In a world facing deepening inequalities and rapid technological and environmental changes, the Second World Summit for Social Development provides a key platform for global dialogue and action. Bringing together leaders from governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, academic institutions and the UN system, the event seeks to advance dialogue and action on leaving no one behind in sustainable development.
At the summit, UNFPA will highlight innovative solutions that place women, young people and communities at the centre of sustainable development. UNFPA’s sessions will show how demographic shifts touch people at every stage of life. From the aspirations of young people to the rights and well-being of older women, the discussions will highlight how inclusive policies can turn population change into opportunities for more equitable and resilient societies.
UNFPA-led sessions focus on inclusive solutions
A flagship UNFPA-led session – “Shaping futures for sustainable development: What young people think about partnership, parenthood and the future” – will spotlight the voices and aspirations of young people worldwide.
Co-hosted by UNFPA and the Government of the Republic of Korea, this high-level session will present preliminary findings from the new Youth Reproductive Choices Survey, conducted by UNFPA in more than 50 countries. The survey provides unprecedented insights into how young people aged 15 to 40 are making decisions about partnership and family formation, and the factors influencing their choices in a rapidly changing world.
The session will also explore how economic conditions, social expectations, climate change, education, health and gender dynamics shape life choices and highlight opportunities for governments and partners to align policies with young people’s aspirations to strengthen social systems for inclusive development.
The high-level session “Addressing gender and ageing: Centring older women in social development solutions” will highlight the rights, needs and contributions of older women, who are often overlooked in global development agendas.
Co-hosted by UNFPA, UN Women and the Government of Finland, the session will examine how gender inequality and age-based discrimination combine across the life course to shape women’s well-being in later years.
It will look at policies that promote inclusion, dignity and participation for older women, and discuss ways to reduce poverty and improve economic security through pensions, decent work and support for caregiving. The session will also share practical examples that have worked in different contexts, and call for stronger partnerships and investment to make sure older women are placed at the heart of social development solutions.
