UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency announced yesterday the appointment of Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah bin Thani al-Thani; a leading Qatari philanthropist as UNHCR Eminent Advocate at a special ceremony held at the Palais de Nations, Geneva. The appointment comes following Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah’s landmark contribution of over $35mn earlier this year in support of vulnerable refugees and displaced persons in Bangladesh and Yemen, a UNHCR statement said.
“UNHCR is very grateful for the unwavering commitment of Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah al-Thani to support forcibly displaced people around the world. His exceptional generosity has contributed significantly to improving the lives of thousands of displaced women, men and children in Bangladesh and Yemen” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.
The signing ceremony was attended by Grandi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Thani al-Thani who attended on behalf of Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah and senior officials from the Thani Bin Abdullah Bin Thani Al-Thani Humanitarian Fund.
“It is truly an honour to support efforts which make a tangible difference in the lives of displaced people globally. Life in displacement can be immensely challenging for millions for people; this is why partnering with UNHCR ensures that critical assistance reaches the most vulnerable displaced people who rely on humanitarian aid to survive” said Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah.
Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah’s donation has benefited close to 1mn Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and internally displaced people in Yemen in 2019.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Sheikh Khalifa bin Thani al-Thani at the signing ceremony.
