In conjunction with the Social Development Summit held in Doha on November 4, 2025, an engaging online discussion brought together changemakers, scholars, and community practitioners from across Asia to reflect on the intertwined themes of Community Harmony, Women’s Empowerment, and Social Development.
The event, held from 7–9 p.m. (Malaysia) / 2–4 p.m. (Doha), was jointly hosted by the Society for Social Solidarity Economy (ASSEC), MySDG Academy, and the Institute of International Harmony and Sustainable Development, Hong Kong.
The central conversation revolved around three critical questions:
- How does harmony influence social development?
- Is harmony a prerequisite or an outcome of progress?
- How can communities cultivate harmony while advancing development
Panel 1: Building Community Harmony for Sustainable Development
Moderated by James Ryan Raj of ASSEC, Malaysia, the first panel featured thought leaders including Bishop Prof. Dr. Dennis Ng (Hong Kong), Hirzawati Atikah (Malaysia), and Prof. Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria (Malaysia).
The discussion highlighted that true community harmony begins from within—rooted in self-awareness, nurtured through families, and expanded into communities. Speakers emphasized that sustainable development is inseparable from environmental stewardship, as human harmony with nature is foundational to social balance.
The panel also underscored the importance of policies that ensure equality and inclusivity, where the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) emerges as a transformative model for poverty alleviation. A global Harmony Photo Competition, organized by Victories Ministries and MySDG Academy, visually reinforced the theme by capturing moments of peace and unity from around the world.
Panel 2: Empowering Women, Transforming Communities for Social Development
The second session, moderated by Dr. Teo Sue Ann from APPGM-SDG, drew significant engagement from over 65 participants. Speakers included Ms. Uma Laila Azhar (ASEC Pakistan), Prof. Michelle Shun and Ms. Nabi Kate S/L Ng (Hong Kong-China), Mc Jeanet Lempisik (Sabah, Malaysia), and Ms. Tish deVera Vito Cruz (Philippines).
This panel spotlighted grassroots initiatives that empower women as agents of change, equipping them with skills, confidence, and social capital to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty. Inspiring stories from indigenous and local women demonstrated how practical social innovations can restore dignity and create sustainable livelihoods.
The discussion reaffirmed that women’s empowerment is not just about equality—it is about transformation. When women rise, families, communities, and nations rise with them.
Five Key Lessons Drawn from the Discussion
- Harmony and social development require inclusive approaches that amplify grassroots voices and participation.
- Women’s empowerment is both a moral imperative and a strategic driver of social and economic progress.
- Effective policies must go beyond symbolic inclusion, ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, finance, and political representation.
- The Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) offers a bridge between harmony and social justice, providing a fair and sustainable economic model.
- The APPGM-SDG model exemplifies bottom-up engagement—linking local realities to national and global policymaking, and showcasing Malaysia’s leadership in localizing the SDGs
In conclusion, the Doha discussion reaffirmed a simple yet profound truth: Harmony is not just an outcome of development—it is its very foundation. When communities live in balance with themselves, with others, and with nature, social progress becomes both sustainable and meaningful. And at the center of this transformative process stand women, whose resilience, empathy, and leadership continue to shape a more just, inclusive, and harmonious world.
