The present summary synthesizes the key regional insights and policy recommendations presented in the joint document of the five regional commissions, which will serve as an input for the preparatory process of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The joint document covers social development challenges, policy developments and policy lessons in five key areas, namely poverty, inequality, labour inclusion, education and health, with a gender perspective incorporated throughout.

The joint document underscores the need to strengthen social policies and tailor them to a risk structure reconfigured by global crises. Alongside high levels of poverty, inequality and informal employment, profound transformations in demographics, climate, technology and the labour market are under way. Complementary actions beyond social policy are also needed, as progress is equally crucial in the economic and environmental dimensions. Regional frameworks and agreements have been instrumental in driving social policy change and must continue to be leveraged, including in the universalization of social protection systems and in the areas of migration, labour inclusion, taxation and resource management, to achieve shared growth and stability.