The Second World Summit for Social Development, organized by the United Nations, was held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The Azerbaijani delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov, represented the country at the event.

In his address at the plenary session of the Summit, Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov highlighted Azerbaijan’s achievements in implementing the commitments outlined in the Declaration adopted 30 years ago at the First World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Mr. Sharifov noted the innovative reforms implemented in the field of public social services in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the advantages of the DOST concept and sharing the country’s successful experience in this area with other participating states.

Within the framework of the Summit, during the discussion on “Expanding fiscal space and mobilizing financial resources to combat hunger and poverty,” Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Hidayat Abdullayev spoke about the steps taken in Azerbaijan to promote social development and strengthen the social protection of vulnerable groups.

The Deputy Minister underlined that as a result of five consecutive social reform packages implemented in recent years, social payments in Azerbaijan have significantly increased. He also emphasized the country’s achievements in ensuring decent work and employment, the success of digital social innovations, and the international recognition of the DOST model as an exemplary practice.

During a roundtable discussion on “Strengthening the three pillars of social development: poverty eradication, full and productive employment, decent work for all, and social inclusion,” Mr. Abdullayev provided information on measures taken in Azerbaijan to protect workers’ labour and social rights, eliminate gender discrimination, and enhance employment opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Additionally, the Deputy Minister delivered a speech at a side event organized by the Ministry of Family and Social Services of Türkiye on the theme “Family-supported social development: a strategic approach for a sustainable future.” He discussed recent measures undertaken in Azerbaijan to develop and expand the scope of the national social services system.

On the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, a bilateral meeting was held with Kanat Sagynbayev, Minister of Labour, Social Protection, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic. The parties exchanged views on future cooperation prospects.