Event Overview
The Second World Summit for Social Development offers a unique opportunity for national and local governments, National Statistical Offices, think tanks, and implementing partners to engage in dialogue aimed at addressing the pressing social challenges arising from Africa’s urban transition.
As Africa undergoes the fastest urban growth in the world—with half of its population projected to live in cities by 2040—the continent holds significant potential to harness the benefits of agglomeration while minimizing its associated costs. However, the current reality tells a different story. The rapid pace of urban transition has not yielded prosperity, sustainability and inclusiveness. Millions continue to live in informal settlements, lacking access to decent jobs and essential services. Moreover, many individuals remain excluded from full participation in the social and economic life.
The solution session will showcase the proactive efforts of African cities, institutions, and stakeholders, foster evidence-based insights, and inspire immediate and long-term actions to harness sustainable and inclusive urbanization as a driver of prosperity by fostering decent job creation, innovation, and social integration.
The event will also present key findings and recommendations from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s 2025 Report on the State of Urbanization in Africa, prepared within the framework of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The report provides in-depth analysis, regional comparisons, and forward-looking perspectives to inform and enrich the discussion on the critical relationship between rapid urbanization and social development.
As a platform for dialogue and exchange, the solution session will address ongoing challenges, highlight progress, share lessons learned from African cites, and explore practical solutions and actionable steps to advance social development, and promote individual well-being in Africa. This in turn contributes to the harmonious functioning of societies—core principles established at the 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen and reaffirmed at the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025.