Qatar

Qatar Chamber and the International Chamber of Commerce Qatar (ICC Qatar), in collaboration with Seashore Group, have organised a ‘Beach Cleanup Day’ at Al Wakra Public Beach as part of the ‘10th Qatar Sustainability Week’.To fulfil its role as the event’s Strategic Partner, Qatar Chamber committed to implementing key sustainability initiatives: organising the Beach Cleanup Day, engaging employees, volunteers, and community members.ICC Qatar, as the Supporting Partner, participated in preserving Qatar’s natural coastal environment and implementing a ‘Comprehensive Waste Reduction Programme’ across its premises, which involves improving recycling practices, reducing the generation of unnecessary waste, and promoting the efficient use of resources.The initiative was designed to encourage sustainable habits among staff and visitors while minimising the chamber’s environmental footprint. The Beach Cleanup Day brought together 100 participants, who worked collaboratively to remove waste and recyclable materials from the beach, fostering a spirit of teamwork, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Saeed Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri said, “This initiative highlights the importance of preserving Qatar’s coastal environment and reducing pollution through active community engagement.“It aligns with Qatar Chamber’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and its support for Qatar’s vision for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. We extend our sincere appreciation to Earthna, Qatar Foundation, and Seashore Group for their invaluable support in ensuring the success of this initiative.”

The fourth edition of ‘Qatar Travel Mart’ (QTM) is scheduled for November 24 to 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), it was announced today.Organised by NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences and sponsored by Visit Qatar as Strategic Partner and Katara Hospitality as Founding Partner, the event underscores Qatar’s growing reputation as the gateway to the Arabian Gulf and a global tourism hub.QTM 2025 returns with a focus on the future — exploring how innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange are reshaping the tourism landscape. It will feature three dedicated conference days, each addressing critical forces shaping the industry’s evolution with global experts, policymakers, and thought leaders discussing strategies that ensure the sector’s resilience and relevance in an era defined by transformation.“As Qatar continues to position itself as a world-class destination, QTM catalyses collaboration and a showcase of the country’s vision for a sustainable, experience-driven tourism economy,” stated Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Department of Terrestrial Protection has carried out a large-scale cleanup campaign in the central region, specifically along the western Rawdat Rashed Road as part of the “Cleanup and Rawd Campaign Project,” which targets various natural and desert areas across the country. The campaign aims to preserve the cleanliness of Qatar’s land environment and promote environmental awareness among visitors to natural areas by removing waste and strengthening efforts to protect vegetation cover and biodiversity in Qatar’s ecosystem.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stressed the need for targeted actions by governments world over to help over 400mn people to escape poverty in its latest report published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development ( WWSD) 2025 being held in Doha.At press conference during the WWSD today, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator said that rethinking traditional poverty measures by defining 'prosperity floors' can help vulnerable communities cope with shocks without falling back into poverty. 411mn people worldwide could move from poverty to basic security by 2030 if governments adopt context-specific ‘prosperity floors’ and focus on job-intensive growth, adaptive social protection systems and policies that increase wagesXi said : “Crossing a $3-a-day threshold is not enough if families are still one emergency—one illness, job loss, or climate crisis—away from being unable to afford housing, food, and essential services. Our report demonstrates that, by 2030, 411mn people could move from poverty to basic security—if governments act together, and act now.”The report, titled Poverty-to-Prosperity Transitions highlights strategies to ensure not just poverty reduction but sustained prosperity for low-to-middle income households across the globe. According to the report, established poverty measurements identify people who cannot meet minimum needs. By contrast, a ‘prosperity floor’ identifies the minimum needs for people not only to subsist, but also to be able to withstand unexpected shocks such as a natural disaster or economic downturn.The report also points out that the new benchmark will not only track progress in escaping poverty but also help safeguard against future setbacks, ensuring people remain secure and resilient in the face of unexpected emergencies.UNDP analysis across 126 developing countries finds that more than one-third of people in developing countries live below their prosperity floor. This means these individuals remain vulnerable, with a single crisis threatening to push them back into poverty.The report cautions that relying solely on traditional poverty alleviation policies, such as cash transfers and cash-for-work programmes, will not sustain progress. Instead, UNDP urges governments to adopt a system-wide strategy that fosters job inclusive growth, adaptable social protection, and fairer income distribution to leave no one behind.Across every region, progress on poverty reduction has slowed, and disparities have deepened. While the share of people living in extreme income poverty has fallen globally, nearly 1.1bn people still experience acute multidimensional poverty, lacking access to education, health, and decent living standards.Two-thirds of the world’s population live in countries where income inequality has increased over the past decade. Poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings, and the effects of climate change and demographic pressures are compounding these vulnerabilities.

