Search - World Summit for Social Development

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani participated Tuesday in the opening session of the 80th UN General Assembly held at the organisation’s headquarters in New York.The session was attended by a number of Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies heads of state, leaders of governments and delegations, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani delivered a speech during the session.The following is an unofficial translation of the address:In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Your Excellency, Madam President of the General Assembly, Your Excellency, Secretary-General of the UN, Honourable Audience, May the peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you, The UN was established eight decades ago on a set of rules and principles reached by humanity after two world wars. These rules are based on maintaining international peace and security, respecting human dignity, states' sovereignty, and their internal affairs, and fostering international cooperation for the welfare of our peoples and humanity at large."Qatar has made a choice, as ever, to remain faithful to its approach of siding with the values and principles supposedly cherished by the international community"The fallback of this international order in favour of the logic of power means paving the way for the law of the jungle to prevail-where the concepts of law and justice become an irrelevant digression, and where those who transgress against others enjoy privileges merely by virtue of their ability to do so.This is the so-called new political realism, whose definition has been telescoped into nothing more than going along with the ability to impose a fait accompli. Such conduct embodies catastrophic myopia. Those who commit transgressions in international relations interpret tolerance towards them as weakness, and perceive those who tolerate their transgressions as crippled.“This attack was a grave violation of a state’s sovereignty, and a blatant, unjustified breach of international norms and conventions... we branded it as state terrorism.”The issue that should top discussions in international institutions today is how the collective security system could restore its strength in accordance with the UN Charter, and thus reinstate the effectiveness of the international legitimacy.Honourable Audience, As you know, on September 9, Doha came under a treacherous attack targeting a meeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation at the residence of one of its members in a residential neighbourhood hosting schools and diplomatic missions. Six people were martyred, including a Qatari national serving in the Internal Security Force- Lekhwiya, while 18 others sustained injuries as a result of this aggression.This attack was a grave violation of a state’s sovereignty, and a blatant, unjustified breach of international norms and conventions. However, the entire world was also shocked by the circumstances of this heinous act, which we branded as state terrorism.“Israel is not a democracy in a hostile environment, as its leaders claim. It is, in reality, a state hostile to its environment, complicit in building an apartheid system, and waging a genocidal war.”Contrary to the Israeli Prime Minister’s claim, this attack does not fall within a supposed right to track down terrorists wherever they may be, but rather constitutes an assault on a mediating, peace-making state whose diplomacy has been devoted to resolving conflicts through peaceful means, and has been making strenuous efforts for two years to achieve a settlement to halt the genocidal war waged against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. It was also an attempt to assassinate politicians-members of a delegation engaged in negotiations with Israel-while they were examining an American proposal to give their feedback. As you know, Qatar, as mediating state, hosts delegations from both Hamas and Israel during the negotiations.The mediation, in fact, has succeeded-in cooperation with sisterly Arabic Republic of Egypt and the US of America-in securing the release of 148 hostages. Motivated by hope to reach a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza Strip, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, we have continued the mediation even though Israel unilaterally cancelled the latest truce without providing any justification.They visit our country while planning to bomb it; they negotiate with delegations while plotting to assassinate their members. It is extremely difficult to deal with this mindset, which does not respect the most basic principles of human interaction. To expect predictable behaviour from such actors is almost impossible. Isn’t this the definition of a rogue government? No party resorts to assassinate the very delegation it is negotiating with unless its goal is to derail the negotiations. For them, negotiations are nothing but a continuation of war by other means, and a way to mislead Israeli public opinion.“The fallback of this international order in favour of the logic of power means paving the way for the law of the jungle to prevail—where the concepts of law and justice become an irrelevant digression.”If the cost of freeing the Israeli hostages is ending the war, then the Israeli government is abandoning their release. Its real objective is to destroy Gaza — to render housing, livelihoods, education and medical care impossible, stripping away the very foundations of human life, and thus paving the way for the displacement of its population. This is why its Prime Minister insists on prolonging the war. He believes in the so-called Greater Land of Israel. He views the war as an opportunity to expand settlements and alter the status quo at the Al-Haram al-Sharif, and he also has annexation plans in the West Bank. There is no longer any doubt that ethnic cleansing, changing the reality of the occupied territories, and even imposing new realities on the region are the goals of this war.This treacherous assault on the sovereignty of a Gulf state thousands of miles away has exposed that the Israeli prime minister, who boasts of having changed the face of the Middle East in the past two years, truly intends to allow Israel to intervene wherever and whenever it wishes. He has a pipe dream of rendering the Arab region as an Israeli sphere of influence.The Arab and Islamic nations, which convened a summit in Doha, have already warned of the grave consequences of such a dangerous delusion.Israel is not a democracy in a hostile environment, as its leaders claim. It is, in reality, a state hostile to its environment, complicit in building an apartheid system, and waging a genocidal war.Its Prime Minister proudly declares before his people that he has blocked the establishment of a Palestinian state, and he promises that such a state will never come into being. He boasts of having prevented peace with the Palestinians, and vows to block it in the future.Israel is surrounded by nations that have either signed peace agreements or committed to the Arab Peace Initiative. Yet Israel is not content even with settlements and truces, even those which are based on biased balance of power; rather it seeks to impose its will on its Arab neighbours.And anyone who objects to this is branded, in its