Search - World Summit for Social Development

The Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN, in co-operation with the Permanent Mission of France, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), organised a high-level side event on the margins of the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development, entitled “Delivering on the Doha Promise: Promoting Innovative Solutions for Social Development”, in New York. The event was attended by Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Her Excellency Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, and Anousheh Karvar, representative of the government of France to the ILO and chairperson of the ILO governing body. The high-level meeting, held at the UN headquarters in New York, brought together senior ministers and top UN officials, including Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland Kaisa Juuso, Minister of Social Services of Sweden Camilla Waltersson Gronvall, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance of Cyprus Marinos Moushouttas, Assistant Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator of the UN Development Programme Marcos Athias Neto, ILO Special Representative and Director of the ILO Office at the UN Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, and Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Co-ordination at UNDESA Bjorg Sandkjaer. In her opening remarks, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family underscored the strategic importance of the event, noting that it was convened at a critical juncture, only months after the Second World Summit for Social Development — a landmark milestone marked by renewed international resolve, revitalised multilateral co-operation, and a shared commitment to transformative social progress. Her Excellency highlighted the consensus adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, emphasising that it embodies concrete commitments and forward-looking measures aimed at promoting innovative solutions, strengthening comprehensive international co-operation, and advancing integrated, people-centred policies to achieve social development for all, in line with the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. She further drew attention to the Doha Solutions Platform for Social Development, describing it as a comprehensive, results-oriented mechanism designed to showcase practical and scalable policies with measurable impact in the areas of poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion. Her Excellency stressed that the platform serves as a practical instrument for monitoring commitments, fostering mutual learning, and sustaining post-summit momentum. She affirmed that the current session of the Commission for Social Development represents a pivotal opportunity to move decisively from diagnosing challenges to implementing proven solutions, underscoring that delivering on the Doha Promise constitutes the true benchmark of the international community’s success in achieving inclusive and sustainable social development through strengthened partnerships and collective action. During the discussions, representatives of governments and UN entities examined concrete pathways to advance innovative and actionable solutions for inclusive social development, building on the momentum generated by the Second World Summit for Social Development and the Doha Political Declaration, while exploring enhanced co-operation among stakeholders to address pressing global social and development challenges. 

Qatar participated in the opening session of the 64th session of the UN Commission for Social Development. Qatar was represented at the meeting by Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi. In her address, Her Excellency explained that the session was being held just a few months after the Second World Summit for Social Development, which was hosted by Qatar in November 2025, QNA reported from New York. She emphasised that the country has solidified its position as a leading global destination for dialogue and international co-operation. Al-Nuaimi noted that the Summit achieved great success and positive global feedback, and that the Doha Political Declaration served as an important roadmap for translating ambitious commitments into practical actions to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. She also pointed to Qatar’s continued notable progress across all pillars of its National Vision, particularly in the field of social development, where the family is placed at the heart of social policies, alongside efforts to empower women, enhance the role of youth, and support persons with disabilities and the elderly. Her Excellency highlighted the launch of the Ministry of Social Development and Family’s National Strategy for the period 2025-2030, under the theme: “From Care to Empowerment,” which aims to enhance community participation and expand social protection. She reviewed achievements related to women’s empowerment, including the 2025 amendments to the Civil Human Resources Law, which expanded leave entitlements and supported work-family balance, leading to an increase in women’s participation in the workforce to more than 63%, in addition to their leadership roles in higher education institutions. Underscoring the importance of empowering youth, HE al-Nuaimi noted the issuance of Law No. (22) of 2025 on the rights of persons with disabilities and the State’s commitment to international standards in this field. She also announced the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work, which recognises impactful initiatives. She concluded her address by reaffirming Qatar’s continued support for the Palestinian cause. 

Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Martin Chungong, applauded the close co-operation and ongoing partnership between the State of Qatar, the Shura Council, and the IPU across all areas related to activities and events organised at all levels and fields.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the margins of the 298th session of the Executive Committee of the IPU, which concluded in Doha on Wednesday, Chungong said that the co-operation and partnership with the State of Qatar have been ongoing for many years.Numerous joint events have been organised, the latest being a parliamentary forum with the Shura Council titled ‘Investing in People and Institutions: The Role of Parliamentarians in Social Development’, convened on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development hosted by the State of Qatar from November 4-6, 2025, Chungong highlighted, confirming that it was an utterly successful forum.Chungong praised the State of Qatar for hosting this session and for the outcomes it produced in advancing sustainable social development worldwide, adding that it is essential to collaborate with the State of Qatar and the Shura Council to ensure the existence of a framework and action plan to foster social development globally.Qatar regularly hosts IPU activities to discuss a variety of issues and topics of global significance, including, for instance, strengthening parliamentary efforts to support the peace process in the Middle East, he underlined. Chungong further stated that the IPU consistently seeks to deepen its collaboration with Qatar and continuously works to advance its shared agenda with Doha, benefiting from the expertise Qatar possesses in global peacebuilding efforts.In addition, Chungong said that first and foremost, he believes it is entirely natural for a nation so highly active on the international stage, such as Qatar, to host the activities and events of a global organisation like the IPU, emphasising that he has visited Doha on several occasions and has observed the nation’s strong commitment to the IPU.Accordingly, Chungong underscored that he feels a great sense of ease here when considering the issues on the Union’s agenda, such as peace and security and sustainable development, issues in which Qatar is deeply engaged. For all these reasons, he finds it entirely fitting to be in Qatar and to enjoy the warm and generous hospitality.Chungong further affirmed that the Doha session was extremely productive, expressing his sincere gratitude to the State of Qatar, and in particular to the Shura Council, for hosting the session and providing the conditions that enabled participants to conduct highly substantive deliberations and take decisions that will enhance the way the IPU executes its work in the coming months.He highlighted the appreciated efforts of the State of Qatar in mediation, which are welcomed by all, adding that Qatar has become a hub for anyone facing a problem or crisis in need of mediation and peaceful solutions. What distinguishes Qatar in this regard is the trust placed in it and its policies, and if one looks at nations that succeed in mediation in conflict situations, they succeed because they enjoy the trust of all parties involved, Chungong underlined.Therefore, he said, many are keen to come to Qatar, as they regard it as a neutral, non-aligned nation that commands trust, which is extremely important. He pointed out that it is no coincidence that Qatar is regarded as a hub for conflict resolution, as it has first demonstrated this commitment, and has also shown flexibility in addressing crises worldwide, making it a trusted crossroads for all parties.In an interview with QNA, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong commended the support as well as development and humanitarian aid provided by the State of Qatar to numerous countries and communities in need around the world. He noted Qatar’s commitment to its international obligations in these vital sectors, as evidenced by its hosting of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in March 2023.Chungong asserted that the role of parliaments goes beyond monitoring government performance to include contributing to peacemaking, crisis resolution, and the guarantee of human rights.He emphasised the crucial importance of parliamentary diplomacy in enriching traditional forms of diplomacy undertaken by executive government bodies since parliaments represent the people, speak on their behalf, and advocate for their interests, adding that any efforts they undertake in the areas of peace and conflict resolution aim to create conditions that allow people to live normal lives.When peace processes are completed anywhere in the world with the contribution of parliaments, they must be prepared to incorporate the outcomes of these processes into their legislative functions in terms of enacting sound laws to support the peace process outcomes, holding governments accountable for failing to implement internationally reached agreements, and, more generally, representing the people and providing the resources necessary for implementing the outcomes of peace processes, he pointed out. He emphasised that it is crucial for parliaments to utilise their roles and responsibilities to promote peace globally in these areas.In his interview with QNA, he discussed the IPU’s strategy for the coming years and its priorities, focusing on enhancing people’s well-being and ensuring that other actors work in tandem with parliament. This ensures that parliaments are not viewed as isolated institutions, but rather as part of a system with numerous institutions and stakeholders contributing to a shared objective.He revealed that the IPU is developing a new strategy for the period 2027-2031, stating that one of its key priorities is how to integrate new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into society and ensure their use for the benefit of humanity, while also minimising the risks associated with their development.He emphasised that the IPU’s strategy works with parliaments to ensure they are not merely consumers of these new technologies, but also the entities that establish a legislative framework for the responsible use of scientific and technological innovation-a crucial aspect of the new strategy.In a related context, he highlighted the IPU’s commitment to ensuring that parliaments are strong institutions in all the countries where they are present, and that they are better equipped to address citizens’ concerns and guarantee their well-being.At the end of his interview with QNA, Chungong pointed out that the current year, 2026, is the Year of Human Rights, and that it will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, the 20th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council, as well as the 60th anniversary of two fundamental covenants: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Therefore, more attention will be given to how parliaments can contribute to global efforts to promote and defend human rights. 

