The UK-based Start Network yesterday received in London a visiting
delegation from Qatar Charity (QC) to present its membership
certificate.
Start Network includes 42 national and international aid agencies and
humanitarian organisations from five continents and provides quick and
effective humanitarian assistance to those affected in the areas of
humanitarian crisis.
Start Network’s vice-chairman Matthew Carter, CEO Sean Lowrie and a
number of its managers and officers met with the QC delegation headed by
CEO Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Kuwari. In his welcome speech, Start Network
CEO Sean Lowrie said, “We welcome Qatar Charity and the fresh
perspective and expertise it will bring to the Start Network, as we lead
for change in humanitarian aid. Our newest member and its commitment to
humanitarian values are central to the Start Network’s ethos and the
driving force behind our work to improve the international aid system.”
Al-Kuwari expressed his gratitude on the QC’s admission to the network
and said this reflected the keenness of the Start Network to open up,
co-operate and co-ordinate with humanitarian organisations outside the
European Community and, in particular, with the humanitarian
organisations in the South.
He stressed that QC is keen to be an active and effective member of the
alliance in co-operation with the rest of its members in order to
develop and improve humanitarian work and enhance co-ordination and
co-operation, especially in the crisis areas. The CEO said QC has the
experience of more than a quarter of a century in the field of
humanitarian work. It operates in more than 60 countries through its 27
field offices as well as in partnerships with the United Nations
agencies, pointing out that QC made 42 co-operation agreements with the
UN agencies.
“Qatar Charity also actively works with many international humanitarian
organisations and institutions, which resulted in the signing of more
than 93 partnership and co-operation agreements so far,” added
al-Kuwari. QC joined the Start Network in February 2016 as an observer,
and in November 2017, it was granted full membership by the Start
Network Board of Directors on the basis that all membership conditions
are met.
The membership is a recognition for the vital role played by QC, as well
as for its capabilities and experiences that it has at the regional and
international levels.
The Qatar Charity and Start Network officials at their meeting in London.