propaganda, as either a terrorist or antisemitic.This is what public opinion — even in countries allied with Israel — has come to recognise and reject. Today, we are witnessing the inception of a global solidarity movement, reminiscent of the international campaign against apartheid in the last century.On this occasion, I want to avail myself of this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for the global solidarity with Qatar, including the statement by the Security Council unanimously condemning the aggression.Honourable Audiences, The state of Qatar has made a choice, as ever, to remain faithful to its approach of siding with the values and principles supposedly cherished by the international community, believing of the possibility of reconciling between these values and interests when policy is rational and realistic, while being unafraid to speak out for the voice of truth when silence prevails, and adhering to diplomacy when adversaries find it easy to use weapons.We have been engaged in arduous mediation to stop the war, grantee humanitarian aid flow, and secure the release of hostages and detainees. We have faced disinformation campaigns against our exerted efforts. However, these campaigns will not deter us from carrying on our efforts in partnership with the sisterly Arabic Republic of Egypt and the US of America.We are firmly convinced that peace cannot be achieved in our region if the international community, mainly the Security Council, does not take a firm stance to shifting from following the occupation’s attempts of imposing a fait accompli in its successive wars, to resolving the Palestinian cause on the bases of ending the occupation of Palestinian territories and allowing the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the 1967 borders, in accordance with the resolutions of the international legitimacy and the two-state solution agreed upon by the international community.We treasure the role of the states that recognised the State of Palestine. These recognitions undoubtedly carry moral significance since they convey a message saying that violence and excessive use of violence will not succeed in eliminating a just cause such as the Palestinian cause. We call upon all the other states to recognise the state of Palestine.We believe that instability has no boundaries, and that humanity’s destiny is interconnected, the State of Qatar has continued its diplomatic efforts to contribute to solving other crises, such as the war in Ukraine and the wars in Africa. Together with our co-partners in the African continent, our relentless efforts paid off valuable steps towards achieving peace, most notably the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Doha between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/ 23 March Movement, in support of a path leaded by the US to a comprehensive peace agreement in the east of the country. The State of Qatar will remain an active partner within the international community in resolving disputes through peaceful means and seizing opportunities to achieve global peace.Honourable Audiences, Some states in our region still suffer from a lack of security and stability, but what gives hope is the occurrence of some positive developments.Sisterly Syria has, since late last year, entered a new phase that we hope will be the beginning of a path toward realizing the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability, development, and the rule of law, after a dark chapter in their country’s history. Qatar has consistently stood by the Syrian people throughout the past years, and I continued to raise their cause from this very podium even when it seemed to have fallen off the agenda of international politics.The international community should seize the current opportunity to stand by Syria so that it can successfully navigate this transitional phase and enable Syrians to regain a normal life after decades of hardship. We have learned from our experience in other Arab countries that building state institutions, fostering relationships between the state and general public on the basis of equal citizenship, while respecting religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity, are of paramount importance at this stage. The state of Qatar will spare no effort in providing the necessary support to sisterly Syria. I am confident of the Syrian people’s ability to overcome the hardships of this transitional period, renounce sectarianism in all its forms, violence, and other divisive elements, and reject foreign intervention, particularly Israeli attempts to partition Syria and act as if the areas south of Damascus were areas of Israeli influence.Our sisterly Lebanon has also witnessed positive developments with the election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Republic and the appointment of HE Dr. Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister — this represents a significant step toward stability in the country. Qatar will continue to stand in support of Lebanon, its people, and its institutions, and to support the Lebanese army. We stress the importance of enforcing the UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas they occupied during the recent war, and cessation of their interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.As for brotherly Sudan, its people continue to suffer an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as a result of the ongoing violence.We reiterate our call for all parties to prioritise the supreme national interests and engage in an inclusive dialogue that leads to sustainable peace, preserves Sudan’s unity, independence, and sovereignty, and fulfills its people’s aspirations for security, stability, and development. We express our support for regional and international efforts aimed at achieving this goal.Honourable audience, Doha has long stood as a global capital hosting major political, economic, and sporting events, and acting as a hub that brings together leaders and decision-makers from around the world to deliberate and devise realistic solutions to common global challenges. We will host the Second World Summit for Social Development on November 4-6, 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to this conference.Undoubtedly, the confidence placed on us by the international community rests on a track record of successful organizational achievements the state of Qatar has realized over the years. Building on this solid legacy, we have submitted our bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, out of conviction that sport is not a mere competition but a bridge for connecting peoples and a platform for promoting peace and understanding. Our hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 is a testament of our ability to turn major sporting events into arena for communication and rapprochement among diverse cultures.In conclusion, The State of Qatar, mindful of the gravity of the challenges confronting the international community, reaffirms that it will remain faithful to its commitments to championing truth, building bridges of peace, and promoting justice in international relations.Thank you. May the peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.The session was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, and Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir.