 The 45th regular session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs and the high-level Arab Conference on the Implementation of the Doha Declaration - issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development - concluded in Amman, in the presence of HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi. During the session, the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs approved a number of decisions related to the work of the council, following extensive discussions among the participating delegations. The participants stressed the need to prioritise social protection for the most vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities, the elderly, women, and children, and to promote social inclusion and economic empowerment policies, and ensure equitable access to education, health, and basic services. The participants agreed to prepare a comprehensive Arab action plan to implement the Doha Declaration, based on supporting the Arab Vision 2045, developing mechanisms for relief, early recovery and reconstruction, enhancing food and water security, technological integration and artificial intelligence, and supporting lifelong learning and entrepreneurship. The participants also called for intensified efforts to implement the Arab Strategic Framework for the Eradication of Multidimensional Poverty, support the operation of the Arab Center for Social Policy Studies and Poverty Eradication in Jordan, uphold the rights of persons with disabilities, implement the Amman-Berlin Declaration, and promote social dialogue.At the conclusion of the council and conference, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family voiced her appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for its excellent hosting and organisation, affirming the State of Qatar’s commitment to promoting social development in the region. 

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani stressed that Qatar is marking this year's anniversary of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, amid comprehensive achievements across all fields under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.The Prime Minister said the National Day slogan, "With You It Rises, From You It Awaits," underscores the country's confident steps toward the future, strengthened by the spirit of unity and belonging that binds the leadership, loyal citizens, and residents of Qatar. He noted that the slogan reflects the nation's expectation that all its people will contribute to sustaining Qatar's role as a leader in sustainable development, social welfare, and economic prosperity, while preserving the country's religious and national values, rooted in its Arab and Islamic heritage, and engaging creatively with global cultures and civilizations in the service of humanity.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the PM said that National Day is an enduring occasion to renew loyalty to the country's wise leadership, draw inspiration from the sacrifices and achievements of past generations in defending the nation, and work diligently to continue the path of progress, development and growth. He stressed that successive generations would remain faithful to the principles laid down by the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, ensuring that Qatar remains an oasis of security, peace, prosperity and noble human values.He said Qatar continues its development journey and is consolidating its leadership across sectors with clear vision and firm resolve, noting that the national economy has maintained strong growth while state institutions continue to translate Qatar National Vision 2030 into tangible outcomes, thanks to the wise directives of His Highness the Amir, particularly in energy, infrastructure, education, health care, social welfare, economic diversification, human capital development and innovation.In this context,he emphasised that the state and its institutions are moving steadily toward achieving the goals of Qatar's Third National Development Strategy for 2024-2030, which was developed under His Highness the Amir's guidance to realise the country's strategic priorities for this phase.On Qatar's efforts to strengthen regional and international security and stability, the PM said the country, through its active partnership with the international community, is doing everything it can to promote peace and international security and to advance sustainable development for all humanity. He added the founder had championed dialogue and peace, and that Qatar has followed this inherited path, with mediation becoming a firmly established principle enshrined in the Constitution, rather than merely a political option.He added that, through its quiet diplomacy and firmly established global credibility, Qatar has become a model in efforts to resolve complex conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means, as well as to prevent them through preventive diplomacy. He pointed to Qatar's mediation aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip, its positive contribution to facilitating a peace agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its broader mediation efforts extending from Latin America to Africa and Asia.He said that Qatar's approach to mediation, together with its hosting of major global events such as the Second World Summit for Social Development, the first formal meeting of the United Nations General Assembly to be held outside New York or Geneva, underscores the country's firm commitment to peace, international solidarity and multilateral cooperation, and reflects its standing as a strategic partner of the United Nations. He added that these efforts have strengthened Qatar's global stature and its active role at both the regional and international levels.He also noted that Qatar's official bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games highlights the country's advanced position on the international sports stage and its organisational readiness, demonstrated by its widely praised hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.The PM noted that Qatar's international distinction also extends to its ranking at the top among Middle East and North Africa countries in the 2025 Global Peace Index as well as its placement eighth worldwide and first in the Arab world in the category of the safest and most socially peaceful countries. He said that these comprehensive achievements drive us to give even more for the present and future of the beloved nation, under the banner of the wise leadership. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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