Flags Raised in Doha as UN Social Development Summit Begins

Flags of the United Nations and the State of Qatar fly at the Qatar National Convention Centre, the venue of the Second World Summit for Social Development.

Against a quiet morning sky, the flags of the United Nations and the State of Qatar were raised together in Doha on Sunday, ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development.

The ceremony marked the United Nations’ official assumption of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) as the venue where world leaders will work to reinvigorate the global social pact.

The brief but symbolic event, held at the sprawling conference facility, was attended by senior officials from Qatar and the United Nations, accompanied by UN security officers and members of Qatar’s Lekhwiya police forces standing on either side of the two flagpoles.

Speaking at the ceremony, Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said the moment reflected a shared commitment to cooperation and collective progress.

“This moment formally marks the handover of this landmark facility to the United Nations,” he said. “The QNCC is now transformed into a space where the global community will gather to advance solutions and renew hope.”

Ahmad Hassen Al-Hamadi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, welcomed the international community, emphasising the country’s support as host and partner in facilitating dialogue and cooperation at the highest level.

“We are confident that this Summit will provide a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm political will and capitalise on abundant opportunities to accelerate transformative actions, achieve social development and social justice for all, and drive progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he said.

A Pivotal Gathering Amid Global Challenges

Over the next several days, about 14,000 attendees — including heads of state and government, ministers, civil society leaders, youth delegates, workers, and private sector representatives — will take part in plenaries, high-level roundtables, and parallel forums focused on social protection, inequality, decent work, and inclusion of marginalised groups.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed last week that Secretary-General António Guterres will address the opening ceremony on Tuesday. He is expected to highlight progress since the first Social Summit in Copenhagen in 1995 while underscoring major global challenges, including widening inequalities, unemployment, poverty, conflicts, and widespread human suffering.

SDG Colours in the Sky

Adding a striking visual flourish to Sunday’s ceremony, attention turned to the sky for a performance organised by the Education Above All Foundation, in cooperation with Qatar’s Internal Security Forces and Joint Special Forces. A team of parachutists descended over the Qatar National Convention Centre, each carrying a flag representing one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The display symbolised the Foundation’s commitment to advancing education equity and sustainability, while reflecting the broader aims of the Summit: to accelerate progress on social development and ensure no one is left behind.

The descent drew applause from delegates and onlookers, symbolising unity, shared responsibility, and collective action, visually reinforcing the message that social development is inseparable from the full SDG agenda.

Youth Voices Take the Spotlight

Efforts are also underway to engage young people in the conversation. UN DESA teamed up with Mark Lee, Korean-Canadian artist from global K-pop group NCT, for a short video message released on social media.

Shot in the style of an incoming video call, the clip shows Mark inviting viewers to reflect on what social progress means to them — from fairness and dignity to real opportunities to thrive.

“Young and old, we have a huge role to play,” he says. “Our voices, our ideas, our creativity can bring people together. Together, we can show that when we move as one, we can make change happen.”