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The theme for this year’s Qatar National Day (QND) celebrations, With You It Rises, From You It Awaits, keeps people at its centre, which resonates with the focus and success of Qatar in achieving unprecedented progress in the realms of socio-economic and human development, Indian ambassador Vipul said in a message Monday. "On behalf of India, and the entire Indian community in Qatar, I wish to extend hearty congratulations to the leadership and people of the State of Qatar on the auspicious occasion of National Day of Qatar 2025,” he stated. "Today, Qatar is well-known all over the world not only for its energy production and world class infrastructure, but equally for being a thriving hub of culture, education, learning and sports,” the envoy said. “It has built some of the best known institutions in the fields of education and culture, such as Qatar Foundation, Qatar National Library and Qatar Museums,” Vipul pointed out. “In sports, we all fondly remember the success of FIFA 2022, as we also witness the excellent organisation of the FIFA Arab Cup this year.” "The forward thinking and inclusive approach of Qatar’s leadership, focusing on technology, innovation and sustainability as part of Qatar National Development Strategy, is opening up new vistas for development and co-operation,” the envoy continued. “The year 2025 has been important in this context, with Doha hosting prolific events like the Web Summit, Mobile World Congress, and AI Summit,” he said. "Qatar’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, including its mediation efforts in Gaza to achieve ceasefire and release of all hostages, is widely acknowledged and appreciated by all,” the envoy stated. “India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region and deeply values the important role played by Qatar in this regard.” “The Second World Summit for Social Development held recently in Doha demonstrated Qatar’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in our global sustainable development journey,” he added. "On Qatar’s National Day, I am delighted to recall that this year has been a special one for India-Qatar friendship, which dates back several centuries,” Vipul said. “We were honoured with the State Visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India in February 2025, during which both sides elevated their relations to ‘strategic partnership’.” "The Indian community takes great pride in being a part of the incredible journey of Qatar over the past more than five decades,” the envoy said.“I am grateful to the entire leadership and people of Qatar for the warmth and support extended to the Indian community living in Qatar,” he concluded. “As we look ahead, we wish continued success to Qatar, and look forward to being a continuing partner for peace, progress and prosperity for all humanity." 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is set to participate in the G20 Summit, to be held in Johannesburg later today, following a written message sent by President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa to HH the Amir that included an invitation to participate in the summit.The invitation reflects the prominent role of the State of Qatar continues to strengthen its presence on the global stage through its active role in mediation and conflict resolution, in addition to its advanced position in the energy sector, especially natural gas. Supported by a policy based on strategic planning and a balanced diplomatic approach, the State of Qatar has emerged as a trusted party, thanks to its well-thought-out strategy and balanced diplomacy.His Highness had taken part in the 19th G20 Summit in 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which was held under the slogan "Building a just world and a sustainable planet." The participation of His Highness received significant attention, reflecting Qatar's standing and the appreciation of its positive and effective role regionally and internationally, as well as its ongoing contributions to peace, development, and serving the causes of peoples around the world.The G20 was established in 1999 following the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998 as an informal forum for finance ministers and central bank governors of major industrialized and developing economies to discuss international economic and financial stability. The forum initially focused heavily on general macroeconomic issues but has since expanded its agenda to include trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, the environment, and combating corruption.The forum includes 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States, in addition to the European Union and the African Union.G20 members represent about 85 percent of global GDP, more than 75 percent of global trade, and roughly two-thirds of the world's population.Qatar's participation for the second consecutive year in this global summit affirms international recognition of its growing role regionally and internationally with respect to major security, political, and economic issues. Doha is seriously engaged in a number of globally strategic files.The international community's praise for the success achieved by Qatar and other concerned countries in reaching an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip stands as a high tribute to Qatar's wise leadership.The State of Qatar plays a pivotal role in supporting multilateral