policy coherence are essential to achieving cross-sector alignment and advancing the well-being of every community.
This Summit reaffirmed that civil society is an indispensable partner in pursuing a more holistic approach to development. It brings both insight and energy to drive long-term transformation—especially when we act collectively.
Joachim Mumba, President of IFSW
This collaboration is a clear sign of our shared commitment to co-building hope and harmony. Social workers, educators and development leaders are united in shaping a world where every community can thrive. Our joint engagement in Doha is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.
The Second World Summit for Social Development has strengthened the collective global voice of social work, social development, and social welfare. It marks a renewed commitment to co building a fairer, greener, and more inclusive world for all.