The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric affirmed that the State of Qatar is a very important component of international cooperation for the United Nations, both in terms of diplomacy in its mediation efforts and in terms of humanitarian work. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dujarric stated that Qatar is one of the largest supporters of the UN agencies working in the humanitarian and relief field, stressing that "Qatar should be an example to other member states at a time when humanitarian donations have gone down. He noted that Qatar's signing of a multi-year funding mechanism with the United Nations is much appreciated, given the growing global humanitarian needs. He added that Qatar has played an extremely important role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, not only through funding but also by ensuring that assistance reaches those in need. "In that sense, Qatar has been very useful," he said. In this context, the UN spokesperson also said that they look forward to the State of Qatar hosting the World Summit for Social Development later in November, adding that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres will participate in the summit. Regarding the recent Israeli attack targeting the State of Qatar, Stephane Dujarric said, "it is obvious to all the esteem in which Qatar's role as a mediator is held because there was uniformity in condemnation, uniformity in expressing solidarity with Qatar," recalling that the UN Secretary-General was quick to condemn this violation of Qatar's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and that the Security Council also held a meeting and unanimously approved a press statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Qatar, noting that this a rare occurrence in this era. On the main issues to be discussed at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the spokesperson explained that this year is particularly significant as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the organization's establishment following World War II. He pointed out that the Secretary-General has put forward a reform agenda aimed at making the UN more effective, flexible, and responsive to the needs of peoples. He added that the Secretary-General's speech to the General Assembly will emphasize that this is a time for choice, and that member states must choose diplomacy, human rights, and climate justice, and choose for humanity to control technology rather than technology controlling humanity. He emphasized the need to reform the organization to empower member states to effectively pursue these priorities, anticipating that hundreds of bilateral meetings will take place between various delegations during the United Nations General Assembly sessions, representing a valuable opportunity for peace and advancing development goals. Regarding the New York Declaration, which was adopted with a majority of 120 votes in favor of establishing a Palestinian state, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General affirmed that the declaration shows that the world has not lost hope in the two-state solution, noting that the alternative to this solution is unsustainable and involves violations of international law. The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric concluded his interview with QNA by saying, "We were pleased to see this recommitment by a vast majority of member states. The Secretary-General will continue to work towards doing whatever he can to find a two-state solution."

