On November 4, 2025, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, participated in the special sessions of the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar. The global summit brought together international leaders, policymakers, and development advocates to deliberate on key social and economic issues affecting communities across the world.
Sir Jonathan described the event as a valuable learning opportunity that offered deep insights into global strategies for promoting equality, peace, and sustainable growth. He noted that the sessions centered on critical themes such as education, resource redistribution, poverty reduction, conflict mitigation, social justice, and inclusive economic development. According to him, these discussions reflected the urgent need for collaborative action to address challenges facing humanity today.
The summit emphasized that global peace and progress can only be achieved through deliberate and inclusive social development efforts. Speakers highlighted how inequality, poor access to education, and resource mismanagement continue to hinder prosperity in many parts of the world. Participants were unanimous in their view that addressing these issues requires decisive leadership and strong policy frameworks.
In his reflections, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri stated that every nation possesses the resources necessary to fight poverty and provide quality education for all citizens. He stressed that what is needed now is a shift in global priorities, where governments at all levels commit to implementing deliberate policies backed by effective actions. He argued that if nations make the development of human potential their top priority, the dream of a peaceful and prosperous world would become achievable.
Sir Jonathan also underscored the importance of leadership accountability, calling on world leaders to demonstrate sincerity and commitment in tackling social inequalities. He pointed out that meaningful progress demands not only policy reforms but also the political will to execute them. According to him, such efforts would help bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor, creating societies where opportunities are equally accessible to everyone.
The Ijaw Youth Council President particularly emphasized the significance of prioritizing social development within African societies. He observed that the continent’s challenges—ranging from unemployment and poverty to limited access to education—are deeply rooted in inadequate social investment. He asserted that if African nations commit to comprehensive social reforms and inclusive governance, the region could experience transformative growth and sustainable peace.
The United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development served as a call to action for leaders around the world to renew their commitment to advancing human welfare. Delegates agreed that without immediate and coordinated efforts, inequality and social unrest would continue to threaten global stability. The summit’s discussions reinforced the idea that economic growth must go hand in hand with social justice and equitable opportunities.
For Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, the event reaffirmed the vital connection between social development and peace. He concluded that societies cannot truly achieve lasting harmony unless they prioritize the well-being and empowerment of their citizens. His participation in the Doha summit reflects his ongoing commitment to advocating for justice, equality, and inclusive progress both in Nigeria and across the globe.
