Social Rights

The Second World Summit for Social Development took place from 4 to 6 November 2025, in Doha, Qatar. The discussions concluded with the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, which reaffirmed global solidarity and social justice as the basis for sustainable progress.

The Declaration emphasises that education, health and social protection are fundamental rights, not privileges, that are essential for human dignity and development. It calls on governments to prioritise social inclusion and youth empowerment in future policies.

The Council of Europe and its member States contributed to shaping this vision, emphasising the continent’s  shared dedication to social rights and solidarity, key vectors of democratic resilience and stability. The European approach, is also anchored in the belief that young people are key agents of change today as well as the future, was echoed throughout the Summit.

Last September, during the UN Summit of the Future, the Council of Europe hosted the side event “Empowering the Future: Making Social Rights of Youth Real”. This event brought together young leaders, policymakers and civil society representatives with the aim of turning promises into practical actions. The event's conclusions, which are now reflected in the Doha Declaration, emphasise that empowering young people through quality education, fair employment opportunities, and access to healthcare is essential to achieving global social justice.

With the Doha Declaration being adopted, the international community has a critical opportunity:

• To ensure that young people are not only beneficiaries of social rights, but also active participants in shaping and monitoring them.
• To embed youth perspectives in strategies to end poverty, promote equality, and build inclusive societies.
• To strengthen cooperation across sectors and generations, turning commitments into measurable progress, especially for young people facing digital, economic and social barriers.

Rafael Benitez, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment represented the Council of Europe and participated in several events and met with several member States and the EU to discuss Europe’s leadership in advancing social rights. This partnership reinforces Europe’s vision of a more social, inclusive, and rights-based continent.

The journey continues with the Council of Europe High-Level Conference on Social Rights, scheduled for March 2026 in Chisinau, where nations will take stock of progress and chart the next steps toward ensuring social rights for all.

As the Doha Summit concludes, one message stands clear: Social justice and social rights are not abstract ideal - they are about human rights and the measure of our collective humanity.