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Amiri Diwan.Following the meeting, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi stated the following:At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet commended the positive outcomes and historic stances of the Arab-Islamic Emergency Summit, held on Monday in Doha, under the chairmanship of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to discuss the treacherous Israeli attack on the State of Qatar.The Cabinet hailed the significant contents of HH the Amir's speech at the opening of the summit, and the facts he presented about the objectives, dimensions, and repercussions of the treacherous Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, and His Highness's call for taking tangible steps to address the state of madness of power, arrogance, and bloodlust that has afflicted the Israeli government, and what has resulted and is resulting from it in terms of insistence on continuing the war of genocide, displacement, and settlement expansion in Palestine, and the blatant interference in the sovereignty of Arab states and finally, the treacherous aggression against the State of Qatar.The Cabinet affirmed that the summit, through the size and level of participation, and the resulting visions, stances, and decisions, had sent a clear message in the face of the state terrorism practiced by Israel against the region.It reflected, through the clear, sincere, and fraternal words of Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies, the heads of delegations participating in the summit, and through the final statement issued by it, the strong and unified Arab and Islamic stance in full solidarity with the State of Qatar, and absolute support for its security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemnation of the Israeli aggression against it, as a blatant aggression against an Arab and Islamic state that is a member of the United Nations, and represents a dangerous escalation that exposes the extremist aggression of the Israeli government and is added to its criminal record that threatens regional and international security and peace.This was in addition to praising the civilized, wise, and responsible stance adopted by the State of Qatar in dealing with this treacherous attack, and its steadfast commitment to the provisions of international law, and its insistence on preserving its sovereignty and security and defending its rights by all legitimate means, and emphasizing its constructive role, as well as its commendable efforts in the field of mediation and the positive impacts it has had in supporting efforts to establish security, stability, and peace, and its various regional and international initiatives.The Cabinet welcomed the results of the extraordinary session held by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Doha on Monday, chaired by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and the final statement issued by it.The Supreme Council condemned in the strongest terms the treacherous Israeli aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, expressing that this aggressive act represents a dangerous and unacceptable escalation and a grave violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.It affirmed the full solidarity of the GCC countries with the State of Qatar in all measures it takes to confront this aggression, stressing that the security of the GCC countries is indivisible, and that any aggression against any of them is an aggression against all of them, in accordance with the GCC Statute and the Joint Defense Agreement.It also affirmed the readiness of the GCC countries to mobilize all capabilities to support the State of Qatar and protect its security, stability, and sovereignty against any threats.The Cabinet reiterated Qatar's welcome of the statement unanimously issued by the UN Security Council on Thursday, condemning the treacherous Israeli attack on the residence of the Hamas negotiating delegation in Doha, affirming its solidarity with Qatar, support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its vital role in mediation efforts in the region.The Cabinet also reiterated the State of Qatar's welcome to the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the "New York Declaration" on the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, issued by the High-Level International Conference on the Settlement of the Palestinian Question, and its appreciation for the efforts of the fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the friendly French Republic that contributed to the issuance and adoption of the declaration, urging for practical steps and executive procedures to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, by ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.The Cabinet then considered the topics on its agenda, where it approved a draft law amending some provisions of Law No. 11 of 2016 regarding the Audit Bureau.This draft law was prepared to enhance the role of the Audit Bureau and enable it to exercise its oversight role efficiently, and to establish advanced oversight mechanisms that keep pace with the best international standards, which contribute to protecting public funds and consolidating the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability.The Cabinet approved the draft Cabinet decision amending some provisions of Decision No. 1 of 2023 establishing the technical committee to study fees for services provided by government agencies and determine its competencies.The Ministry of Finance prepared the draft decision in coordination with the Civil Services and Government Development Bureau to develop the mechanisms and system of work of the committee in a manner that contributes to achieving a balance between the efficiency and quality of services provided and ensuring the fairness and proportionality of fees.The Cabinet decided to approve a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the legal and judicial field between the Ministry of Justice in the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Justice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a draft MoU between the Real Estate Regulatory Authority in the State of Qatar and the Real Estate General Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for cooperation in the real estate field, a draft MoU for cooperation in the field of charitable and humanitarian work between the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA) in the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Social Development in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a draft MoU for cooperation in the field of charitable and humanitarian work between the RACA in the State of Qatar and the Rwandan Governance Board (RGB) in the Republic of Rwanda, a draft MoU for cooperation in the field of documents and archives between the National Archives of Qatar in the State of Qatar and the General Delegation for National Records in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, a draft agreement between the government of the State of Qatar and the United Nations regarding arrangements for and hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development, a draft MoU between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the United Republic of Tanzania regarding conducting political and diplomatic consultations on issues of common interest, a draft MoU on cooperation to enhance the development impact between the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in the State of Qatar, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Inter-American Investment Corporation, a draft air services agreement between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Solomon Islands, a draft air services agreement between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and a draft protocol between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Republic of Tajikistan on the agreement to encourage and guarantee investment.The Cabinet discussed the fourth annual report on the results of the work of the Permanent Committee for Punitive and Correctional Institutions for 2024.The report included a comprehensive presentation of the results of the committee's work during the year, the tasks implemented, and a statement of the practical steps taken to improve the efficiency of performance within punitive and correctional institutions and develop their rehabilitation and correctional programs within the framework of ongoing efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system and develop the environment of punitive and correctional institutions to achieve the desired goals of rehabilitation and reform, and to ensure their compliance with relevant national and international standards.The Cabinet concluded its meeting by reviewing three reports and taking appropriate decisions regarding them. These included: a report on the results of the participation of HE the Minister of Social Development and Family in the 23rd meeting of ministers responsible for housing affairs in GCC countries, a report on the results of the participation of HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry in the meetings of the 68th Ministerial Meeting of the Trade Cooperation Committee and the 54th Ministerial Meeting of the Industrial Cooperation Committee and the accompanying consultative meetings in the GCC countries, and a report on the results of the participation of HE the Minister of Justice in the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum 2025.

