IFA at the World Summit for Social Development 2025
About the World Summit on Social Development
In response to growing social and economic inequalities, the United Nations General Assembly has called for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD), to be held in Doha, Qatar, from 4–6 November 2025 (resolutions 78/261 and 78/318). This high-level Summit will bring together heads of State and Government, multilateral agencies, civil society, and community leaders to reaffirm and accelerate commitments made in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, placing social development at the heart of the global agenda.
Why Healthy Ageing Must Be at the Centre
Population ageing is reshaping every facet of society, from labour markets, care systems, urban design, to social cohesion. Yet too often, ageing remains at the margins of major development platforms. The World Social Summit is a pivotal opportunity to change that.
Investing in healthy ageing is a strategic imperative for sustainable development. It builds stronger health systems, drives inclusive economic growth, and fosters resilient, age-friendly communities. If social development is to be truly inclusive and equitable, then healthy ageing must be recognized as both a human right and a societal asset.
The IFA brings decades of global leadership to this dialogue. Working across regions, sectors, and institutions, we are committed to ensuring the inclusion, dignity and rights of older persons, and every person as they age, are not only visible but central to the outcomes of the Summit, and the future of the 2030 Agenda.
IFA’s Featured Solution Session at the World Summit (In-Person Only):
Building Age-Friendly Cities and Communities for Inclusive Social Development
Date and time: Tuesday, 4 November, 4:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Qatar National Convention Centre, Room 5
As the world urbanizes and populations age, cities must evolve to support the health, participation, and dignity of older people. The concept of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (AFCCs), championed by the World Health Organization and woven into global frameworks such as the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Decade of Healthy Ageing, offers a vital pathway for achieving inclusive and equitable urban development. By prioritizing accessibility, social inclusion, and responsive infrastructure, AFCCs empower people to remain active, connected, and independent at every age.
The Programme
Moderated by Mr. Gregor Sneddon, Secretary General, The International Federation on Ageing
Global and Regional Frameworks
- Ms. Alana Officer, Age-Friendly Environments, WHO
- Ms. Lin Yang, Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme, UN ESCAP
- Mr. Simone Cecchini, Chief of the Latin American and Caribbean Demographic Centre (CELADE)-Population Division, UN ECLA
National Experiences and Commitments
- Ms. Francisca Gallegos, Vice Minister of Social Services, Chile
- Mr. Manuel Veguín García, Head of International Relations, Institute for Older People and Social Services IMSERSO, Spain
Civil Society Innovation and Advocacy
- Dr. Lina Walker, Senior Vice President of Global Thought Leadership, AARP
- Mr. Kahir Lalji, ILC Canada
Co-organizers:
In-Person Solution Session Registration Form
IFA Co-Organized Solution Sessions
As part of our commitment to advancing healthy ageing within global policy platforms, the IFA is also co-organizing several in-person and virtual solution sessions. These sessions spotlight innovative, cross-sectoral approaches and bring together diverse voices to inform action. We invite you to join us for these critical conversations.
Home- and Community-Based Care for Social Inclusion and Decent Work: Practical Pathways to Long-Term Care
Date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Virtual Event
Organized by: The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with Hamad Medical Corporation (WHO Collaborating Centre), the International Federation of Ageing, HelpAge International, and Gray Panthers NYC.
About the session: This session will showcase practical models and partnerships for home- and community-based long-term care that promote social inclusion, decent work, and healthy ageing.
Ageing Futures Launchpad: Global Research Agenda Update & GCC Older Persons’ Well-Being Index
Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm
Location: Qatar National Convention Centre, Room 11 (In-Person Only)
Organized by: The United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Ageing (IAGA), in partnership with Executive Bureau of Council Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs at GCC States, Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Centre, Global Coalition on Aging, International Federation on Ageing, and the International Association of Geriatrics and Gerontology.
About the session: this session will focus on global population ageing, already reshaping economies and societies, with two concrete launches that turn talk into action.
Experienced, Knowledgeable—and Underutilized: The Critical Role of Older Persons in the Workforce and the Future of Work
Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Qatar National Convention Centre, Room 9 (In-Person Only)
Organized by: The Global Coalition on Aging, in partnership with Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations in New York, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), International Federation on Ageing.
About the session: This session will explore the challenges and gaps in achieving full, productive and decent employment for older persons and discuss practical solutions to broaden workforce participation.
Other Sessions focused on Healthy Ageing
The following is a curated selection of side events that intersect with healthy ageing priorities to support interested individuals, organizations and governments in navigating the broader Summit agenda. For the full list of side events, visit the official Summit calendar here: Second World Summit for Social Development – Times in calendar follow Doha, Qatar time zone | Teamup.
Please note that dates and times may change as the programme continues to evolve.
If you have a relevant side event that you wish to submit for inclusion, please contact the IFA team at communications@ifa.ngo.
© 2025 International Federation on Ageing. All rights reserved.