efforts to end different conflicts. This affirms its commitment to the principle of resolving conflicts peacefully through dialogue, preventative diplomacy, and mediation as a priority for its foreign policy. This is considered a constitutional commitment for the State of Qatar.The State of Qatar's participation in the G20 Summit will undoubtedly be an important contribution to the summit's economic agenda, as Qatar is a major global player in the international energy market due to its vast natural gas reserves, possessing the third-largest reserves in the world, and is among the most important gas exporters thanks to its fleet of Liquefied natural gas (LNG) export vessels and its expertise in exploration and gas production investment. In parallel, Qatar continues to strengthen its efforts to achieve economic diversification and attract foreign investment while developing advanced infrastructure including airports, ports, roads, bridges, tunnels, and various facilities. It also supports innovation, creativity, technological development, adopting the latest artificial intelligence developments, and cybersecurity requirements for national protection, thus serving as a global model in its aspirations and goals. Regarding global forums and international activities, Doha has consistently hosted major international political, economic, security, cultural, and sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. It also organizes global economic forums to promote dialogue and cooperation, such as the annual Qatar Economic Forum, an important platform bringing together global economic leaders to discuss challenges and shape solutions, aiming to reinforce Qatar's position as a trusted partner in energy and diplomacy. In early November of this year, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani graciously patronized the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, held to address shared global challenges such as environmental and climate issues, poverty, displacement, and human rights. In his opening address, His Highness stressed the need to translate the commitments made by states in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development into tangible reality by addressing implementation gaps and prioritizing innovative solutions, effective partnerships, and persistent efforts to carry out the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. His Highness also referred to the Doha Declaration, adopted at the summit, as the product of dedicated and intensive work and consultations previously held in New York, and as an ambitious document aimed at achieving social development. All the regional and international political and economic efforts and roles Qatar plays across various arenas, along with the rich record of flexible and successful diplomacy pursued by its leadership, have placed the State of Qatar among the pivotal nations with respected strategic visions and the appreciation of the international community.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), attended the final training exercise for national service recruits, held under the supervision of the Internal Security Force Training Institute.**media[383918]**A total of 1,842 recruits completed an intensive program that included training scenarios for Qatar National Day 2025 and preparations for securing the Second World Summit for Social Development.**media[383916]**The demonstration featured field exercises simulating a range of security operations, showcasing the recruits’ high readiness and capability to undertake upcoming security responsibilities — foremost among them the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, set to kick off this December.

The first consultative session to prepare the National Human Rights Action Plan (2026-2030) convened in Doha Sunday. The session was attended by His Excellency the President of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation Dr Hassan bin Lahdan al-Hassan al-Mohannadi, His Excellency the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, His Excellency the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi, Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, and Her Excellency the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah. Also attending were several officials and representatives of government agencies and national institutions, as well as a top tier of experts and representatives of civil society. The session is intended to weigh in on the key themes of this action plan, identify challenges and gaps, and listen to the attendees' views and feedback that would literally help prepare a holistic plan that reflects the community's needs and aspirations. **media[382705]** Overall, the session features deliberations that highlight the priorities for the upcoming period within the national framework for human rights. In her opening remarks, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairperson of the national committee for preparing the National Human Rights Action Plan Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad welcomed the participants, affirming that their participation underscores Qatar's enduring commitment to the values of human dignity, justice, equality, and the rule of law, values that essentially shape the essence of Islamic Sharia, Qatar's Permanent Constitution, and Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030). The preparation of this plan is neither a procedural action nor a tradition the