The State of Qatar affirmed that, through its various sectoral policies and strategies, it has worked to empower women and provide them with full opportunities in all fields through an integrated approach that works to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls, with an equal focus on social and economic aspects. This came in the statement of the State of Qatar, delivered by First Secretary at the Office of the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khalid Saeed Al Muqbil, during his participation in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development, item 3, within the framework of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He considered that the full and effective participation of women in all aspects of life, on an equal footing, is a fundamental and effective element for achieving development, and explained that while the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, Sustainable Development Goal 5 specifically emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women as a fundamental global goal for achieving sustainable development. He pointed out that Qatari women, at the national level, play a pivotal role in comprehensive development, and enjoy government support that focuses on empowering them in various economic, social, and political sectors, within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable society capable of achieving economic growth and social well-being. He highlighted the State of Qatar's hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in November 2025, expressing hope that this important global event will constitute an opportunity to enhance the full and equal participation of women in efforts to achieve and sustain development. The First Secretary at the Office of the Minister of State thanked the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Surya Deva, for his valuable efforts in carrying out his mandate.

The State of Qatar affirmed that it will continue to play its role as an effective strategic partner in confronting challenges and responding to global needs.Qatar has spared no effort in supporting the aspirations of landlocked developing countries and assisting them in their journey toward achieving sustainable development, under the wise directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, which embody a solid approach to strengthening cooperation and partnership with the international community.This came in the State of Qatar's statement, delivered by His Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, under the theme "Driving Progress through Partnerships."Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's welcome to the adoption of the Awaza Program of Action (APoA) 2024-2034, recognizing the structural challenges facing landlocked developing countries, particularly those related to transportation, transit, and logistics, which limit their ability to achieve regional integration and integrate into the global economy.She added that, in affirmation of its concern for the situation of the least developed countries (LDCs), including the LLDCs, the State of Qatar is proud of hosting the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries in March 2023, and to continue its pioneering role in implementing the Doha Program of Action (DPoA) 2022-2031. She indicated that in this context, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), is working to finance two projects within the program's outputs, which are concerned with enhancing food security and supporting countries' resilience and crisis-response capabilities. The State of Qatar is also preparing to host the high-level meeting for the mid-term review of the Doha Program of Action in 2027, to follow up on progress and enhance the implementation of commitments until 2031.Her Excellency highlighted that the State of Qatar is a major investor in the United Nations Development Program Accelerator Labs Network project. She added that last year, it also launched its initiative to swap debt for investment in education, in partnership with the World Bank, based on its belief that education is a fundamental pillar of renaissance and progress.Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Cooperation also noted the State of Qatar's readiness to host the Second World Summit for Social Development, affirming its unwavering commitment to social development issues and in line with its vision of placing people at the center of development and strengthening international partnerships toward building more just, prosperous, and sustainable societies. In this context, she said that the international community affirmed, through the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, known as the Sevilla Commitment, its commitment to continuing to implement the Doha Program of Action for the Least Developed Countries and the Program of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (2024-2034).Her Excellency Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad pointed out that the document called for strengthening efforts to achieve sustainable development and accelerating the integration of landlocked developing countries, least developed countries, and small island developing states into the international trading system by improving infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure, developing statistical systems, removing trade barriers, expanding partnerships, and facilitating access to concessional financing. She reiterated the State of Qatar's full commitment to working with all partners at various levels to implement the Awaza Program of Action and to continue its support for landlocked developing countries in their quest to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for their people.

