DOHA, QATAR — Md. Ilias Miah, Chief Executive of the Centre for Environment, Human Rights & Development Forum (CEHRDF), participated in a high-level thematic session titled "Women in Development" during the 2nd World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) held in Doha, Qatar. Organized by the Ministry of Social Development of the Sultanate of Oman, the session convened ministerial representatives, multilateral policymakers, and civil society leaders to address systemic pathways for gender-transformative social progress.

The dialogue focused on positioning women as pivotal drivers of sustainable development, inclusive economic transformation, and community resilience. Drawing upon realities from Bangladesh and across the Global South, Md. Ilias Miah underlined that genuine progress cannot occur without dismantling structural barriers that limit women's socio-economic participation and decision-making authority.

Addressing the forum, the CEHRDF Chief Executive emphasized:

"True development is impossible without the full participation and leadership of women in every sphere of life."

He highlighted that gender equality serves as the indispensable cornerstone for building resilient, fair, and equitable societies, particularly in regions navigating climate vulnerability and economic transitions. He called upon international bodies, regional entities, and national governments to scale up direct investments in grassroots women-led initiatives, institutionalize equal economic opportunities, and ensure women hold equitable representation across governance, peacebuilding, and environmental stewardship frameworks.

The session concluded with participating delegations reaffirming their commitment to multi-stakeholder collaboration and actionable policies that empower women across all facets of social and economic life.