Second World Summit for Social Development 
Private Sector Forum

Business For Social Development: Building Inclusive Futures

Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha, Qatar | 5 November 2025

Room 103 

Business For Social Development: Building Inclusive Futures

Business has the power to drive social progress by creating jobs, reducing inequality and building inclusive, sustainable economies. In today’s rapidly changing world shaped by technology, climate pressures and shifting social dynamics, responsible leadership from business is more vital than ever.

The Private Sector Forum, co-hosted by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the UN Global Compact and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar, brought together leaders to explore how business can drive social progress while competing in a rapidly changing world. Discussions focused on harnessing technology and AI responsibly, supporting SMEs and ensuring people have the skills and opportunities to thrive. The Forum highlighted business solutions that align innovation with inclusion, productivity with sustainability and growth with resilience. A joint statement by IOE and UN Global Compact outlined concrete recommendations and next steps for private sector leadership on social development.

Thank you to all who attended this year's Private Sector Forum.

Schedule at a Glance

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
A Conversation with Business Leaders: Business as A Driver of Inclusive Social Development
11:05 AM
Keynote Address: Building Ecosystems that Enable Business to Drive Social Development
11:20 AM - 12:10 PM
Panel 1: Building skills, promoting lifelong learning and creating decent jobs: Policies for inclusive development
12:15 PM - 1:05 PM
Panel 2: Shared Prosperity Through Responsible Business Conduct
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Lunch
2:15 PM - 2:25 PM
Keynote Address: Creating Enabling Environments for Business to Advance Social Development
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
Panel 3: Scaling Inclusive Business Solutions for Social Impact
3:25 PM
Keynote Address: How Business Can Harness Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Social Development
3:40 PM
Panel 4: Inclusive and Sustainable Finance for Social Development
4:10 PM
Keynote Address: Building Bridges for Better Lives: Multilateralism Driving Social and Economic Empowerment
4:20 PM
Closing
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Networking Reception

Speakers