The second day of the EU Youth Short Film Festival 2025, taking place on November 25 at Doha Sands Beach, will showcase a diverse collection of short films that explore the universal human experience through humour, emotion, and truth. From family bonds and social justice to art, compassion, and self-reflection, these films prove that storytelling transcends language and borders. **media[377390]** The evening will feature nine remarkable films: Yom El Jum’a by Haya Al Kuwari (Qatar – a student at Northwestern University in Qatar), a touching family story bridging generations; La Gran Obra by Alex Lora (Spain), a darkly comic reflection on privilege and empathy; Someone to Look After by Talyta Venancio Franca (Brazil – a student at Northwestern University in Qatar), an emotional portrayal of compassion and volunteerism; Prince by Fatima Rizwan (Pakistan – a student at Northwestern University in Qatar), a poetic story of dreams and resilience; Civilisation of Equality by Ibrahim Albuainain (Qatar), a stop-motion celebration of diversity and harmony; I Know You Can Hear Me by Yousef Salhi and AbdulRahman Al Mana (Palestine and Qatar), a powerful reflection on healing and forgiveness; Mereneläviä by Veera Lamminpää (Finland), an existential short set in a supermarket queue; Sanad by Noor Al-Nasr and Poppy Clinton (Qatar), a dramatic exploration of family, brotherhood, and consequence; and Mitakpa by Shrijan Raj Pandey (Nepal – a student at Northwestern University in Qatar), a poetic window into education and hope in remote Nepal. **media[377389]** The festival will culminate with the awards ceremony, recognising outstanding achievements in short filmmaking under the categories of Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Emerging Filmmaker, and celebrating the shared spirit of creativity across Qatar and the European Union.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change issued a report on the achievements of the environmental sector during the third quarter of 2025, revealing significant progress in environmental performance indicators and an intensified regulatory, awareness, and organizational efforts.The report points out that the total number of inspection and field visits carried out by the sector’s various departments amounted to 1,306 visits, while 6,319 customs inspections were conducted and 6,202 customs declarations were cleared.In addition, 4,561 environmental permits and licenses were issued, 4,523 laboratory samples were examined, and 932 reports, studies, and audits were prepared. The achievements also included participation in 30 awareness events, follow-up on 26 environmental complaints, issuance of 69 warnings and corrective actions, and the reception of 1,692 visitors.The Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department carried out 449 field and inspection visits, collected 1,308 emergency water and sediment samples, conducted 735 seawater quality monitoring operations, and performed 798 analyses under the marine environment monitoring programme, in addition to 3,402 analyses under the water outfalls monitoring programme.The total number of analyses amounted to 4,171 samples during the third quarter of 2025. The department also prepared 454 studies, reports, and audits, organized 15 awareness activities, issued 82 licenses and permits, and took 15 corrective actions following warnings.The Radiation Protection Department conducted 191 inspection and field visits, issued 507 permits and licenses, performed 337 laboratory analyses, and cleared 3,727 customs declarations after inspection. It also organized and participated in 33 workshops, issued 34 warnings with corrective actions, handled 5 environmental reports, and received 120 visitors.The Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Management Department carried out 297 inspection and field visits, issued 3,073 permits and licenses, conducted 2,592 customs inspections, and cleared 2,475 customs declarations. It also organized 8 awareness events, performed 15 laboratory analyses, and issued 20 warnings with corrective measures.The Environmental Assessment and Permitting Department, held 397 technical meetings, conducted 369 field and inspection visits, prepared 468 environmental reports and audits, issued 899 environmental permits and licenses, and provided services to 1,294 visitors.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani hosted a luncheon banquet in honor of Their Majesties and Excellencies, including Heads of State, Prime Ministers, and senior officials attending the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, now underway in Doha. The banquet was attended by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi. Also present were Their Excellencies ministers, senior officials, representatives of regional and international organizations, and other distinguished guests of the conference.

