Doha: Government officials from several countries reviewed the key challenges and consequences affecting the social conditions of youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families around the world. They emphasized the importance of integrating these groups, the necessity of providing them with support, working to promote sustainable development, and finding optimal solutions to address all the problems they face.
According to Qatar News Agency, this discussion took place during the opening session of the third day of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha. The summit addressed the global social situation concerning youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families. HE Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja highlighted the need to improve living standards, implement a model development plan, and execute national policies to strengthen the social protection system. Her address focused on empowering women and youth and integrating people with disabilities into the labor market.
HE Minister of Social Affairs and Labor of the Syrian Arab Republic, Hind Kabawat, stated that Syria's recovery involves confronting numerous challenges due to the significant losses suffered during years of war. She reviewed efforts by the new Syrian government to promote sustainable development and support youth and women. Kabawat highlighted the necessity of promoting inclusivity and adopting methodologies that enhance justice and equal opportunities.
Meanwhile, HE Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs of the Republic of Barbados, Kirk Humphrey, emphasized strengthening community partnerships and prioritizing sustainable development. He discussed the need for a strong multilateral system to address challenges decisively, noting that wars and conflicts threaten to undermine progress.
HE Minister for the Promotion of Youth, Professional Integration, and Civic Service of the Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Mamadou Toure, remarked that the summit's theme underscores the need for action to reduce poverty and protect vulnerable groups. He pointed out that Cote D'Ivoire has focused on poverty reduction since the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen.
Several other officials stressed the importance of eradicating poverty, enhancing sustainable development, and improving infrastructure such as health and education. They emphasized achieving social justice for youth and empowering women, reaffirming their commitment to declarations aimed at strengthening development and social protection globally.
Officials from conflict-affected countries shared measures their governments have taken to mitigate the impacts of crises, which have led to increased poverty and unemployment. The summit served as a platform for experts and policymakers to build a more inclusive world and address existing gaps in social protection and development.