HE the Shura Council Speaker, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, has affirmed Qatar's continued pioneering role in supporting and establishing the principle of dialogue and conflict resolution through mediation and peaceful means, stating that this approach is a consistent choice enshrined in the State’s constitution and is based on international laws and conventions.Speaking at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament held in Geneva under the title "A world in turmoil: Parliamentary co-operation and multilateralism for peace, justice, and prosperity for all," HE al-Ghanim expressed Qatar’s commitment to international partnership and co-operation.Qatar is ready to host the second World Summit for Social Development in November and is keen to strengthen social cohesion, achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, and support the most vulnerable groups, especially in light of escalating economic and climate crises.He pointed out the increasing challenges facing the world, especially as the expansion of conflicts and security threats highlights the failure of the international system and raises doubts about the effectiveness of its institutions in enforcing compliance with international law and halting violations, particularly in conflict zones, foremost among them Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories.HE the Shura Council Speaker emphasised the responsibility of parliamentarians to confront the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which has been subjected to genocide crimes by the Israeli occupation forces for more than 22 months amid the international community's inability to stop them or protect civilians.He condemned the ongoing killings, the comprehensive blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, and the systematic starvation policy used by Israel against civilians, stressing that the world’s silence on the cries of children and the suffering of mothers undermines the values of justice and humanity.He called for restructuring international organisations that have failed to fulfil their role in achieving international peace and security and restoring the ethical and humanitarian dimension in international positions and championing justice.He pointed out that the responsibility of parliaments requires a clear stance on the wars and tragedies the world is witnessing, especially famine and the deliberate targeting of women and children in Gaza, saying in this regard that the death of children from hunger is a disgrace on the forehead of the international community and humanity, and let parliamentarians around the world have a word of truth in stopping the crimes and killings in Gaza.On the sidelines of the conference, HE al-Ghanim met with Speaker of Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, where parliamentary co-operation relations and ways to enhance them in various fields were discussed.Earlier Wednesday, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council participated in a briefing session for Speakers of Parliament on the UN reform initiative, which included a comprehensive presentation of the initiative’s goals aiming to make the UN more just, effective, and responsive to escalating global challenges.During the session, views were also exchanged among parliament speakers on the importance of enhancing transparency and inclusiveness within the UN system and the role of legislative institutions in supporting reform paths that contribute to achieving international peace and security and sustainable development.In the same context, members of the Shura Council participated in discussion panels at the conference, including one titled: "Fast-forwarding the SDGs through Parliamentary Action," and another titled "The Role of Parliaments in Shaping Our Digital Future."

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable development through active engagement at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Led by QFFD Director-General Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, the Fund's participation emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable communities by unlocking innovative financing, strengthening local systems, and delivering lasting impact in fragile and underserved contexts. As the central platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the HLPF convened global leaders, development institutions, and civil society organizations in a collective effort to accelerate sustainable development. During the Townhall meeting titled "Unlocking Means of Implementation: Mobilizing Financing and STI for the SDGs," Al Sulaiti emphasized the vital need to expand access to innovative and inclusive financing mechanisms, while underscoring the importance of investing in local capacity-building as a cornerstone for achieving the SDGs and fostering long-term resilience. As part of its continued efforts to promote people-centered development, QFFD co-organized the side event "On the Road to Doha: From HLPF 2025 to the Second World Summit for Social Development," which underscored the pivotal role of social development in achieving sustainable outcomes. The session was opened by QFFD Director-General Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, alongside high-level leaders from the UN, member states, and key development institutions. The discussion helped shape a collaborative and forward-looking agenda for the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, to be hosted by the State of Qatar. In addition, QFFD actively participated in a range of side events spanning critical sectors and thematic areas, including youth employment, economic development, climate action, and innovative financing, demonstrating its role as a catalyst for cross-sectoral solutions and a contributor to global dialogue aimed at accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda. On the sidelines of the Forum, the QFFD Director-General held meetings with several officials and senior figures, including Executive Secretary of ESCWA Rola Dashti, Director-General of IOM Amy Pope, HE Minister of Social Security of Finland Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, and UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries Rabab Fatima. These meetings focused on enhancing cooperation and supporting development across various fields such as energy, economic empowerment, migration resilience, social welfare, and assisting the least developed countries.

