Engagement Opportunities in the lead up to WSSD2 2025

The meeting is being programed as moment to analyze a position paper prepared by ECLAC on the evolution of inclusive social development in LAC since Copenhagen and to exchange the preparatory documents of the WSSD2 and complement the views among Social Development Ministries as a contribution to the countries' presentations at the Summit

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

The AI for Good will play a crucial role in shaping the World Social Summit 2025 by leveraging AI to tackle key global challenges, particularly those related to social development.
Modality: Organize joint sessions where AI practitioners and social development experts discuss AI projects targeting social issues.

The WSIS+20 event will significantly contribute to the World Social Summit by focusing on the intersection of digital inclusion, social development, and sustainable progress. Showcase digital tools that can support the tracking, monitoring, and reporting of social development progress.

Organize a side event addressing women’s pathways to social development

Online expert group meetings have been carried out in the Africa, Asia, LAC regions and Nordic countries reaching over 80 experts to identify regional priorities and perspectives.  A brief for each consultation has been developed and disseminated widely to inform the WSSD consultations. Link to video broadcasts insights shared at the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development in February 2025.

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.”

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The next Prep Com meeting held on 10 to 14 February. iii) advocacy and stakeholder engagement iv) link between financing for development, role of international cooperation, financial reform and sustainable development crucial for WSSD2.

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.

UNRISD to organize or co-convene side events to foster dialogue among thought leaders, policymakers, and activists. The event(s) will serve as a platform to highlight research findings and actionable recommendations stemming from UNRISD’s preparatory work.

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

Organized by ESCWA with a focus on social protection and its impact on the SDGs in the context of lead-up to WSS2. Multiple preparatory meetings of the Arab working group on social protection will be engaged on WSS2 preparations (February in Riyadh and June in Algiers).

Regional seminar to discuss poverty, hunger and inequality issues in LAC to be considered for the Summit discussion. Two special sessions are scheduled for high level discussions among representatives of groups on countries and among DESA and the RC Executive Secretaries.