During the November 20, 2025 virtual event, Renata Kaczmarska (UNDESA) and Dr. Khalid Al-Naama (DIFI) discussed issues related to the family in the context of their recent participation in WSSD2, assessed progress, and explored continuing challenges for the family.
Speakers:
Renata Kaczmarska, Focal Point on the Family in the Division for Inclusive Social Development at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), leads global initiatives promoting family-centered policies and partnerships that advance social inclusion, gender equality, and intergenerational solidarity.
Dr. Khalid Al-Naama is a Senior Researcher at the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI, a member of the Qatar Foundation), where he focuses on research and policy related to family well-being, social development, and the role of families in achieving sustainable development goals.
A video of the full discussion is available here.
Background:
Thirty years ago, the United Nations proclaimed in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development: “The goals and objectives of social development require continuous efforts to reduce and eliminate major sources of social distress and instability for the family and for society.”
Following up on that declaration, the UN General Assembly convened the Second World Summit for Social Development on 4-6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The summit aimed to address gaps, recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action, and give momentum to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It also provided an opportunity to address novel challenges that affect not only the family but also society at large, including growing inequalities, demographic shifts, and rapid technological transformation.
At the conclusion of the Summit, UN Member States adopted a Political Declaration which invites governments, international organizations, civil society, academic institutions, the private sector and the UN system to step up engagement on social development issues—including through enhanced policies and programs that recognize the central role of families and households.
