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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.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani met with President and CEO of Save the Children US, Janti Soeripto, at the Permanent Mission's headquarters in New York.During the meeting, they reviewed ways to enhance cooperation and partnership between the State of Qatar and Save the Children, particularly in light of the ongoing preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development, which Qatar will host at the end of this year.Both sides affirmed the importance of coordinating efforts to empower children and youth and to ensure their rights to development and education.

HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, Dr Hamda bint Hassan al-Sulaiti, has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting development efforts and promoting South-South co-operation through its global development partnerships and humanitarian initiatives.This came at the opening session of the third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum, held in Rabat under the theme “Interregional and intercontinental dialogues in the countries of the South: an essential lever for meeting the new challenges of international co-operation and achieving peace, security, stability and shared development,” HE Dr al-Sulaiti highlighted Qatar’s efforts in supporting developing countries.She pointed to Qatar’s development and humanitarian aid contributions, as well as its partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in supporting the Accelerator Labs initiative.HE Dr al-Sulaiti also emphasised the role of the Education Above All Foundation, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, which seeks to ensure access to education for marginalised children, describing investment in human capital as essential to achieving genuine development.In addition, she referenced Qatar’s preparations to host the second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025, a platform to address issues of social justice, the empowerment of vulnerable groups, and the promotion of global solidarity.She underlined the importance of digital transformation for supporting development in the Global South, noting that Qatar has become a leading example in leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to drive sustainable growth.She highlighted Qatar’s success in building a cutting-edge digital infrastructure and adopting ambitious national strategies, allowing it to rank among the top countries in technological readiness and innovation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.Digital progress, she said, plays a crucial role in boosting economic integration among Global South countries and tackling economic, social, and environmental challenges. She called for greater investment in technology and artificial intelligence as a core component of national development strategies.Addressing the challenges facing the Global South amid accelerating global changes, HE Dr al-Sulaiti stressed the interconnectedness of developmental, economic, and humanitarian crises, warning that ongoing double standards in the international community undermine the prospects for fair development.She drew attention to the plight of the Palestinian people under Israeli aggression, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, and warned that the lack of international accountability for such crimes threatens global peace and raises questions about the effectiveness of international institutions.Achieving sustainable development, she argued, is impossible without ensuring international justice. HE Dr al-Sulaiti called for a stronger role for regional and international parliaments and reforms to the UN system to promote fairness and efficiency.She noted the adoption of two resolutions by the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent regarding the Palestinian issue, calling for a two-state solution. The resolution emphasised the importance of adhering to international law and halting the aggression against Gaza, along with another resolution related to parliamentary strategies to mitigate the effects of conflicts on sustainable development, stressing that they are consistent with the State of Qatar’s positions in support of peace and development.HE Dr al-Sulaiti emphasised the need for comprehensive strategies focused on self-reliance, closing development gaps, infrastructure investment, unified economic policies, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and environmental sustainability through green initiatives and partnerships.In closing, she stressed that achieving the aspirations of the Global South for justice, development, and stability requires strong political will and a shared commitment to collective interests, calling for unified efforts to build a more just and sustainable future.Separately, the Shura Council participated in a forum session on the role of regional initiatives and dialogues in promoting economic integration and joint development among Global South countries. During the session, Shura Council Member Abdullah bin Ali al-Sulaiti outlined Qatar’s efforts to support economic integration among countries of the South.On the sidelines of the forum’s opening day, HE Dr al-Sulaiti met with President of the Chamber of Councillors of Morocco, Mohamed Ould Rachid. The meeting emphasised the importance of the topics discussed at the forum, particularly those related to enhancing South-South co-operation efforts, as well as reviewing ways to enhance bilateral co-operation between the two sides.She also met with President of Chile’s Senate, Manuel Jose Ossandon Irarrazabal, and President of the National Congress of Honduras and Chair of the Forum of Central American and Caribbean Countries, Luis Redondo, to explore prospects for strengthened parliamentary co-ordination.

