The ceremony marked the official assumption by the United Nations of the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) as the place where world leaders will work to revitalize the global social compact.
The brief but symbolic event, held in the spacious conference facilities, was attended by senior officials from Qatar and the United Nations, accompanied by a formation of UN security officers and members of Qatar’s Lekhwiya police force who stood on either side of the two masts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said the moment reflected a shared commitment to cooperation and collective progress.
“This moment formally marks the handover of this historic facility to the United Nations,“, he said. “The QNCC is now transformed into a space where the global community will come together to promote solutions and renew hope.”
Ahmad Hassen Al-Hamadi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, welcomed the international community, emphasizing the country’s support as a host and partner to facilitate dialogue and cooperation at the highest level.
“We are sure that this The Summit will provide a critical opportunity to reaffirm political will and seize abundant opportunities to accelerate and stimulate transformative actions to achieve social development and social justice for all.and accelerate progress for Agenda 2030 [for Sustainable Development].”
A pivotal meeting amid global challenges
Over the next few days, more than 8,000 participants – including Heads of State and Government, ministers, civil society leaders, youth delegates, workers and private sector representatives – will take part in plenaries, high-level roundtables and parallel forums focusing on social protection, inequality, decent work and the inclusion of marginalized groups.
In a preview of last week’s Summit, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that Secretary General António Guterres will deliver a speech at the opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Guterres is expected to highlight progress since the first Social Summit held in Copenhagen in 1995, while underlining major global challenges, including growing inequalities, unemployment, poverty, conflict and widespread human suffering.
While in Doha, the Secretary-General also plans to participate in a side event on education and hold bilateral meetings with senior officials.
A team of Qatari paratroopers perform an aerial display, descending over the QNCC while carrying the 17 colorful flags of the Sustainable Development Goals, along with the UN and Qatari flags.
SDG colors in the sky
Adding a striking visual touch to Sunday’s ceremony, a team of Qatari paratroopers put on an aerial display, descending over the QNCC while carrying the 17 colorful Sustainable Development Goals flags, along with the UN and Qatari flags.
Adopted by all 193 UN Member States in 2015, the SDGs constitute a shared global plan to end poverty, reduce inequality, protect the planet and ensure dignity for all.
The descent drew applause from delegates and spectators, symbolizing the Summit themes of unity, shared responsibility and collective action, and visually reinforcing the message that social development is inseparable from the entire SDG agenda.
UN news from the field
As delegations continue to arrive, final preparations are underway within the QNCC, where banners, interpretation booths and media facilities are being finalized and movements are being coordinated across the site by security and logistics teams.
UN News is in Doha and provides continuous coverage throughout the week, including live updates, interviews and analysis of the Summit. Follow our coverage here.
