Welcome to the United Nations
World Social Report 2025: A New Policy Consensus to Accelerate Social Progress
Economic insecurity, staggering levels of inequality, declining social trust and social fragmentation are destabilizing societies worldwide. The World Social Report 2025, reveals trends that are threatening communities and demand immediate, decisive policy action.
Despite significant gains in poverty reduction, many people teeter on the brink of poverty, even as they move up the income ladder. Over 2.8 billion people—more than a third of the global population—live on $2.15 to $6.85 a day. Over half of the global population has little or no trust in their government. Alarmingly, trust levels have been declining from one cohort to the next, indicating a systemic breakdown of social cohesion. The rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation is exacerbating these troubling trends.
The report calls for a new policy consensus anchored in three principles—equity, economic security for all, and solidarity—that are essential to strengthen the three dimensions of sustainable development.
The report is the first to be co-produced with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER). This collaboration brings new research insights into the report, particularly on the far-reaching impacts of inequality and declining trust.
The upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha, Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025, will offer a crucial platform for governments to assess progress and take concrete action to address these critical social challenges.
Thematic papers supporting report are available here:
https://social.desa.un.org/issues/world-social-report/thematic-papers