HE Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, reaffirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting development efforts and promoting South-South cooperation through its global development partnerships and humanitarian initiatives.This came at the opening session of the third South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum, held over two days in Rabat under the theme "Interregional and intercontinental dialogues in the countries of the South: an essential lever for meeting the new challenges of international cooperation and achieving peace, security, stability and shared development,"HE Dr. Al Sulaiti highlighted Qatar's efforts in supporting developing countries.She pointed to Qatar's development and humanitarian aid contributions, as well as its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in supporting the Accelerator Labs initiative.Dr. Al Sulaiti also emphasized the role of the Education Above All Foundation, launched by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, which seeks to ensure access to education for marginalized children, describing investment in human capital as essential to achieving genuine development.In addition, she referenced Qatar's preparations to host the second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025, a platform to address issues of social justice, the empowerment of vulnerable groups, and the promotion of global solidarity.HE Dr. Al Sulaiti underlined the importance of digital transformation for supporting development in the Global South, noting that Qatar has become a leading example in leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to drive sustainable growth.She highlighted Qatar's success in building a cutting-edge digital infrastructure and adopting ambitious national strategies, allowing it to rank among the top countries in technological readiness and innovation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.Digital progress, she said, plays a crucial role in boosting economic integration among Global South countries and tackling economic, social, and environmental challenges. She called for greater investment in technology and artificial intelligence as a core component of national development strategies.Addressing the challenges facing the Global South amid accelerating global changes, HE Dr. Al Sulaiti stressed the interconnectedness of developmental, economic, and humanitarian crises, warning that ongoing double standards in the international community undermine the prospects for fair development.She drew attention to the plight of the Palestinian people under Israeli aggression, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, and warned that the lack of international accountability for such crimes threatens global peace and raises questions about the effectiveness of international institutions.Achieving sustainable development, she argued, is impossible without ensuring international justice. Dr. Al Sulaiti called for a stronger role for regional and international parliaments and reforms to the United Nations system to promote fairness and efficiency.She noted the adoption of two resolutions by the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent regarding the Palestinian issue, calling for a two-state solution. The resolution emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and halting the aggression against Gaza, along with another resolution related to parliamentary strategies to mitigate the effects of conflicts on sustainable development, stressing that they are consistent with the State of Qatar's positions in support of peace and development.HE Dr. Al Sulaiti emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies focused on self-reliance, closing development gaps, infrastructure investment, unified economic policies, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and environmental sustainability through green initiatives and partnerships.In closing, she stressed that achieving the aspirations of the Global South for justice, development, and stability requires strong political will and a shared commitment to collective interests, calling for unified efforts to build a more just and sustainable future.Separately, the Shura Council participated in a forum session on the role of regional initiatives and dialogues in promoting economic integration and joint development among Global South countries. During the session, HE Shura Council Member Abdullah bin Ali Al Sulaiti outlined Qatar's efforts to support economic integration among countries of the South.He emphasized that these efforts stem from Qatar's belief in the importance of parliamentary dialogue as a cornerstone for strengthening economic integration and building flexible legislative frameworks that support sustainable development.Participants at the forum focused on strengthening economic integration and promoting shared development among countries of the Global South, against the backdrop of mounting global economic and developmental challenges.Discussions also highlighted the importance of activating joint parliamentary action as a key driver for advancing economic integration efforts and expanding frameworks for cooperation among Southern nations.The forum further emphasized the need to support innovation, facilitate technology transfer between countries of the Global South, and invest in building national capacities and developing human capital, enabling nations to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the technological revolution.On the sidelines of the forum's opening day, HE Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, met with HE President of the Chamber of Councillors of Morocco, Mohamed Ould Rachid. During the meeting, they emphasized the importance of the topics discussed at the forum, particularly those related to enhancing South-South cooperation efforts, as well as reviewing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two sides.Her Excellency also met with President of Chile's Senate, Manuel Jose Ossandon Irarrazabal, and President of the National Congress of Honduras and Chair of the Forum of Central American and Caribbean Countries, Luis Redondo, to explore prospects for strengthened parliamentary coordination.

Represented by the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the State of Qatar is participating in the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, held in Beirut, Lebanon, from April 14-16, 2025.The forum is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), with the participation of ministers and high-level officials from various Arab countries, as well as representatives of United Nations organizations, civil society, and the private sector.HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi led the State of Qatar's delegation at the forum, which is being held in preparation for the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to be held in Doha in November. This reflects Qatar's unwavering commitment to the principles of fair and comprehensive development and to strengthening joint Arab action to address the social and economic challenges in the region.On the sidelines of the forum, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family met with HE Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Lebanon Haneen Al Sayed. The two sides discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation and the exchange of experiences in the areas of protecting vulnerable groups, responding to crises, empowering women, and supporting development efforts in the social and economic contexts.Her Excellency also met with HE Minister of Social Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic Hind Kabawat. The two sides discussed the importance of exchanging expertise in developing social policies, enhancing community protection, and economic empowerment for the most vulnerable groups, thus enhancing Arab countries' response to common social challenges.This participation is part of Qatar's active efforts to prepare for hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. The summit aims to reshape a new international vision that reaffirms the social dimension of development and promotes more inclusive, equitable, and flexible models in light of current global changes.

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Monaco to the United Nations, in their capacity as Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace, organized an event in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).Held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the event, themed "Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion," was intended to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025.Addressing the event, HE UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, underscored the unique capability of sport in bridging gaps and reinforcing integration, highlighting its role in beefing up job opportunities, combating discrimination, and building the abilities to adaptation, particularly in vulnerable communities.HE Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, noted the critical role sport plays in empowering women, emphasizing that sport helps break conventional strictures that could prevent women's empowerment.The second part of the event featured the participation of a host of athletes who have differently contributed to backing the efforts aimed at promoting the role of sport in creating a positive change in the world and communities, chief amongst them being Sheikha Asma Al-Thani, the Qatari mountaineer and partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); Jamal Hill, the American Paralympic swimmer and bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games; Justin Morrow, the American professional soccer player, social justice advocate, and Director of Partnerships and Sports Programming at the University of South California's Race and Equity Center; Veronica Shiffi, the American basketball player at San Diego State University; and Tegla Loroupe, the Kenyan former long-distance runner and sprinter, and global advocate for peace and women's rights.Sheikha Asma Al-Thani shared her personal experience, emphasizing that sport has been a vehicle for self-expression, surmounting challenges, and inculcating the hope in women and girls in the region to have dreams and belief in their abilities. She stressed the importance of families' support for girls to engage in sporting activities, noting the remarkable surge in the number of female mountaineers in the State of Qatar and the Arab region, as a testament to the positive shift in societal norms.In addition, Sheikha Asma Al-Thani talked about the role sport plays in serving global issues, shining a spotlight on the profound symbolism of holding the UNHCR's flag aloft during her career as a message of solidarity with marginalized and displaced communities. She commended the State of Qatar's role in deepening sport diplomacy, highlighting the humanitarian and cultural legacy of major tournaments like the Football World Cup.The participants deliberated on the profound role sport plays in shaping their identities and expanding their social and humanitarian prospects, as the topics ranged from mental health, social justice, awareness about climate and water, to emerging generation empowerment. They underscored the importance of international cooperation to capitalize on the transformative power of sport in building more inclusive societies, particularly for the benefit of youth, women, and marginalized groups, calling for sport to be positioned as a central pillar within the agenda of the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to be convened in Doha in November 2025. (QNA)