Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe has emphasized that international experience plays a crucial role in eradicating poverty in Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, the Deputy Minister noted that nearly 25% of Sri Lankans currently live in poverty. He stressed that the experiences, ideas, and policy models of other nations could be effectively applied to address this issue and promote sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

The conference, which was first held in 1995, has reconvened nearly three decades later, bringing together world leaders to renew commitments to social progress.

Among the distinguished speakers at the opening session were UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore, and Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, President of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

In his address, Guterres underscored the importance of education as the foundation for national development, calling for global efforts to close educational gaps. Sheikha Moza reaffirmed that education is a fundamental human right, not a privilege, and urged nations to ensure inclusive learning opportunities for all.

Delegates and government representatives are expected to engage in discussions throughout the summit to advance the main goals of the 1995 World Summit for Social Development—poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion.

Deputy Minister Jayasinghe also took part in a parallel session titled “The Path out of Poverty.”