The sixth edition of Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition returns to Medina Centrale, The Pearl Island, from November 19-23 in its 6th edition, showcasing an array of rare vintage vehicles from across the GCC region, the Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association ( GQCCA ) has announced.Under the honourary patronage of HE Qatar Museums (QM) chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the event marks its regional significance through its collaboration with the International Federation of Historic Vehicles (Fiva).Speaking at the press conference yesterday, the association’s board member and general secretary, Eng Abdul Latif Ali al-Yafei, said some 71 out of the 180 registered cars have been selected to compete for 20 prizes, judged by a panel, including international experts and compliant with Fiva standards.**media[377355]**Al-Yafei noted that the event’s 2025 edition will see a record expansion in area and participation, offering cash and in-kind prizes to heighten competition and excitement. It is also expected to bring together an elite section of luxury classic car owners from Qatar and GCC countries.According to the organisers, 15 of the prizes will be distributed to the top three winners in each of the five age-based categories: Pre-1947, 1948–1959, 1960–1970, 1971–1981, and 1982–1995.The remaining five will be presented as Excellence Awards, recognizing the Best Exceptional Luxury Car, Most Iconic and Distinguished Car, Best Preserved Original Car, Best Preserved Qatari Heritage Car, and Best Car in Show.“This exceptional edition will feature distinguished participation from GCC countries, showcasing an exquisite collection of luxury classic cars representing various historical eras. It reflects the regional prestige that this event has achieved over the years,” al-Yafei said, thanking their partners and sponsors “whose generous support has been instrumental in organizing this exhibition and similar events that celebrate Qatar’s classic car heritage”.“Such support reinforces the synergy between the private sector and the community in elevating Qatar’s tourism and cultural landscape. The event aims to inspire classic car owners, especially youth, to preserve, restore, and celebrate the timeless artistry of these vehicles, ensuring that Qatar remains a hub for automotive heritage and innovation,” he stressed.The Association partnered with leading organisations, including United Development Company (UDC), Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam), Qatar Museums, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, and Alfardan Automobiles Group, and Alfardan Hospitality, among others.Six judges, four international experts with extensive experience in classic car evaluation and two from Qatar who have served in four previous editions form part of the jury.Mohammed Zaidan al-Zaidan, deputy CEO for Operations at QM, said Qatar Auto Museum will take part in the event, showcasing one vehicle as a symbolic presence, without competing, joining the judging committee.QM, he added, will organize an educational programme designed to introduce students to classic cars as cultural and artistic artifacts combining engineering, design, and heritage.Mishaal al-Jaber, director of HR and Administrative Services at UDC, said: “At UDC, we believe such events foster community engagement and revive heritage in a modern form that reflects authenticity and refined taste.”Hassan Yousef al-Obaidli, director of Programmes at Daam, said: “Our continuous sponsorship of the event for the fourth time stems from our commitment to support activities that strengthen Qatar’s cultural and social identity and highlight its role as a distinctive destination for unique events.”Alfardan Automobiles’ chief marketing officer Hussein Omar Alfardan said: “Alfardan Automobiles is proud to serve as a main sponsor for this prestigious event, reinforcing our strategic vision to support Qatar’s tourism and economic sectors.“In line with our commitment to the classic car community, we have launched the BMW Classic Car Club, the first of its kind in the Middle East, offering enthusiasts exclusive opportunities to preserve and enjoy their automotive heritage.”Alfardan Hospitality COO Wissam Suleiman added: “Our partnership reflects our dedication to supporting national events that enhance Qatar’s global image as a hub of luxury, innovation, and cultural sophistication.”

