UCLG-MEWA actively participated in the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD), convened by the United Nations General Assembly in Doha, Qatar, under Resolutions A/RES/78/261 and A/RES/78/318. Representing the organization, Dr. Mehmet Duman, Secretary General, and Yehia Ibrahim, Research, Development and Projects Coordinator, joined global leaders, UN agencies, and institutional partners to discuss strategies for advancing inclusive and sustainable social development.
Taking place nearly three decades after the landmark 1995 Copenhagen Summit, the Doha Summit aimed to renew and accelerate global commitments to eradicating poverty, ensuring decent work, and promoting social inclusion amid evolving global challenges. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, reaffirming solidarity, justice, and multilateral cooperation as the cornerstones of sustainable development. The Declaration also underscored the vital role of local and regional governments in transforming global commitments into tangible progress for communities.
During Social Summit 2025, UCLG-MEWA actively participated in multiple sessions, including the UCLG Solutions Session on Advancing the Local Social Covenant and Shaping the Future of Local Multilateralism, where Dr. Mehmet Duman, UCLG-MEWA Secretary General, delivered the closing remarks emphasizing the importance of empowering local governance to build equitable societies. The delegation also contributed to sessions organized by UN-Habitat and Local2030, focusing on adequate housing and local action for inclusive development.
On the sidelines of the Summit, UCLG-MEWA engaged in several strategic bilateral meetings to strengthen partnerships and foster regional cooperation.
A bilateral meeting was held between UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman and Mr. Muslim Qazimi, Head of UN-Habitat Iraq and Yemen, exploring new collaboration opportunities, particularly in Iraq.
Dr. Duman also met wi
th Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum (UEF), where wide-ranging evaluations were made regarding UEF8 and how cities from the MEWA Region can engage more actively in future editions. The meeting resulted in an invitation for UCLG-MEWA to mobilize its network for the upcoming UEF8, which will take place in Toronto on 9–11 September 2026.
During the Summit, Dr. Mehmet Duman held a bilateral meeting with Neila Akrimi, Head of Strategy and Networks at VNG, discussing avenues to enhance cooperation within the framework of local governance and innovation.
In addition, a meeting with Gregor Sneddon, Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), set the stage for future collaboration on ageing-related initiatives across the MEWA region.
Furthermore, Dr. Mehmet Duman paid a visit to H.E. Dr. M. Mustafa Göksu, Ambassador of Türkiye to the State of Qatar. During the meeting, Dr. Duman highlighted the importance of the 2nd World Summit for Social Development and provided information about the upcoming UCLG-MEWA 2026 Calendar, underscoring the organization’s continued commitment to advancing local action for social development.
Through its active participation in the Second WSSD, UCLG-MEWA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, people-centred policies and advancing the role of local governments in achieving global social development goals.