world simply intends to pursue, but rather a national vision that expresses the collective will to bolster the system of rights and freedoms and the principles that place humans at the core of development and its aims, HE al-Misnad underscored. She added that from this position the plan, which needs invaluable contributions in terms of preparation and execution, represents a practical road map that primarily aims to transform values into legislation and policies and principles into measurable realistic practices, and at the end of the day human rights become a guiding approach in planning and crafting public policies in a variety of fields. **media[382706]** The move, she adds, comes in the wake of accelerating challenges the world is witnessing today in terms of climate change and digital transformation, as well as the resulting complexities that affect people’s lives and daily affairs. HE al-Misnad noted the Doha Political Declaration issued at the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, which underscores the inextricable link between achieving social justice and reinforcing respect for human rights. The declaration, she said, calls for a rights based approach to shaping and advancing social policies, upholding the rule of law and good governance, ensuring unencumbered access to justice, and building effective institutions. It also emphasizes broadening community participation for all stakeholders so that development remains human centered, affirming that social protection is a right, not a largesse. This plan represents an opportunity to translate the substance of the Declaration at the national level and to embody the nation's commitment to social justice and the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs anchored in human dignity, justice, and solidarity both domestically and within the international community, she points out. She further noted that the committee responsible for drafting this plan is laser focused on ensuring that the drafting process is grounded in five core principles, chiefly the universality, indivisibility, complementarity, and interdependence of human rights. This is literally the approach that binds their promotion, protection, and fulfillment to the shared religious, human, constitutional, and international values that underpin them, and to transparency and openness in sharing information and assessing the current landscape with all its achievements and challenges, and to broad based partnership and community participation through the engagement of state institutions, civil society, the private sector, academia, the media, and all stakeholders, reaffirming the principle of leaving no one behind, she outlines. Al Misnad stressed that institutional integration is essential to ensure the effective execution of the agreed upon actions, supported by continuous follow up and periodic evaluation to refine performance and safeguard the sustainability of the gains that have been achieved. In addition, Her Excellency expressed her profound belief that these five principles serve as a springboard for crafting a realistic, actionable, and impact sustained National Plan, one that stands in lockstep with QNV2030, which places the human being at the core of development, and with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which foregrounds good governance, human empowerment, and the preservation of social justice within a balanced national framework. The aspiration is for this plan to emerge as a unifying document that captures the shared vision of both the nation and society and becomes a national role model rooted in rights based planning, Her Excellency noted. She elaborated that the success of these consultative sessions hinges on engagement, constructive criticism, unencumbered reflections, inspiring ideas, and insightful proposals. This collective input, she highlights, will flip the script from mere textual commitments to a results driven plan whose impact is concrete in people’s lives, not confined to rhetoric. Al Misnad extended her profound gratitude to all partners from ministries, governmental and national bodies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector for their support and their engagement that is capped by success. Her Excellency further extended her profound gratitude to global partners for their steadfast engagement and for lending depth to this national endeavor, affirming that she looks forward to the outcomes of their constructive dialogue that confidently redound to the benefit of the cherished nation and valued society. Through collective effort, human rights are firmly anchored within the nation and the future of the coming generations is safeguarded, she stated. The assigned committee underscored that convening this session forms part of a participatory approach that reinforces transparency and ensures the broad inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in shaping the plan. This aligns with the Permanent Constitution of Qatar, QNV2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and international human rights standards. The committee noted that the session reconvenes Monday to continue discussions on the remaining pillars of this plan. It adds that additional thematic and forward looking sessions are held to guarantee the engagement of all segments of society in the formulation process, a step intended to ensure that no one is left behind and that the effort is capped by success in every conceivable way.