At least 45,000 new jobs for women are expected to be created across the Arab region next year, an official of the UN Women announced today during a panel discussion held on the sidelines of the ‘Second World Summit for Social Development’, which will run until November 6 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).Speaking at the ‘Solutions Spotlight - Jobs, Skills & Care: Scaling Inclusive Employment for People-Centred Development’, Dr Moez Doraid, UN Women Regional Director for the Arab States, explained that employment generation for women in the Arab region is part of the ‘Surging Women’s Employment Initiative’ (SWEI) led by the UN Women and its partners.He said, “One of UN Women’s top priorities in the Arab region is to solve one of the most persistent problems, both in this region and globally, which is the low levels of women’s labour force participation. It’s a global problem, but in the Arab countries, it takes one of its most extreme manifestations: For the past three decades, women’s labour force participation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has stagnated at around 20%. That is nearly half the global levels.”Doraid pointed out that SWEI also aims to increase women’s labour force participation by “5 percentage points in five years” and also to address and overcome “a persistent paradox” in the MENA region, which is “the contrast between women’s capabilities that have advanced very rapidly primarily through educational attainment and their employment backlog.”Despite significant gains in education—where women now outnumber men in universities and make up 57% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates—employment figures remain stubbornly low, Doraid lamented.“Women’s capabilities have advanced because women’s illiteracy has been halved in the last two decades. Today, there are more women than men enrolled in universities, and 57% of STEM graduates in the MENA region are women. However, when looking at the workforce, the average labour force participation rate for women across the region is only 20%. There are notable exceptions, such as Qatar, where the participation rate is 63%, nearly three times the regional average,” Doraid further explained.He said, “Women are increasingly represented in STEM education and entrepreneurship. For instance, in the MENA region, the percentage of women tech entrepreneurs surpasses that of Silicon Valley. Additionally, a significant growth area lies in the green economy, which addresses both environmental challenges and enhances women's employment opportunities.“And it covers the entire spectrum of the value chain, empowering women from access to finance to sales, including both in domestic and external markets. The third is the care economy because women constitute the majority of employees in this dimension, as well as care services, such as day care services. And we are doing that by addressing three dimensions of both overcoming obstacles and enabling women.”Doraid noted that SWEI’s approach spans macroeconomic policy, legal reform, and norm-shifting programmes, such as the ‘Dare to Care’ initiative, which encourages men to take on more domestic responsibilities. Currently, women perform “4.7 hours” of unpaid domestic work daily, compared to just “one hour” by men, he also said.He also urged governments and partners to adopt conducive macroeconomic policies, enforce laws, and support cultural shifts that allow women to balance family and career. After the panel discussion, Doraid took to LinkedIn to summarise the points he raised at the Solutions Spotlight event.“Women in the region remain vastly underrepresented in the labour market, despite being among the most educated in the world. SWEI tackles this paradox head-on, working to create 500,000 new jobs within five years and increase women’s employment by 5% by 2030.“The initiative combines evidence-based policy reform, legal change, and social norm transformation - backed by powerful partnerships with Arab governments, the EU, Spain, Germany, and the Islamic Development Bank. It also builds on positive momentum across the region, where 72% of fathers express a desire to spend more time with their children and 86% of policymakers support extended paternity leave - strong indicators of evolving mindsets toward shared care responsibilities,” he stated.Doraid added: “SWEI drives growth where women already lead in the Care, Green, and STEM Economies, and partners with over 700 private sector companies under the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) to open new pathways for women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.”Ends

On the opening day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, convened two high-level sessions in partnership with global organisations to address some of the most pressing challenges facing youth and vulnerable communities around the world.EAA’s Silatech Programme, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), hosted a high-level session titled “An Introspective Look: From Challenges to Solutions for Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment Programming” The session will take stock of youth employability and employment programming and progress towards SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. As part of this examination, the high-level event aims to identify meaningful solutions to move the needle forward on tackling youth unemployment through encouraging innovative approaches to decent work and social inclusion. The aim of the session is to highlight the importance of prioritising relevant and responsive youth employability and employment programmes and policies that respond to the major global shifts and realities of today and the future.Speakers included His Excellency Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director-General of QFFD, Her Excellency Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of International Organizations Department, MOFA Qatar, , Ms. Laura Thompson, ILO Assistant Director General for External and Corporate Relations, Mr. Laurent Biddiscombe, Executive Director for Global Client Solution, AFD, Dr. Issa Faye, Director-General, Global Practice and Partnerships, IsDB, Ms. Susana Puerto-Gonzalez, Head, Youth Employment Unit, ILO, Ms. Hayfa Al-Abdullah, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director, QSTP,Ms, Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,Senior Vice President, Global Impact Initiatives, USCIB (US Council for International Business), and Ms, Carolin Vollmann, Head of Division in the International Department of the German Trade Union Confederationr, EAA. The panel also featured the voices of two youth changemakers, Sharon Odongo and Khalid Al Kuwari. Participants discussed how rapid technological shifts, climate change, and demographic transitions are reshaping labour markets, and underscored the need for adaptable, inclusive strategies that empower youth to thrive in evolving economies.