The flags of the United Nations and Qatar fly in the sky of Doha in preparation for the Social Development Summit

The short but symbolic event, held in the sprawling conference facility, was attended by high-level UN and Qatari officials, accompanied by formations of UN security officers and members of the Qatari Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) who stood on either side of the flagpoles.

Speaking at the event, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said this moment reflects a shared commitment to cooperation and collective progress.

He added: “This moment marks the handover of this landmark facility to the United Nations. The Qatar National Convention Center has now transformed into a space where the global community will come together to advance solutions and renew hope.”

Confirming Qatari commitment to multilateral action

In turn, Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the international community, stressing the country’s support as the host and partner in facilitating dialogue and cooperation at the highest level.

He added: “In our endeavor as an international community to promote comprehensive and sustainable social development, we are pleased to point out that the State of Qatar is proud to host this important conference, which is being held 30 years after the first World Summit was held in Copenhagen, especially given the pivotal opportunity it presents to continue the global dialogue on a range of important issues and promote social development for all.”

He expressed his confidence that this summit will provide a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm political will and take advantage of the abundant opportunities to accelerate and catalyze transformative actions to achieve social development and social justice for all, and accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

A pivotal gathering amid global challenges

Over the next few days, more than 8,000 participants – including heads of state and government, ministers, civil society leaders, youth delegates, workers and private sector representatives – will participate in plenary sessions, high-level roundtables and parallel forums focused on social protection, inequality, decent work and inclusion of marginalized groups.

In a preview of the summit last week, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that Secretary-General António Guterres would address the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

Mr. Guterres is expected to highlight progress made since the first Social Summit in Copenhagen in 1995, emphasizing major global challenges, including rising inequalities, unemployment, poverty, conflict and widespread human suffering.

While in Doha, the Secretary-General is also scheduled to participate in a side event on education and hold bilateral meetings with senior officials.

Sustainable development goals color the skies of Doha

In addition to the striking visual touch that decorated Sunday’s ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Center, a special display organized by the Education Above All Foundation, in cooperation with the Internal Security Force and the Joint Special Operations Forces in Qatar, attracted the attention of the attendees.

A team of paratroopers landed above the Qatar National Convention Centre, each carrying a flag representing one of the… Sustainable development goals The 17. The presentation symbolized the Foundation’s commitment to promoting equity and sustainability in education, while also reflecting the broader goals of the summit: accelerating progress in social development and ensuring that no one is left behind.

This landing was met with applause from delegates and viewers, embodying the Summit’s themes of unity, shared responsibility and teamwork, and visually reinforcing the message that social development is inseparable from the entire Sustainable Development Goals agenda.

UN news on the ground

As summit delegations continue to arrive, final preparations are being made inside the Qatar National Convention Centre, where finishing touches are being made to signage, interpretation booths, media facilities, and coordinating the movement of security and logistics teams throughout the centre.

The UN News team is in Doha, providing ongoing coverage throughout the week, including live updates, interviews and analysis from the summit. Follow our coverage here.