More than 80 major international events now take place in Qatar every year, across diplomacy, technology, sports, trade and culture. This was disclosed by Executive Director to the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences (PCOC) Mubarak Ajlan Mubarak al-Kuwari, who noted that many events are strategically co-ordinated by the PCOC, aligning global conversations with Qatar’s National Vision. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Kuwari said that these events have made Qatar a venue for dialogue and innovative solutions, adding that when people think of Qatar today, they no longer picture just a small desert nation in the Gulf, but see a connectivity hub that brings the world together and a trusted international partner. He noted that the Doha Forum and Qatar Economic Forum brought together more than 8,500 people from over 160 countries. Almost half of them came from abroad to exchange ideas on everything from global development to humanitarian crises. He added that Web Summit Qatar 2025 saw more than 25,000 participants, 1,520 startups, and hundreds of investors and companies gathered in Doha, transforming the capital into a livewire of innovation and tech energy. He highlighted Qatar’s role as a trusted international partner. From high-level GCC summits to interfaith dialogues and ministerial meetings, Qatar continues to be the place where the region, and increasingly the world, comes to talk, listen, and collaborate. “In less than a decade, Qatar has evolved into a thriving international hub, and at the heart of this transformation lies a powerful force: events. From cultural festivals to global summits, Qatar’s deliberate investment in hosting meaningful, world-class gatherings is reshaping its place on the map, and in the minds of millions,” al-Kuwari said. He added that the past year alone saw over 5mn international visitors arrive in Qatar, marking a 25% jump from 2023. Nearly 10mn hotel room nights were sold, a record that speaks to the country’s growing magnetism. And 2025 is already off to a strong start, with 1.5mn international visitors in just the first quarter, with average hotel occupancy hitting 71%. He noted that visitors were arriving from across the Gulf, Europe, Asia and beyond, drawn by the country’s relentless rhythm of events. He said that none of this would be possible without the deep foundation Qatar has built over the years. Starting with Hamad International Airport, repeatedly named one of the world’s best, connects Doha to more than 170 cities. Inside the country, the sleek Doha Metro and network of highways make it easy for visitors to get where they need to go, whether it’s a business summit at a state-of-the-art convention centre or a cultural gathering in Katara. Al-Kuwari described all the factors feeding into Qatar’s hosting of the events were a winning formula. He pointed to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 51% of international visitors in 2025 came by air, 34% by land, and 15% by sea, a testament to the country’s multi-access strategy. He noted that Qatar has built not just connections, but confidence: this year, Doha was ranked the second safest city in the world, giving both event organisers and tourists peace of mind. He said that none of this momentum came out of nowhere, as Qatar proved its hosting credentials on the world’s biggest stage during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and that legacy continues to ripple outward. The numbers tell a compelling story: Qatar’s events industry is expected to grow by over 11% annually, reaching nearly $4.65bn by 2032. The WTTC projects the sector will contribute QR124.2bn to the economy in 2025 alone, supporting 350,000 jobs, and nearly half a million by 2035. International visitor spending is expected to hit QR98.8bn this year, and QR144.7bn within a decade. Looking ahead, al-Kuwari stressed that Qatar was doubling down. Later this year, it will co-host the Second World Summit for Social Development with the UN, an event that only comes once every 30 years. He said that such a milestone alone would be a defining moment for most countries. But for Qatar, it’s part of a packed calendar that also includes the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final (through 2030), the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, and the high-energy return of the Visit Qatar E1 Grand Prix of Electric Boats. “And alongside these headline events, there’s a vibrant mix of festivals, exhibitions, and sports tournaments that reflect Qatar’s growing identity as a place where cultures meet, and futures are shaped,” he added before concluding by saying that in a world searching for authenticity, Qatar is showing what’s possible when a country leads with “ambition, hospitality, and heart. The numbers prove it. The people feel it. And the world is watching.” (QNA)

HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi participated in the high-level Arab regional meeting in Tunisia to prepare for the Second World Summit for Social Development, which Doha will host from November 4-6.HE al-Nuaimi noted that the convening of the summit comes at a critical juncture in which the world faces serious and fateful challenges, including conflicts, crises, rising inequalities, poverty, and unemployment.These challenges, she said, place additional burdens on the ability of countries, including those in the Arab region, to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The minister noted that the success of the summit requires comprehensive, inclusive, and effective preparations, emphasising that the effective support and active participation of Arab countries in the various stages of the preparatory process and related negotiations will have a significant impact in ensuring that the final document is consistent with the regional context and reflects the priorities and core issues of concern to the Arab region.HE al-Nuaimi also held a number of bilateral meetings with the ministers on the sidelines of the meeting, where they discussed prospects for enhancing areas of co-operation and co-ordinating efforts to develop social development policies and programmes that contribute to supporting social stability and achieving sustainable development in the region.Several national initiatives and experiences in the areas of social protection and empowering the most vulnerable groups were also reviewed during the meetings.In addition, ways to strengthen regional and international partnerships to address current challenges and support efforts aimed at achieving comprehensive development were discussed.At the conclusion of the meetings, HE al-Nuaimi affirmed Qatar's commitment to continuing co-operation and co-ordination with various parties to ensure the success of the Second World Summit for Social Development and to unify joint efforts to contribute to establishing the foundations for fair and sustainable social development that fulfils the hopes and aspirations of the peoples of the region.