**media[377313]**In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Kenya, EAA’s Silatech Programme contributed to the high-level panel “Unlocking Skills, Employment, and Resilient Food Systems in Kenya.” The discussion explored how public–private partnerships and national programmes can promote economic inclusion, adaptive social protection, and green value chains.Moderated by Ms. Rania Dagash, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, the panel featured Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (Kenya); Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer, EAA; Sheikha Haya Al-Thani, Deputy Director General of Planning, QFFD, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Deputy CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); and Ms. Betty Ka, WFP Kenya Country Director.**media[377315]**Speakers highlighted youth innovative Economic Inclusion Programmes and the power of collaboration between governments, international agencies, and the private sector to expand employment, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, and move from protection to long-term prosperityMr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, Said: “The sessions held today reflect Education Above All Foundation’s commitment to advancing practical solutions that link education, employment, and social inclusion. Through our programmes, we are addressing critical issues such as youth unemployment, economic empowerment, and the resilience of communities affected by conflict and climate change. By partnering with strategic organisations, EAA continues to champion education as the foundation for dignity, opportunity, and sustainable development.”Through these sessions, the Education Above All Foundation reaffirmed its global commitment to advancing inclusive education, youth empowerment, and social protection. By connecting education to employment, inclusion, and dignity, EAA continues to drive innovative partnerships that leave no one behind, ensuring that education remains the cornerstone of social and economic transformation.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met today with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre. During the meeting, they exchanged views on the most prominent topics on the Summit's agenda and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Nations. They also discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Chief of the Amiri Diwan, and a number of other senior officials.

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with several leaders of friendly nations participating in the Second World Summit for Social Development on the sidelines of the summit today at the Qatar National Convention Centre. His Highness met separately with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; President Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo; President Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; President Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan; and President Jakov Milojević, President of the Republic of Montenegro. During the meetings, they exchanged views on the most prominent topics on the summit's agenda, particularly those related to supporting the summit's outcomes in the areas of poverty eradication, promoting social development, and economic transformation. They also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and their respective countries in various fields of cooperation, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues of common interest. The meetings were attended by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Head of the Amiri Diwan, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a number of other high-ranking officials.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development at the Qatar National Convention Center Tuesday.The opening ceremony was attended by Their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies, leaders of sisterly and friendly countries, heads of government, and participating delegations.**media[377301]**During the opening session, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was elected Chair of the Second World Summit for Social Development.His Highness the Amir delivered a speech in the opening ceremony, read as follows: In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Your Excellency the President of the UN General Assembly, Your Excellency the Secretary-General of the UN, Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Honourable Audience, May peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.Our hosting of this summit... reflects our keenness to advance social development, support international efforts to eradicate poverty, increase job opportunities, and promote all that safeguards human dignity and social inclusion.At the outset it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Doha, wishing you a pleasant stay.The State of Qatar takes pride in hosting this summit, which comes thirty years after the first Summit held in Copenhagen in 1995. It is an event that affirms the spirit of solidarity and international cooperation in addressing the challenges that hinder economic growth, and slow down the achievement of human development goals, which will threaten social peace.**media[377299]**Our hosting of this summit stems from our firm conviction in the importance of collective action on issues that should not be contentious in order to address common global challenges. It also reflects our keenness to advance social development, support international efforts to eradicate poverty, increase job opportunities, and promote all that safeguards human dignity and social inclusion — ultimately paving the way toward a future of greater prosperity and justice for all.On this occasion, we value the tireless efforts of Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, which embody his well-known commitment to enhancing the work of the UN. We extend our appreciation to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs for its efforts in coordinating and preparing this summit.Qatar takes pride in its strong strategic partnership with the UNHonourable Audience, Social development is not a matter of choice-it is a fundamental necessity. As we commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the founding of the UN this year, this summit provides us with an opportunity to renew our commitment to its charter, to multilateral cooperation within its institutions, and to redouble our efforts to solidify the values of social development as an essential foundation for achieving security, prosperity, and stability for all.At the national level, Qatar has accorded special importance to social development and has achieved clear progress, as reflected in indicators issued by relevant international institutions. The State continues to work diligently in this regard-enhancing human development, improving quality of life, promoting prosperity