Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, will lead the Indian delegation to the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD-2), scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4 to 6.
At the global forum, Mandaviya will represent India’s vision of inclusive and equitable growth, addressing the Opening Plenary Session of the Summit and delivering India’s National Statement. He will also participate in a High-Level Round Table on “Strengthening the Three Pillars of Social Development: Poverty Eradication, Full and Productive Employment and Decent Work for All, and Social Inclusion.”
India’s participation comes at a time when the country has achieved significant progress in poverty reduction and social protection. Between 2011 and 2023, more than 248 million people were lifted out of multidimensional poverty, while the share of those living below the international poverty line fell to 2.3% in 2022-23. These achievements have been underpinned by government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, and the Jan Dhan financial inclusion programme.
India’s social security coverage has also expanded rapidly – rising from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, now benefitting over 940 million citizens, according to data verified by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This expansion has been driven by the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) framework, which ensures transparent and direct delivery of benefits.
A key highlight of India’s participation will be a side event hosted by NITI Aayog on “Pathways Out of Poverty: India’s Experience in Empowering the Last Mile”, scheduled for November 5. The session will showcase India’s initiatives in poverty reduction, women’s economic empowerment, and universal social security coverage, with participation from international partners including Brazil, Maldives, and the ILO.
Mandaviya will also attend an ILO Ministerial Dialogue on the Global Coalition for Social Justice, where he is expected to emphasize India’s leadership in promoting equitable growth and decent work.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Minister will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from Qatar, Romania, Mauritius, and the European Union, as well as with the Director-General of the ILO and senior UN officials. These engagements are aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as labour mobility, skilling, employment generation, and social protection.
During his visit, Mandaviya will also participate in an event highlighting the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour & Employment and the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC). The platform serves as a bridge between job seekers and employers, fostering inclusive and transparent labour market access.
Additionally, the Minister will visit Qatar’s Aspire Zone Complex and key sports infrastructure facilities to explore avenues for collaboration in sports management and youth engagement.
The World Summit for Social Development revisits the core objectives of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit – poverty eradication, productive employment, and social inclusion -providing a renewed platform for global cooperation toward these shared goals.
Mandaviya’s visit underscores India’s strong commitment to social justice and inclusive development, aligned with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.” Through digital innovation, financial inclusion, and community participation, India continues to demonstrate pathways to empowering every citizen and ensuring that no one is left behind.