Discours de Sa Majesté le Roi à l’occasion du « Deuxième Sommet Mondial pour le Développement Social »

 

Intervention by His Majesty the King of the Belgians on the occasion of the ‘The Second World Summit for Social Development’

Doha, November 4th, 2025

 

Your Highness, the Emir of Qatar,

Your Excellencies Heads of State or Government,

Madam Chairman of the General Assembly,

Mr. Secretary-general,

Mr. Chairman of the Economic and Social Council,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thirty years after The Copenhagen Summit, we have come together again to work towards a bold vision of social progress, human dignity and shared prosperity.

Social progress is the progress of each and every individual, but also of the society as a whole. A culture of solidarity makes sure that no one is left behind.

Civil society, the individual and the State have to collaborate closely. Each level has to assume responsibility and ensure the process is inclusive. The State creates institutions to guarantee an equitable distribution of prosperity. Equal opportunities, decent work-conditions and a proper redistribution system are indeed a driving force for prosperity, cohesion, stability and peace.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The empowerment of the individual and solidarity go hand in hand. We all have a duty to tackle poverty and inequality in our societies and to break the cycle of deprivation caused by a lack of social justice and by unequal opportunities.

At the same time, however, we must guard against a society that prioritizes individual freedom but forgets the power of human connection and social belonging.

No country can do this alone. Such fundamental challenges require Nations to come together and engage in a constructive dialogue based on international solidarity.

The question of the sustainability of our planet is a global challenge that has political, but also moral dimensions because it appeals to our individual responsibility towards the here and now, as well as the future of mankind.

This is a unique opportunity to recognize that we share the same human values across our different cultures. And that we have to unite our efforts around them towards the preservation of our planet.

This is precisely what lies at the core of the United Nations with its Sustainable Development Goals strategy.

These goals with their concrete manifestation of social progress are successfully being addressed by the UN, taking into account all dimensions of the human being simultaneously: education, health, as well as the fight against hunger and poverty.

Here I have to mention, together with my wife Queen Mathilde who is very engaged in this matter, the absolute necessity to include women in the process. Indeed: there can be no social progress and no sustainable development in the world without the full participation of women.

This is an essential matter of both global sustainability and human rights.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our work towards social progress starts at home. In Belgium we have built a social system that aims to provide everyone with an equal chance to succeed in life.

This system is fundamentally based on the redistribution of created wealth, in a virtuous circle of adequate working conditions, entrepreneurial creativity and economic dynamism. Social dialogue based on trust and a spirit of cooperation is key.

However, this task is never complete and requires us to be responsive and creative.

The European union has harmonized the economic development of its member-States with a focus on social progress. This European project is based on the respect of fundamental rights. The Digital Services Act Package is an excellent example of the way the EU is dealing with new realities affecting the social area, while protecting the privacy of its citizens.

Other continents too successfully combine social progress with their own traditions. I am convinced that different experiences enrich and stimulate our shared commitment towards sustainable social development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let my conclusion be clear. Social progress as a cornerstone of a peaceful and sustainable world can only be achieved if each and every one of us works day by day, in our own countries and between Nations, to remove all that is causing division and prejudice. We should spare no effort to build bridges and create a spirit of trust and hope for the future.

I thank you.