and well-being, and advancing education quality, economic empowerment, healthcare, family welfare, and social protection.The Doha Declaration constitutes an ambitious document aimed at achieving the desired social development.The State, through the Ministry of Social Development and Family, has recently launched its 2025-2030 Strategy, under the theme: "From Care to Empowerment.” One of its main pillars is to build a cohesive society founded on justice, equal opportunity, and human empowerment- in line with the State’s strategies and Qatar National Vision 2030.At the international level, we recognise that the challenges facing realising social development-such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality-require collective cooperation and effective solidarity. Qatar takes pride in its strong strategic partnership with the UN, and has never faltered in fulfilling its commitments. It ranks among the leading supporters of the UN across various domains.Social development can never be achieved without peace and stability.The State of Qatar will remain an active partner in the international community and a supporter of social development efforts through its contributions and assistance to many countries and communities via Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, and others.Honourable Audience, The minimum measure of seriousness in addressing humanity’s shared challenges — such as environmental and climate issues, poverty, displacement, and human rights — lies in honouring commitments.In the case of social development, this requires translating the pledges made by countries in the Copenhagen Declaration into tangible reality, by addressing implementation gaps and prioritising innovative solutions, effective partnerships, and persistence in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The Doha Declaration, adopted at this summit, is the fruit of diligent and dedicated work, as well as extensive consultations held in New York. It constitutes an ambitious document aimed at achieving the desired social development. We commend the valuable efforts of the Representatives of Morocco and Belgium to the UN for their sincere efforts in leading and facilitating the intergovernmental negotiations.We are confident that the Doha Declaration, which reaffirms a political, economic, and ethical vision for social development grounded in human dignity, human rights, equality, and peace, will lend new momentum to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and will serve as a roadmap and solid foundation for addressing social development issues, particularly poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.We call upon the international community to redouble its efforts and extend support to the Palestinian peopleSocial development can never be achieved without peace and stability. We believe that the lasting peace — unlike temporary settlements — is the just peace. It is no secret that the brotherly Palestinian people are in dire need of all possible support to address the catastrophic consequences of the brutal Israeli aggression and to resist the establishment of an apartheid system in Palestine.We call upon the international community to redouble its efforts and extend support to the Palestinian people in reconstruction and meeting the basic needs of this steadfast people until justice is achieved and their legitimate rights are exercised on their soil and their homeland.It is high time to end the war in Sudan and reach a political solution that guarantees Sudan's unityIn the context of peace and stability, I cannot conclude this address without referring to our collective shock at the horrific atrocities committed in the city of El Fasher in the Darfur region of Sudan, and our unequivocal condemnation of these acts. Did we need further proof to understand that neglecting violations of States’ security, sovereignty, and stability, and turning a blind eye to civil wars and their atrocities inevitably leads to such tragedies. Sudan has endured the horrors of this war for two and a half years, and it is high time to end it and reach a political solution that guarantees Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.Honourable Audience, Our success will be measured by our ability to translate our commitments into tangible actions that achieve social development for all — especially in developing countries. Together, we can make this summit a pivotal milestone, ensuring that our deliberations lead to practical and effective steps that contribute to transforming the slogans of peace, social development, and prosperity into a tangible reality for all, without discrimination.In conclusion, I once again welcome you to Doha, wishing that this summit will achieve its envisioned objectives.Thank you.May Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.The opening ceremony was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, a number of ministers and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the state, members of delegations, representatives of regional and international institutions and organisations, and guests.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Tuesday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development currently held in Doha.During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to support and enhance it.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Tuesday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi Dr. George Thapatula Chaponda, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and means to support and develop them.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, held talks on Monday with the President of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock.The talks — held on the sidelines of the Second Global Summit for Social Development 2025 currently underway in Doha, focused on ways to further strengthen cooperation and partnership between the State of Qatar and the United Nations.The two sides also exchanged views on key issues featured on the summit's agenda, along with a range of topics of mutual interest.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, met on Monday with the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, on the sidelines of the Second Global Summit for Social Development 2025, currently underway in Doha.The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between Qatar and Albania. They also exchanged views on issues featured on the summit's agenda, as well as other topics of mutual interest.The Second Global Summit for Social Development 2025 brings together heads of state, government representatives, and international organisations to explore strategies for promoting inclusive growth and advancing social welfare worldwide.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Tuesday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapy, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and means to support and develop them.

