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

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

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

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

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

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