Amir attends dinner banquet hosted by the king and queenKing reiterates his country's solidarity with Qatar, condemns Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air BaseKing lauds Amir's role in facilitating Iran-Israel truceHis Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met Sunday at the Royal Palace in Seville with King Felipe VI of Spain, on the sidelines of a dinner banquet held in honour of the heads of state and government participating in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), organised by the UN in Seville.At the outset of the meeting, the king of Spain welcomed His Highness the Amir, expressing his gratitude for accepting the invitation. The king affirmed that this reflects the great interest Qatar places in supporting development, pointing in this regard to the Fourth World Summit for Social Development, which Qatar will host in 2025.King Felipe voiced his aspiration to strengthen relations in light of the agreements and memoranda of cooperation signed between the two countries, and the importance of supporting joint bilateral investments through small and medium-sized enterprises.The King of Spain also reiterated his country's solidarity with Qatar and its strong condemnation of the Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base, praising His Highness the Amir's role in facilitating a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel.For his part, His Highness the Amir stressed Qatar's keenness to consolidate relations between the two countries and push them toward a more advanced level across all areas of existing cooperation, particularly in the cultural, educational, and security fields, in a manner that serves the common interests of the two friendly countries.The meeting addressed the main topics on the conference agenda, particularly ways to activate international cooperation to support and finance development. The meeting also discussed ways to strengthen the close bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as the latest regional and international developments of common interest.The meeting was attended by a number of members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir, and by a number of senior officials from the Spanish side.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended Sunday the dinner banquet hosted by King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace in Seville in honour of the heads of state and government participating in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, organized by the UN.The banquet was attended by HE Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Guterres and Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez.The banquet was also attended by a number of members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir, and a number of members of the official delegations.Earlier, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani arrived in Seville, on a visit to the Kingdom of Spain, at the invitation of King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia.His Highness the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation.

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, the Arab Labor Organization, and the Arab Council for Childhood and Development have jointly affirmed that the children of Gaza are enduring one of the gravest humanitarian tragedies, with their fundamental right to life being flagrantly violated. They stressed that the ongoing situation in Gaza places the international community before an urgent moral and legal responsibility to protect Palestinian children and safeguard their rights to health, education, and a safe and dignified life.In a joint statement issued on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on June 12, the organizations revealed that recent statistics indicate the martyrdom of nearly 18,000 children in Gaza, while thousands of others have been deprived of the most basic necessities of life.The statement emphasized that the forthcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to take place in Qatar this November, represents a pivotal opportunity to address mechanisms for promoting decent work and combating poverty, the primary driver of child labour. The summit's outcomes are expected to contribute to the deliberations of the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, to be held in Morocco in 2026, thereby strengthening the synergy between national, regional, and international efforts.The statement urgently called on all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to protect children from all forms of exploitation and to uphold their rights as enshrined in international charters and agreements. It particularly underscored the plight of working children, who have been stripped of their childhood and innocence, subjected to harm both physically and psychologically, and denied their basic rights to education, development, and a life of dignity, humanity, and justice.The statement further called for intensified Arab and international attention and reiterated the need to reinforce regional and global commitments to eliminating all forms of child labour. It also pointed out that this year's observance of the World Day Against Child Labour comes while the global goal of eradicating child labour in all its forms by 2025 remains far from reach.It noted that the latest global estimates, issued in 2021, revealed that approximately 160 million children are engaged in child labour worldwide, 63 million girls and 97 million boys. This alarming figure is attributed to a succession of global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, ongoing conflicts and wars, rapid technological advancement, and widening social and economic disparities.The joint statement affirmed the unwavering commitment of the participating organizations to continue collaborative efforts to combat child labour and to support international movements and UN-led initiatives in this regard.It is worth noting that the International Labour Organization (ILO) designated June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002, aiming to raise global awareness about the prevalence of child labour and to mobilize efforts towards its eradication. (

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, met with Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.The meeting reviewed the State of Qatar's ongoing preparations to host the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to be held from November 4-6.