His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed the belief of the State of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that Gulf unity constitutes a fundamental pillar for preserving the region's security and stability and for strengthening cooperation to achieve prosperity for its peoples. Addressing the 19th meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, held today in the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency emphasized that the deep-rooted fraternal ties uniting the GCC countries transcend geographical boundaries and immediate interests. These ties are rooted in profound historical, cultural, and social relations, making a shared destiny and common interest a reality, not merely a slogan. He stressed that the Gulf legislative councils, through their regular meetings and ongoing coordination, have proven themselves to be a powerful voice for this Gulf unity, in addition to their unwavering support for unified Gulf policies and positions on various regional and international issues. His Excellency noted that the continued convening of GCC meetings reflects a shared understanding of the importance of parliamentary coordination and the necessity of unifying positions on major issues affecting the security and stability of the region and the world. He emphasized that the increasing political, economic, and security challenges make joint parliamentary action a necessity, not an option, and amplify the responsibility to defend the interests of the GCC states and their people, and to solidify the image of unified Gulf cooperation in various international forums. In his address, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council touched on the Doha Declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar in November of this year. He highlighted its international call for achieving more equitable and sustainable development based on eradicating poverty and promoting social justice. He stressed that achieving these goals requires an active role for legislative councils in supporting policies that promote human development and monitoring the implementation of international commitments, thus embodying a genuine partnership between parliaments and governments in serving humanity and enhancing its well-being. On the regional front, His Excellency stressed that Gulf security is indivisible, and that the security of any member state is the security of all. He then addressed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the principled and unwavering stance of supporting the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people and condemning the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians, which constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international laws and norms. In this context, His Excellency commended the honorable positions of the GCC states in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the Palestinian people in Gaza. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the fraternal solidarity shown by the GCC member states towards the State of Qatar following the Israeli aggression against its territory, as this solidarity embodies the depth of Gulf unity and the shared position and destiny. HE the Speaker of the Shura Council also emphasized the current need to activate the tools of Gulf parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen dialogue and coordination with Arab and Islamic legislative councils to formulate a unified vision that reflects collective positions and supports the goals of the GCC states in achieving security, stability, and sustainable development. He considered that the strength of the Gulf position in international forums stems from unity and the ability to present a consistent message that reflects the aspirations of the people and defends shared values. His Excellency began his address by expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to the House of Representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its generous hospitality and excellent organization, wishing it success in presiding over the current session and in achieving the aspirations of the legislative councils to enhance joint Gulf cooperation. His Excellency Speaker Al Ghanim, extended thanks and appreciation to the sisterly United Arab Amirates, represented by the Federal National Council, for the remarkable efforts it made during its presidency of the previous session, and for the qualitative initiatives it achieved that contributed to strengthening Gulf parliamentary work and unifying positions in regional and international forums. At the same time, he praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for its diligent work in supporting the joint Gulf action and developing mechanisms of cooperation between the Council's institutions.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani patronised the opening of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, held in Doha, with the participation of Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies — leaders of states, heads of government, and delegations from brotherly and friendly countries.

Qatar participated in the 41st session of the Arab Ministers of Justice Council, held Wednesday at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo. The Qatari delegation was led by His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa al-Hassan al-Mohannadi. In his speech, he reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to strengthening Arab legal and judicial co-operation. He highlighted Qatar's initiatives aimed at building sustainable justice for future generations, focusing on investment legislation, emerging technologies, governance, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The minister emphasised the role of the judicial sector in supporting investment and praised the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025 in Doha as a roadmap for promoting social justice, peace, security, and human rights. **media[381108]** His Excellency al-Mohannadi also expressed Qatar's gratitude to the Arab League and national committees on international humanitarian law for their collaboration in developing Qatar's proposal to establish a permanent Arab committee on international humanitarian law. He described the initiative as a milestone in Arab joint action, giving the Arab world a unified legal voice in defending justice and human dignity in conflict zones. During the session, the council discussed a range of Arab legal and legislative initiatives, including the Arab convention on combating terrorism, the Arab convention on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, the Arab convention on cybercrime, and the Arab anti-corruption convention. The meeting also reviewed draft Arab model laws, including legislation on hate speech, protection and assistance for displaced persons, refugee status in Arab states, and the protection of children from recruitment in armed conflicts. Ministers additionally discussed measures to enhance Arab co-operation, including co-ordination between the Arab Ministries of Justice and Interior, the creation of an Arab excellence award in applied legal sciences, and the review of recommendations from the 74th meeting of the Arab Ministers of Justice Executive Office.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Amiri Diwan.At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency commended the outcomes of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) held in Doha during the period of Nov. 4-6, under the chairmanship of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.The Cabinet affirmed that the summit, with its broad and high-level participation, rich discussions, diverse activities, practical solutions and proposals, and the visions, ideas, pledges and commitments included in the Doha Political Declaration - culminated during the summit, has marked a milestone in the course of social development across the globe, and has laid strong and solid foundations for global, comprehensive and sustainable social development.The Cabinet expressed its gratitude to all the relevant ministries and state agencies, whose outstanding efforts had the greatest impact on the successful organization of the conference and its achievements.After that, the Cabinet considered the topics on its agenda, as it approved a draft law issuing a unified system (law) for international land transport between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.The Cabinet decided to approve a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in the State of Qatar and the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) in the Arab Republic of Egypt for the year 2025, a draft MoU on cooperation between Qatar Central Bank (QCB) in the State of Qatar and the Central Bank of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Azerbaijan, and a draft letter of intent for cooperation in the health field between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Republic of Finland.The Cabinet concluded its meeting by reviewing two reports and taking the appropriate measures in their regard. The documents included a report on the outcomes of the visit of HE Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in September 2025, and a report on the outcomes of participation in the 11th meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Social Affairs and Development of the GCC countries (Kuwait - September 2025).