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres affirmed that the Doha Political Declaration serves as a "booster shot" for development and a comprehensive, people-centered roadmap. He stressed that delivering on the declaration requires action in four priority areas: accelerating the fight against poverty and inequality; maintaining a strong focus on job creation and employment opportunities; mobilizing adequate financing; and upholding human rights and inclusivity for all.In his opening address at the Second World Summit for Social Development, His Excellency emphasized that the Doha Political Declaration can be translated into tangible outcomes by ensuring opportunities for all, grounded in the principles of social justice, full employment, and the preservation of human dignity.**media[377290]**He added that the convening of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha comes at a time when the world is witnessing profound challenges, including growing uncertainty, deepening geopolitical divisions, armed conflicts, and widespread human suffering. He stressed that millions of people continue to endure hunger, poverty, and unemployment, while many developing countries remain without the adequate support needed to confront these challenges.He explained that the Doha Political Declaration is, at its core, a people-centered plan to accelerate efforts to combat poverty and reduce inequality. It calls for comprehensive investments in food security, healthcare and education systems, water and sanitation infrastructure, adequate housing, clean and affordable energy, and robust social protection mechanisms, supported by reliable data systems to monitor progress.He called on governments participating in the upcoming 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil to present concrete plans to reduce emissions over the next decade, while simultaneously advancing climate justice for communities on the front lines of the crisis, despite having contributed least to its causes.He also emphasized the need to invest in the future of the planet through concrete plans to reduce emissions and advance climate justice. He urged countries to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support climate action in developing nations, to double adaptation financing to at least $40 billion this year, and to capitalize the Loss and Damage Fund with substantial contributions.**media[377289]**The UN chief emphasized that expanding employment opportunities is a central pillar of the people-centered roadmap. He stressed the need for governments and the private sector to promote decent work and fair wages, facilitate the transition of workers from the informal economy to green, digital, and care-driven sectors, and invest in training, skills development, and lifelong learning. He also highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to digital and artificial-intelligence skills, guaranteeing equal opportunities for women, strengthening care systems, and protecting workers' rights.With regard to financing, he underscored the need to strengthen the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, expand private-sector financing, alleviate debt burdens, and reform the global financial architecture to better represent the priorities of developing countries. He also stressed the importance of increasing the participation of these countries in decision-making processes to ensure inclusive and equitable global economic governance.He emphasized that any people-centered plan must uphold human rights and inclusivity, warning against the continued exclusion of many groups, including women, minorities, migrants, refugees, older persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and youth. He stressed the importance of protecting democratic values, enhancing women's participation, eliminating discrimination and gender-based violence, and building societies resilient to misinformation and hate speech, with human rights serving as a guiding compass for justice and a better future for all.The UN Secretary-General noted that the first World Summit for Social Development, held in Copenhagen in 1995, marked a moment of moral clarity in which the international community affirmed that true development is not about prosperity for a privileged few, but about ensuring opportunities for all. He highlighted that since then, more than one billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, global unemployment has fallen to historic lows, and access to healthcare, education, and social protection has expanded significantly. He added that life expectancy has risen, child and maternal mortality have declined, and the number of girls attending school, along with graduation rates for all students, has increased markedly.In conclusion, Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres stressed that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha represents a critical opportunity to rekindle hope through collective action. He called for translating the Doha Political Declaration into concrete reality through a bold global plan that addresses shared challenges and secures a better future for all.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent Tuesday a cable of condolences to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Edi Rama on the death of Albania's former Prime Minister Fatos Nano.