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Her Excellency Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani took part in the opening segment of a high-level dialogue organized by the State of Qatar in partnership with the Principality of Monaco, the International Organization for Migration, and Mission 89. The event was held on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development under the theme "Copenhagen to Doha: Tackling Vulnerability and Exploitation Linked to Sport - Supporting Safe and Inclusive Pathways for Youth to Realize Their Dreams."In her remarks, Her Excellency explained that the dialogue comes at a critical time, following the adoption of the "Doha Political Declaration," in which world leaders reaffirmed the transformative role of sport as a tool to promote inclusion and social cohesion, advance sustainable development, and integrate sport into national policies. She noted that the declaration emphasized investment in sports infrastructure, youth engagement programs, and expanding inclusive access as key pillars for achieving the three overarching goals of eradicating poverty, ensuring decent work, and promoting social inclusion.She added that the dialogue aims to shed light on practices that undermine the integrity and social purpose of sport, stressing that these challenges require collective action and innovative solutions to eliminate exploitation in the sports sector, including addressing frameworks to combat human trafficking through sport, protecting children and youth, and fostering safe, inclusive environments that nurture the values of discipline, teamwork, and fair play among future generations.Her Excellency reaffirmed that Qatar firmly believes sport lies at the heart of the social development agenda. She described sport as an effective tool for promoting peace, sustainable development, and building bridges between cultures and peoples, as well as for encouraging healthy lifestyles, preventing violence, creating decent job opportunities, empowering youth, and combating crime and drug abuse.HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN emphasized that sport represents a core pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to advance human development, empower young people, promote social inclusion, and encourage healthy living. She pointed out that Qatar has made substantial investments in sports infrastructure and has become a global hub for hosting major international sporting events.Her Excellency also highlighted Qatar's commitment to advancing the United Nations agenda on sport, noting that the country, together with the Principality of Monaco, submits every two years a draft resolution entitled "Sport: a global accelerator of peace and sustainable development." Qatar also supports the work of the Group of Friends on Sport for Development and Peace, which seeks to strengthen multilateral cooperation in this field.Her Excellency concluded by underscoring that Qatar's continued efforts reflect its firm commitment to global partnerships and international cooperation to promote safe and inclusive pathways for youth in sports by ensuring their protection from exploitation and empowering them to fulfill their potential in a secure environment. She affirmed Qatar's dedication to ensuring that sport remains a force for upliftment and protection of children and young people around the world.

The Qatar Chamber hosted "The high-level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation," from Nov. 6 to 8, 2025.The event featured the "Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities" and the "Arab Exhibition for Productive Families" held on the sidelines of the "Second World Summit for Social Development."The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League - Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, First Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Mohammed bin Twar Al Kuwari, stressed that the initiative represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market, and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasized that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al Kuwari also underscored the Qatar Chamber's commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the Chamber's encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased various products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors from several Arab countries.

Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Joyce Msuya has said that Qatar has emerged as a powerful force in humanitarian diplomacy, building bridges, offering support, and proving that global solidarity remains alive in an era of division . Her remarks came during the launch ceremony of a new partnership between the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Qatar Airways, aimed at sharing humanitarian stories with millions of travellers worldwide. She added that they are doing this through a new in-flight video that highlights the power of global solidarity and invites every passenger to be part of the solution. Speaking on the final day of the Second World Summit for Social Development, Msuya praised the summit’s spirit of solidarity and international cooperation, echoing the words of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, earlier this week. She noted that solidarity has enabled the world, in the three decades since the Copenhagen Summit, to lift over a billion people out of extreme poverty. Thanks to global solidarity, people are living longer, and more girls are attending school than ever before. **media[378842]** She emphasised that solidarity will be key to transforming the vision of the Doha Declaration into reality, a vision rooted in human dignity, equality, and peace. “True development,” she quoted the Secretary-General, “is not about prosperity for the few but opportunities for the many.” Msuya reiterated OCHA’s pride in partnering with Qatar Airways to share humanitarian stories with millions of passengers. She stressed that this is more than a partnership, it’s a meeting of minds. She added that they share a commitment to supporting the world’s most vulnerable, bringing people together, and promoting values of solidarity and compassion. She highlighted the significance of this partnership, which unites three essential forces: governments, the private sector, and the United Nations. When these forces collaborate, she explained, they can truly ensure no one is left behind, and that matters now more than ever. Addressing the global challenges of inequality, conflict, and climate shocks affecting the poorest communities, Msuya pointed out that over 300mn people worldwide are trapped in emergencies not of their making. They need hope and help, today, not tomorrow. Beyond the video campaign, OCHA and Qatar Airways are expanding their cooperation to include emergency air transport, cargo delivery, public engagement, and fundraising. Together, she said, they can move faster, reach more people, and turn compassion into action. She concluded by emphasising that social development is not just about policy, it’s about people. She added that it’s about inclusion, opportunity, and the belief that no one should be neglected because of where they were born or the crisis they face. She said that this is what Qatar has championed through this summit. It’s what Qatar Airways and OCHA are putting into practice, adding that it’s what we must all commit to, especially in a time when solidarity feels increasingly scarce.

HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met with Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Co-ordinator at the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Joyce Msuya, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha. **media[378828]** The meeting discussed co-operation relations between the State of Qatar and the United Nations, along with ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest. **media[378829]**

Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Developments and Family, Fahd bin Mohammed al-Khayarin, yesterday met with Under-Secretary-General of the UN, and Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Diene Keita. Al-Khayarin also met separately with Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Rania Hedeya.Held on the margin of the Second World Summit for Social Development, the two meetings discussed cooperation between Qatar and the UN agencies and international organisations, in the fields of social development and population.The meetings also discussed the participation in the World Urban Forum, scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan in May 2026, as well as the preparations for the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Reconstruction, slated for Dec 14-16 in Doha.Discussions also focused on ways to cooperate in developing social programs and building institutional capacities, strengthening the partnership between the Fund and Qatar on population and social issues, and keeping pace with demographic shifts in the region and the world. Al-Khayarin reiterated Qatar’s firm commitment to strengthening international partnerships and exchanging expertise, which contributes to achieving social development goals and empowering individuals, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stressed that Qatar’s support for the the United Nations is a leading example, praising the country’s role as an international mediator in conflict resolution and its active contribution to social development. In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Baerbock explained that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha underscores the need to move from promises to implementation through concrete action in areas such as education, employment, and social justice, thus contributing to achieving social benefits and healthcare for all people. She highlighted the importance of promoting social development and achieving global justice, noting significant progress in certain economic and social indicators despite ongoing challenges in other parts of the world. President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly said that the unemployment rate in Qatar stands at around 1%, while in some other countries it reaches 30%, reflecting the persistent gap among nations in benefiting from the fruits of social development. She stressed that failure to address crises such as hunger exacerbates displacement and migration, emphasising the need to break this vicious cycle by working on the three main pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, social development, and human rights. Baerbock added that the summit aims to accelerate progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that all goals are interconnected and cannot be achieved in isolation, especially amid global climate challenges that affect food security. She also pointed to the importance of linking the Doha Summit with the Climate Change Conference to be held in the Amazonian city of Belem, Brazil, and the role of nationally determined commitments in reducing carbon emissions. She affirmed that investment in renewable energy benefits strong economies and enhances their competitiveness. The president of the UN General Assembly emphasised the importance of international co-operation to achieve social justice, explaining that global challenges know no borders, and that the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the necessity of international collaboration in providing vaccines and addressing health crises. In conclusion, the President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock told QNA that supporting UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, is vital to preventing hunger and human suffering in countries such as Sudan, stressing that immediate funding and support are essential to ensuring a dignified life for people around the world.

The Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Thursday with the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) to enhance cooperation in exchanging expertise and implementing joint initiatives that support the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the Arab world. The MoU was signed by CEO of QFSW Rashid Mohammed Al Hamda Al Nuaimi and President of the AOPD Dr. Nawaf Kabbara on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, which concluded in Doha today. Al Nuaimi emphasized that this agreement represents a significant step in expanding Arab cooperation in the field of empowering persons with disabilities, added that it reflects QFSW's commitment to building effective partnerships with specialized regional organizations to unify efforts in promoting rights and achieving full inclusion in society. Dr. Kabbara said that the agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the AOPD, which comprises 16 Arab countries, and QFSW to advance training and development programs focused on disability rights rather than solely on care. He stressed the importance of working together at the national, regional, and international levels in this direction. The CEO of the QFSW held separate meetings with HE Director of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries Dr. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, and with the Community Development Authority in Dubai. During the two meetings, they discussed ways to enhance regional cooperation and exchange expertise among Gulf social work institutions. (QNA) QNA 0929 GMT 2025/11/06

Hosted by Qatar from November 4 to 6, the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) concluded Thursday with wide international praise for its outcomes and results in terms of advancing social development globally and linking it to sustainable development.At the closing session, the summit reiterated its welcome of the Doha Political Declaration, which was adopted by the conference. The declaration emphasized the inter-connectedness of eradicating poverty, providing decent work opportunities for all, and achieving social inclusion as essential elements for attaining sustainable development.It also provided significant impetus to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.In her address at the Summit's closing session, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stated that the Doha Summit marks a new beginning for advancing social development globally and achieving many goals related to improving education, healthcare services, communications, and other vital areas that serve societies.She noted that the Doha Political Declaration and its provisions, adopted by the summit, form the basis for building more just, secure, and resilient societies, 30 years after the first summit.She further said that the Second World Summit in Doha marked a turning point, as it moved from diagnosing problems to taking practical steps to solve them, thanks to multilateral efforts involving governmental and international organisations, civil society organisations, and the private sector.The time has come more than ever to capitalize on the great momentum generated by the Doha Summit after listening to and learning about the views of heads of state, heads of government, and all parties concerned with social development, she stressed, noting that the focus should now be on transforming the ideas and proposals presented into tangible innovations, actions, and initiatives by considering how to invest in the financial commitments related to the Sustainable Development Goals.The President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly commended Qatar for its outstanding organisation of the summit and its significant role in the success of this important global event.She also reiterated that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a just and lasting peace, as conflicts not only claim lives but also set back decades of social progress.Following the closing session of the conference, the UN flag was lowered at the Qatar National Convention Centre, officially marking the conclusion of the Second World Summit for Social Development.The summit saw the participation of approximately 8,000 representatives from member states, including heads of state and government, ministers, representatives from the UN, civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth. They all reaffirmed the importance of social development and the well-being of societies and presented practical solutions and proposals for achieving sustainable development through its social dimension.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met today with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan Semaya Kumba, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently taking place in Doha. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to support and strengthen it, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met today with CEO of Save the Children, Inger Ashing, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, currently taking place in Doha. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen and expand partnerships between Qatar and Save the Children. They also addressed a range of issues of mutual concern.