The State of Qatar, led by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has adopted peace, security and development as the cornerstones of its domestic and foreign policy, HE Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has reaffirmed. Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC) in Islamabad, HE Al Ghanim said Qatar's approach is rooted in the belief that peace is not built on power, but on justice and dialogue, and that true security is achieved only when people feel dignity, safety and fairness. **media[380326]** He outlined Qatar's balanced foreign policy, which prioritises the peaceful settlement of disputes and dialogue between peoples. He noted the country's active humanitarian and mediation roles in resolving regional and international crises -particularly its ongoing efforts to help end the assault on Gaza and alleviate civilian suffering. The tragic events in Gaza are a test for the conscience of humanity, His Excellency said, stressing that Israeli violations against civilians constitute a blatant breach of international law and norms and that continued occupation undermines confidence in the global system and fuels cycles of violence and hatred that threaten regional and global security. HE Al Ghanim also warned that the international community's failure to uphold peace and security - as seen in Gaza and Sudan, where civilians face crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing - demands a serious awakening of global conscience and renewed trust in multilateral action. He linked peace to development and social justice, citing Doha's recent hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development (November 4-6) as an embodiment of Qatar's human-centred development vision. The summit, he said, underscored Qatar's commitment to investing in education, health and empowerment as guarantees for stability and lasting peace. On the sidelines of the summit, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Qatar's Shura Council co-hosted a parliamentary forum on the role of parliaments in social development, which discussed legislative and oversight roles in supporting development pathways and promoting social justice. **media[380325]** HE Al Ghanim highlighted the summit's concluding "Doha Declaration", which affirmed that peace, security and development are inseparable, calling for fair and stable conditions to achieve inclusive growth and combat poverty in all its forms. He said the Doha summit offered a model of partnership between parliaments and governments, showing how shared roles in policymaking can link development with equality and justice. He urged parliaments worldwide to move from diagnosis to action, turning conference recommendations into practical initiatives. Concluding his remarks, HE the Speaker stressed the need for a rational and balanced voice that unites moral values with realistic policies and for parliaments brave enough to prioritise dialogue over conflict. He described the Islamabad conference as an opportunity to renew the global commitment to just peace, comprehensive development and social justice, values that flourish only through cooperation among peoples and the synergy of legislative institutions. At the start of his speech, he expressed gratitude to Pakistan's leadership and people for their hospitality and praised HE Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for his initiative in launching the ISC, calling it a valuable addition to the framework of global parliamentary cooperation. The ISC, inaugurated by HE Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focuses on the theme peace, security and development. It serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on conflict resolution, water, energy and food security, climate action, sustainable development, and interfaith and intercultural harmony.

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN in New York hosted a high-level dinner discussion for women leaders participating in the Second World Summit for Social Development, on women’s leadership and digital innovation for sustainable development. The event was held at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha in honour of President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, and Deputy Secretary-General of the UN Amina Mohammed.The dinner was attended by Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi; Executive Director of UN Women Sima Bahous, as well as a number of heads of delegations and women leaders participating in the Summit.In her remarks, Her Excellency al-Misnad affirmed Qatar’s steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateral co-operation aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are accessible to all. She stressed the importance of making technology serve humanity and measuring its success by how it benefits the most vulnerable groups, such as children, women, and persons with disabilities, particularly in conflict-affected areas. She also called on women leaders to work toward implementing and designing policies that contribute to building an inclusive digital future for all.For her part, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi said that Qatar’s approach to social development is centred on a human-focused vision that integrates innovation into policy design and data-driven decision-making. She noted that technology, when guided by ethical and inclusive values, can serve as a powerful tool to enhance human well-being.Her Excellency Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, who moderated the discussion during the dinner, emphasised that the event provided an opportunity to celebrate women’s leadership and its role in shaping a more inclusive digital future.It also served as a platform for reflecting on how innovation can support the implementation of the Doha Political Declaration on Social Development and advance the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Annalena Baerbock highlighted the United Nations’ continued commitment to supporting women’s leadership and ensuring that digital transformation becomes a driving force for inclusion, equality, and sustainable development for all. She added that strengthening women’s leadership in the digital sphere enhances the effectiveness of development solutions in addressing global challenges.Amina Mohammed commended Qatar’s role in advancing sustainable social development and promoting international co-operation toward a more just and inclusive future.She also praised Qatar’s initiatives to empower women and foster innovation as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.Similarly, Sima Bahous praised the Second World Summit for Social Development for providing a platform to reflect on how to place women at the heart of policies and strategies that leverage digital innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, to promote inclusive and sustainable development and help shape a fairer and more equitable future, in line with the goals set forth in the Doha Political Declaration on Social Development.

Qatar Charity (QC), in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), organised a high-level panel discussion titled ‘Building a Shared Vision for Humanitarian Accountability’ on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from November 4-6. The session underscored the critical importance of enhancing accountability in humanitarian work. Discussions focused on resource-conscious humanitarian response, ensuring that limited aid reaches the most vulnerable through transparent, people-centred approaches that uphold dignity and address real needs. The panel also emphasised the centrality of localisation, empowering local actors and communities to lead humanitarian action, as a cornerstone for trust, relevance, and sustainability. It further explored ways to integrate development efforts into humanitarian response to support recovery and resilience, paving the way for a dignified life through principled humanitarian action. This session took place at a pivotal moment, as the Humanitarian Impact Forum prepares for its first high-level meeting in 2026, which will be co-organised by Qatar Charity and OCHA. The forum seeks to redefine, measure, and achieve impact in humanitarian response. Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, and Joyce Msuya, assistant secretary general for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, United Nations opened the session. Al-Kuwari emphasised the urgency of the topic, stating: “We gather at a time when the humanitarian landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. Crises are growing in number and complexity, while resources and trust are under increasing strain. In such circumstances, humanitarian accountability is no longer a principle, it is a collective responsibility that gives our work meaning and integrity.”

The Qatar Chamber hosted the ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation’, which concluded Saturday in Doha.The event featured the ‘Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities’ and the ‘Arab Exhibition for Productive Families’ held on the sidelines of the recently held ‘Second World Summit for Social Development’.The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League – Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) – Bahrain Office, and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.The event was attended by Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari; Dr Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Mohammed bin Saleh al-Alawi, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain and chair of the 44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Dr Khaled Hanafy, secretary general of the Union of Arab Chambers; Ambassador Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary general and head of the Office of the secretary general of the League of Arab States;Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development of Jordan; Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidli, director general of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the Gulf States; and Minister Plenipotentiary Tarek al-Nabulsi, director of the Department of Development and Social Policies at the League of Arab States.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased a variety of products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors representing Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, al-Kuwari emphasised that the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al-Kuwari also underscored Qatar Chamber’s commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the chamber’s encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.