Partner2Connect at the Second World Summit for Social Development

4 November 2025, 11:30 – 12:45 (Local Time)

Room 11, Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha, Qatar


Connectivity for Social Justice and Inclusive Sustainable Development

Under the WSSD2 theme of,  
IV- Cross-cutting issues in the context of social development.  
Harnessing technology and artificial intelligence to advance social development: 

In today’s interconnected world, universal and meaningful connectivity—affordable, reliable, safe, and inclusive Internet access—is no longer a luxury but a necessity for social and economic participation. It underpins access to education, healthcare, decent work, and social protection, and is therefore fundamental to advancing equity, justice, and sustainable development. 

Yet, 2.6 billion people remain offline, most of them in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Closing these gaps requires not only scaling traditional infrastructure but also harnessing emerging frontiers of connectivity, including space-based and non-terrestrial networks. Satellite connectivity and innovative hybrid solutions are increasingly vital to reaching rural, remote, and underserved communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. 

This side event will explore how universal and meaningful connectivity, including through space-enabled solutions, can serve as a cornerstone for social justice and sustainable development. 

– Bridging digital divides by expanding universal and meaningful connectivity. 
– Harnessing digital technologies to advance education, healthcare, decent work, and social protection. 
– Promoting rights-based, safe, and inclusive digital environments that uphold human dignity and social justice. 

Click here to register


Agenda

  • Moderator: Ms Sulyna Abdullah, Chief of the SPM/Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, ITU

  • Introduction of the session and panel
    • Moderator: Ms Gitanjali Sah, Strategy and Policy Coordinator, ITU
  • Keynote
    • Ms Francine Pickup, Deputy Assistant Administrator and Deputy Director for the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP 
  • Panel Discussion
    • Mr Jose Miguel Barreto, UN Resident Coordinator in Guatemala
    • Ms Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona, Director, UNRISD
    • Ms Yolanda Rueda Fernandez, President, Cibervoluntarios 

This side event will be co-organized by ITU in collaboration with Partner2Connect, whose members include UN entities, Member States, and the private sector, ensuring a multi-stakeholder approach and shared ownership of outcomes.