Shared Responsibility

The world has undergone phenomenal changes, driven by technological innovation, demographic mobility and environmental degradation. The growing inequalities, poverty and exclusions have threatened the social and economic progress made over the centuries.  Declining trust in societies, increasing conflicts and occurrences of pandemics have further added to the burden on the governments working to improve the living standards of their people. According to the 2022 study, one-third of the global population is at risk of exclusion from socio-economic services. Social development is essential to the progress of individuals as well as society. It ensures basic amenities for the people while contributing to the nation’s prosperity. It stresses investment in inclusive growth so that sustainable and resilient societies are built, with effective delivery of public goods and judicious allocation of available resources. 

Against this backdrop, the Second World Summit for Social Development that is underway in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, from 4 to 6 November 2025, is expected to galvanize efforts to fill the gaps seen in the implementation of 10 commitments made at the first summit in Copenhagen in 1995. The 2nd summit is crucial in lessening the inequality gap and level of poverty, promoting full employment and decent work. The summit has provided a vital platform for diverse players, ranging from the heads of governments or State to the representatives from international organisations, civil society, the private sector, media and academic institutions to discuss and find solutions to the burning socio-economic issues roiling the nations. 

The world has become interdependent owing to the expansion of digital technology. But while some nations have become rich, others are reeling from poverty, conflict, unemployment, brain drain and climate change. This demands an inclusive development policy on a global scale to support the poor and developing countries. Bearing this in mind, President Ramchandra Paudel underscored that developing countries required financial resources and technical knowledge and skills. Addressing the Summit on Tuesday, President Paudel stated that developing nations required an enhanced level of support based on solidarity, fairness, and shared responsibility.  The developed countries have been making tall promises, but they have often failed to keep their word. So, the President has rightly called for a fair global trading system, the implementation of development aid commitments, climate finance, technology transfer and investment.

The summit has also offered an opportunity for Nepal to highlight its gains made in poverty alleviation, healthcare and social security. Nepal has reduced poverty by half since 1995, provided clean energy to 95 per cent of people, decreased maternal and child mortality rates significantly and implemented 90 social security schemes benefitting the elderly, women, children and persons with disabilities. The country has surpassed the global average when it comes to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  But what pesters Nepal more is the consequences of climate change. It has impacted the country disproportionately despite its little or no role in emitting greenhouse gases.

 Its snowy peaks and glaciers are melting fast, badly affecting the ecosystem and livelihoods of millions in the Himalayan belts and beyond. The international community must not shrug off its responsibility in ensuring climate finance to the affected nations, including Nepal. The United Nations should make proactive steps to muster support from developed countries to help vulnerable nations like Nepal in climate adaptation. This is also necessary to slash global carbon emissions. The ongoing summit should pay heed to this and other pertinent issues so that no one is left behind in the sustainable development journey.