Engagement Opportunities in the lead up to WSSD2 2025

Heads of State component - Organized by UNESCO, in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the Government of Angola under the theme “Honoring the Past, Valuing Achievements, and Building the Africa We Want,” the Biennale aligns with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

The event aims to advance the universal right to culture by convening 194 Member States and key stakeholders to shape the global cultural agenda and to promote equitable, inclusive sustainable development. Recognizing that unequal access to culture is a key component of the multifaceted nature of inequalities, the Conference will aim to reinvigorate policy commitments to cultural rights in view of catalyzing social inclusion processes. Concrete policy commitments by Member States to enhance social inclusion through culture can meaningfully contribute to the WSSD2.

The global event brings together 2,000 representatives from 759 biosphere reserves, high-level government representatives, academia, local communities and other network members, and will endorse a new 10-year strategic action plan. Discussions will include thematic areas – such as the integration of conservation and sustainable development that are in alignment with the WSSD2 key themes.

The purpose of this Ad-hoc group is to promote the establishment of favorable conditions for digital empowerment, freedom of expression, media development, access to information and language technology, alongside artistic creation in indigenous languages.

Thematic component - Organized by UNESCO, in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the Government of Angola under the theme “Honoring the Past, Valuing Achievements, and Building the Africa We Want,” the Biennale aligns with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

The FfD4 is linked to the WSS through its focus on reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive development. FfD4 focus emphasizes mobilizing financial resources to address global challenges, including extreme poverty, climate change, and social exclusion, which are also central to the WSS agenda. FfD4’s commitment to debt relief and climate finance directly supports the WSS goal of ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for marginalized communities. By prioritizing investments in social infrastructure such as housing, health care, basic services, and education – FfD4 aligns with the Summist's emphasis on reducing disparities and fostering social inclusion. Additionally, FfD4’s focus on sustainable cities resonates with the WSS call for inclusive urban development. Both frameworks recognize the importance of addressing urban inequalities, such as inadequate housing and lack of basic services, particularly in informal settlements. FfD4’s promotion of multistakeholder partnerships further aligns with the Summit’s approach, as it encourages collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and civil society to address social vulnerabilities like gender inequality and youth unemployment.

The forum will address ethical considerations surrounding AI, contributing insights for policy development at the WSSD2

This event focuses on economic well-being and its intersections with sustainability and equity, offering perspectives that align with the WSSD2’s overarching goals.

The purpose of this Ad-hoc group is to promote the establishment of favorable conditions for digital empowerment, freedom of expression, media development, access to information and language technology, alongside artistic creation in indigenous languages.

Side event on UNESCO's Transformative Actions for Gender Equality, Bridging Gaps, Forging Futures, on the occasion of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women

Women and girls face unique housing challenges, including lack of secure tenure, heightened vulnerability to gender-based violence, and exclusion from decision-making due to discriminatory laws and norms. UN-Habitat event during CSW will aim to explore innovative, gender-transformative strategies and foster partnerships to address these issues and promote adequate housing for women and girls. The event will serve as a critical milestone to ensure housing remains at the center of discussions during the World Social Summit by highlighting its role as a key factor in achieving gender equality and poverty reduction.

The Conference was organized by the Ministry of National Territory and Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy of the Government of Morocco, UN-Habitat, GLTN and the Arab Land Initiative, in partnership with the League of Arab States, UNESCWA, UNECA, the World Bank, BMZ, the Netherlands’ RVO, and Morocco land sector stakeholders. Adequate Housing for All is an increasingly prominent concern in peace and security with housing, land and property rights and the destruction of civilian infrastructure being major features in recent conflicts especially in the Arab region. Land disputes and scarcity, as well as insecurity of tenure, are important indicators of inequality and drive conflicts between communities and groups in several contexts. Secure housing, land and property rights are an essential component of peace processes and post-conflict stabilisation. To ensure integration of land issues in the intergovernmental preparatory processes leading up to the Second World Summit on Social Development, UN-Habitat collaborates closely with the Kingdom of Morocco, as the host of the conference, and H.E. Mr. Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations, as the appointed cofacilitators.

The G20 Education Working Group offers a comprehensive view of key education trends, each year with specific focus areas, and valuing peer learning and knowledge sharing. Since the establishment of the G20 Education Working Group in 2018 during Argentina’s G20 Presidency, UNESCO has provided strategic advice and produced outcome documents for the Education Working Group - a key platform for addressing equity, quality in education, skills for life and work, and education financing through multilateral collaboration.

Fifth edition of the Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination, pending further info, link to 4th Edition available