UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the international community to intensify efforts in tackling poverty and inequality during the United Nations World Summit for Social Development in Doha.

“True development isn’t about prosperity for the few; it’s about opportunities for the many, grounded in social justice, full employment, and human dignity,” Mr Guterres said at Tuesday’s opening press conference.

He criticised the lack of adequate support for developing nations and condemned the slow global response to the climate crisis and the UN’s sustainable development goals.

The summit, which runs until Thursday, has drawn around 14,000 participants to discuss strategies for reducing poverty, bridging social inequalities, and expanding social protection and access to decent work worldwide.

Also attending are Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former foreign minister and current president of the UN General Assembly, and German Labour Minister Bärbel Bas, alongside business leaders and aid organisations.

A final declaration is expected to be adopted at the event, though aid groups have criticised it as being too vague and lacking binding commitments.

The first World Summit for Social Development took place in Copenhagen in 1995, laying the foundation for global dialogue on inclusive growth and social justice.

(dpa/NAN)