Attending the United Nations’ Second World Summit for Social Development at the National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar, from 3 to 6 November 2025, was a notable experience. Chief Rafiu Olaore led six senior members of his nongovernmental organisation, Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), from Nigeria to engage, learn, network, and contribute to practical, inclusive solutions for global social progress.
The programme began with pre-summit events in Doha, starting on November 3. Qatar co-hosted the First Leaders’ Meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty with Brazil, along with the Doha Solutions Forum for Social Development, in collaboration with France.
The summit drew over 14,000 participants, including more than 40 Heads of State and Government, 170 ministers, representatives from international organisations, youth, civil society members, and experts.
On November 4, 2025, at the opening ceremony, YEDIS delegates actively engaged with global leaders, showcasing YEDIS’ rural creative social entrepreneurship projects focused on creating jobs for underserved youth and transforming food systems. These initiatives were discussed during roundtables and the Youth Empowerment session. On November 5, YEDIS delegates took part in additional events.
YEDIS participants include Mrs Sakirat Lawal (YEDIS Board Member), Prince Oloyede Oyedele Abiodun (YEDIS Stakeholder), Mrs Osinyemi Imoleayo Funmilayo (YEDIS Member), Miss Amarachi Anokwute (YEDIS Member), and Miss Shipeolu Johnson Ibukunoluwa Gift (YEDIS Youth Member).
After daily activities (from 6 pm to 10 pm), YEDIS members visited popular Doha attractions, such as Villaggio Mall, Pearl Market, Souq Waqif, and Qatar Museum, to blend work with pleasure, experience local culture, enjoy cuisine, and explore the city.
The summit offered memorable entertainment, featuring complimentary shuttle buses and metro rail cards to the venue, daily offerings of delicious food and drinks, and souvenir giveaways.
Qataris are renowned for their warm hospitality and peaceful disposition, making the country an ideal and joyful place to visit.
Building on the United Nations Doha Declaration and leveraging the leadership, partnerships, and experience gained during the summit, YEDIS is dedicated to enhancing its efforts in humanitarian and social services. Its priorities include job creation for underserved youth, agriculture, peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, and gender inclusivity, both in Nigeria and worldwide.
Earlier, on October 20, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) recognised Rafiu’s innovative policy brief aimed at accelerating social progress, which was showcased in digital quotes during the “Second World Summit for Social Development” in Doha, Qatar.
YEDIS Executive Director Rafiu Olaore and his team are committed to expanding the YEDIS Network to promote sustainable growth, team development, social engagement and active participation in transformative policy discussions on job creation worldwide.