CEO of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work Rashid Mohammed Al Hamda Al Naimi held bilateral meetings on Wednesday with UN officials, including CEO of Save the Children Inger Ashing; Executive Director of UN Women Dr. Sima Bahous; and Deputy Executive Secretary for Programmes and Leader of the Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development Cluster at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Dr. Mehrinaz El Awady. **media[378358]** During the meetings, discussions focused on ways to cooperate in the areas of child protection and developing the skills of social and psychological professionals, as well as enhancing the role of women and empowering them in the social development process. The meetings also explored opportunities for the Foundation to participate in training and capacity-building programs, joint research projects, and coordination in future UN events and meetings. These meetings reflect the Qatar Foundation for Social Work's commitment to strengthening its regional and international partnerships and actively contributing to global efforts aimed at achieving social justice and inclusive development. As part of its participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Qatar Foundation for Social Work organized a dialogue session entitled 'Fulfilling rights: inclusive access to education and health through targeted reforms,' in partnership with the Creators Union of Arab and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). **media[378359]** The session was held at the Qatar National Convention Centre and was moderated by Director of Therapeutic Services at the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities Dr. Mohammad Telfat. Participants were Executive Director of the Shafallah Center Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi and Executive Director of the Al Noor Center for the Blind Mishal Abdullah Al Nuaimi. They discussed ways to ensure equitable access to education and healthcare for persons with disabilities, and the role of assistive technology and targeted reforms in promoting social justice and human empowerment. Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi highlighted the most prominent efforts of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities in supporting inclusive education and health through initiatives that combine vocational training, early intervention programs, and assistive technology, all of which contribute to developing the capabilities of persons with disabilities and improving their quality of life. She noted that the center launched the therapeutic program for Cerebral Palsy using the "Space Suit" as an innovative model in the field of motor rehabilitation, in addition to developing inclusive learning environments that rely on interactive technology to facilitate learning and access to therapeutic and educational services. Al Suwaidi emphasized that the Shafallah experience reflects the Qatar Foundation for Social Work's commitment to achieving equality and equal opportunities and promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the educational and health processes. For his part, Executive Director of the Al Noor Center for the Blind Mishal Abdullah Al Nuaimi discussed the advanced programs implemented by the center in the field of rehabilitation and inclusive education for people with visual impairments. He pointed out that the center is working on developing a system that integrates modern technologies such as 3D printing, smart Braille technologies, and digital talking programs, which contributes to enabling blind people to pursue their education and benefit from therapeutic and rehabilitative services with ease. He further said that the center places great importance on raising the efficiency of national staff and strengthening research and technical partnerships with universities and specialized entities, stressing that investment in assistive technology is a fundamental pillar for empowering blind people and enhancing their community participation. The session concluded with participants emphasizing the importance of investing in inclusive education and comprehensive healthcare as a key entry point for realizing social justice and promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society. The session also highlighted Qatar's pioneering experience in providing integrated education and health systems that take into account diversity and individual needs and reflect the state's firm commitment to the principles of sustainable human development.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 taking place in Qatar, world and football industry leaders have congregated at the Aspire Zone to take in the action from what is regarded as one of football’s premier youth tournaments. This included Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, who is in Qatar for the Second World Summit for Social Development taking place from 4-6 November. Speaking to the tournament’s Local Organising Committee, Baerbock stressed on the role of sports in bridging nations and promoting social justice: “The global community has convened in Qatar to highlight the importance of social justice in building stronger societies. The same applies to sports – you only win when you play as one team,” said Baerbock, who has previously served as Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs from December 2021 until May 2025. With 48 teams coming together to compete for the coveted FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 trophy, Baerbock believes that this tournament is a testament to the power of sports in uniting players and fans alike and celebrating global diversity. **media[378328]** “The U-17 World Cup showcases the power of playing as a team. On a football pitch, your socio-economic background doesn’t matter. What matters is that you score well and play as a team. It is through sports that the youth learn to embrace diversity and overcome challenges together. The world of politics could also learn from sports that you either win together or lose together,” said Baerbock. “With FIFA talent academies established around the world, and with the U-17 World Cup now turning into an annual event, more children and families will have access to football and sports. I believe sports, especially football, teaches children to honour rules. If we adopted the same mindset in international diplomacy, and played by the rules, we would have more peace in the world. Combining impactful social policies with sports is a win-win situation for all,” added Baerbock. The Second World Summit for Social Development is taking place in Qatar, thirty years after the landmark 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. The Summit brings world leaders together to redefine strategies for social progress, strengthen global partnerships, and promote inclusive policies that foster equitable opportunities for all. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is taking place from 3-27 November at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone. Tickets and match schedule are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa