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The United Nations said Tuesday it had distributed food parcels to one million people in Gaza since the ceasefire, but warned it was still in a race to save lives.The UN's World Food Programme stressed all crossing points into the Gaza Strip should be opened to flood the famine-hit Palestinian territory with aid, adding that no reason was given why the northern crossings with Israel remained closed."Three and a half weeks into the ceasefire in Gaza, we have distributed food parcels to around one million people across the Gaza Strip," said the WFP's Middle East spokeswoman Abeer Etefa."That's part of the broad operation to push back hunger in Gaza," she told reporters in Geneva, speaking from Cairo.WFP aims to reach 1.6 million people in the territory with parcels, which provide enough food for a family for 10 days.However, to get operations running at the level required, "we really need more access, more border crossings to be opened and more access to key roads inside Gaza," said Etefa.The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10.Etefa described how the WFP was scaling up operations in Gaza and opened 44 of the 145 food distribution points it hopes to run.An estimated 700,000 people are now receiving fresh bread daily, supplied through 17 WFP-supported bakeries: nine in south and central Gaza, and eight in the north.The agency is hoping to get 25 up and running.Etefa said while food consumption levels had increased slightly thanks to the humanitarian aid and commercial trucks now allowed to enter, they remained well below pre-conflict levels.Furthermore, at this stage, households are still eating mostly cereals and pulses, with meat, eggs, vegetables and fruit being consumed "extremely rarely".Nour Hammad, WFP's spokeswoman in Gaza, said commercial food prices were still beyond the reach of most families, saying an apple now costs as much as a kilogramme of apples did before the war broke out in October 2023.The WFP said it had only been able to bring in roughly half of what was required to meet the food needs of people in Gaza."The needs are overwhelming," said Etefa, adding: "We are in a race to save lives."She said WFP trucks were still only coming through the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings, severely limiting the amount of aid that can enter Gaza, and posing a major obstacle to getting aid to the north."We actually haven't been given clear answers on why the northern crossing points are still closed," she said.

The State of Qatar has renewed its unwavering commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, affirming its continued support for the international organization, the strengthening of its partnerships, and its backing of reform efforts aimed at enhancing the UN's effectiveness and responsiveness to global challenges. This came in a statement delivered by Her Excellency Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during the Open Debate of the Security Council on "The United Nations Organization: Looking into the Future," held at the UN Headquarters in New York. Her Excellency noted that over the past eighty years, the United Nations has served as an indispensable global platform for promoting multilateralism and realizing the purposes of the Charter. It has achieved notable successes in preventing and containing numerous conflicts around the world, reflecting the organization's critical role in maintaining international peace and security. She emphasized that the State of Qatar has remained a strategic partner committed to the Charter and objectives of the United Nations, highlighting its leading role in mediation efforts, peaceful conflict resolution, and de-escalation in various regions across the globe. Her Excellency outlined Qatar's recent achievements, notably its successful mediation, alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Turkiye, and the United States of America, which led to a ceasefire agreement and the end of the war in Gaza, signed on the 13th of this month. This agreement was the result of two years of tireless efforts aimed at halting bloodshed, ending humanitarian suffering, and securing the release of prisoners and hostages. She added that Qatar continues its efforts in mediation and deescalation, pointing to its hosting earlier this month of delegations from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the caretaker government of Afghanistan, as part of its initiative to facilitate dialogue and promote stability between the two countries, in cooperation with the Republic of Turkiye. Her Excellency also highlighted Qatar's outreach to the African continent, noting that in March, it hosted a dialogue between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These efforts culminated in the signing of a mechanism for monitoring and verifying the ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on October 14, in accordance with the "Doha Declaration of Principles" signed in July 2025. She expressed gratitude to the United States for its fruitful partnership in this regard. Her Excellency stressed Qatar's call for a comprehensive review of the United Nations system, focusing on modernizing working methods and ensuring the implementation of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions in a way that guarantees accountability and avoids selectivity. She underscored the need for tangible measures to address the crisis of trust by reviving the spirit of dialogue, strengthening cooperation and unity within the organization, and ensuring pluralism and inclusivity in global governance, with greater roles for developing and small states in decision-making processes. Her Excellency also emphasized the urgency of accelerating UN reform efforts and supporting the implementation of the "UN 80" initiative across its three tracks, commending the proposals outlined in the Secretary-General's report titled "A Breakthrough for People and Planet: Effective and Inclusive Global Governance for Today and the Future". Her Excellency concluded by affirming the importance of the new peace agenda, which focuses on investing in prevention, addressing root causes of conflict, building sustainable peace, and enhancing mediation, stressing that the success of this vision requires effective structures and strong political will to improve coordination within the organization.

Qatar signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime during an official ceremony held Saturday in Hanoi, Vietnam, with broad international participation.The Convention was signed on behalf of Qatar by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad.In a speech during the ceremony, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation said that the adoption of the UN Convention against Cybercrime represents an important turning point in the international system and reflects a collective will to protect the security of peoples in the digital space, noting that cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical issue, but has become a pillar of international peace and security.She further said that Qatar was among the first to support the development of a comprehensive agreement based on international cooperation, protecting infrastructure, and strengthening national capacities, especially in developing countries. She noted that the agreement fills a gap in the international legal system and enables countries to work together to confront cyber threats that affect human security and the stability of societies.Combating cybercrime is an act of peace, Her Excellency said, noting that protecting the digital space contributes to preventing conflicts, building trust, and supporting dialogue between countries.From this standpoint, she added, Qatar's commitment to cybersecurity aligns with its established role in mediation, building bridges, and promoting peaceful solutions. Just as Qatar works to resolve conflicts in the real world, it also strives to prevent conflicts in the digital realm, believing that true peace encompasses all dimensions of human life.She noted the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime in Doha, which will contribute to capacity building and strengthening international cooperation, particularly in serving developing countries, in preparation for the implementation of this Convention.Her Excellency affirmed Qatar's commitment to being a reliable international partner in building peace and protecting security, in both the real and digital worlds, out of its conviction that protecting human beings and preserving their dignity is the essence of all security and peace.The Convention is the first UN criminal justice treaty adopted in more than 20 years, and the first global treaty on cybercrime and the exchange of electronic evidence related to serious crimes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a celebration on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) and the organization's international day, which falls on Oct. 24 annually, as part of celebrating the existing cooperation between the State of Qatar and the UN.In this context, Her Excellency Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi affirmed that over the past eight decades, the UN has been the cornerstone of the multilateral international system and a comprehensive platform for promoting international peace and security, advancing sustainable development, and protecting human rights around the world.In her speech during the ceremony, Her Excellency said that with the celebration of this distinguished legacy, the State of Qatar reaffirms its deep appreciation for the vital role played by the UN and renewed its firm commitment to the principles upon which the organization was founded.Her Excellency explained that this celebratory occasion represents an opportunity to review achievements and to explore the prospects for future joint action to confront the renewed challenges in the world, which today require strengthening international cooperation and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the values ​​of solidarity, partnership, and mutual respect, for a better future for humanity.HE Minister of Social Development and Family expressed the State of Qatar's pride regarding its close and strategic relationship with the UN and its various bodies and agencies, noting that this partnership is based on solid foundations of cooperation and coordination on many priority issues.The State of Qatar's commitment to being an active partner in supporting the UN's efforts in the areas of education, health, humanitarian action, development, women and youth empowerment, promoting peace, and resolving conflicts through peaceful means, reflects its unwavering commitment to its role as a responsible member of the international community, Her Excellency pointed out.The 80th anniversary of the UN comes at a time when the State of Qatar is preparing to host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November, in partnership with the UN, HE explained. This summit will represent a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the social dimension in achieving sustainable development and promoting policies that ensure social justice and human dignity, especially in light of the multiple challenges the world is witnessing, including increasing poverty, social inequality, and profound demographic and economic changes.Qatar's hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development reflects the state's deep belief in the importance of international cooperation in addressing social challenges and expanding the scope of social justice, thus achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, Her Excellency said. She also noted that the State of Qatar looks forward to continuing to strengthen its partnership with the UN and working towards a future of peace, justice, and development for all.On behalf of HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Her Excellency Director of International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that this occasion is the culmination of a long journey of collective action to serve international peace and security, and to promote development, justice, and human rights around the world.In her speech during the ceremony, Her Excellency highlighted the UN's pivotal role in addressing global challenges, and referred to the close partnership between the State of Qatar and the organization and its specialized institutions.Since joining the UN, the State of Qatar believed in the importance of multilateralism and joint international action, and has made supporting the efforts of the UN a fundamental pillar of its foreign policy, based on its firm commitment to its international responsibilities, Her Excellency pointed out.HE Director of International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Qatar is preparing to host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November, in partnership with the UN. This reaffirms the importance of social development as a cornerstone for achieving peace, stability, and prosperity. This summit also represents a renewed opportunity to unify international efforts to enhance social cohesion, confront marginalization, and achieve social justice for all.HE explained that the summit comes at a time when the world is witnessing profound transformations and intertwined challenges, requiring all to strengthen multilateral cooperation and activate international mechanisms to achieve sustainable development goals, especially in light of the economic, environmental, and humanitarian crises witnessed globally.The 80th anniversary of the UN's founding represents a moment of contemplation of the achievements made despite challenges, and a moment of anticipation of a more united and just international path, she added.Her Excellency said that today, the State of Qatar renews its firm commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and to working together for a world built on dialogue and understanding, in which human dignity is preserved, and policies are formulated on the foundations of sustainable development, social justice, and mutual respect.For her part, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed said that with the celebration of UN Day, which marked 80 years since the UN Charter came to be, through which nations chose cooperation over conflict and declared that peace, justice and dignity are the right of everyone, everywhere.She said in a video address broadcast during the ceremony that the UN Charter remains the compass, but what the world envisions has not yet been achieved, especially with the emergence of new conflicts, growing inequalities, and the emergence of modern technologies that are reshaping the world. She also noted that the UN must be prepared for what lies ahead.She added that with five years to go until 2030, the world knows that we are not where we should be, and that the Sustainable Development Goals remain unfinished business. She explained the urgent need to accelerate the pace and intensify action, by addressing inequality, reforming the international financial architecture, raising climate ambition, achieving a just energy transition, and ensuring that women and youth have the power to lead change.Deputy Secretary-General of the UN noted that all UN teams in all countries are working to advance this work and bring the UN closer to the people it serves. Her Excellency noted that, after 80 years, the world still looks to the UN as a source of hope, and therefore, there must be continued work aimed for a world of peace and opportunity and dignity for all.In turn, HE Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for Gulf States and Yemen, and Director of its Doha Office, Salah Khaled, said the State of Qatar hosts 13 UN agencies, with more than 300 staff working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, support Qatar National Vision 2030, and respond together to regional and global challenges.In his speech during the ceremony, His Excellency added that their partnership with the State of Qatar encompasses education, innovation, climate resilience, social inclusion, labor mobility, cultural heritage, and other areas. He emphasized that Qatar has been and will remain a key partner in transforming the UN's principles into a tangible reality.His Excellency added that the State of Qatar, through the call launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, was the initiator of the establishment of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, which was celebrated for the first time in 2020 by the Education Above All Foundation, UNICEF, and UNESCO.HE pointed out that Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development, recently provided a $20 million grant in 2023 to support the efforts of the Education Cannot Wait initiative, a global fund established by the UN to support education in emergencies and protracted crises.His Excellency praised Qatar's diplomatic mediation efforts and its success in leading negotiations aimed at ending conflicts and preserving peace, while advocating for human rights, and described these efforts as commendable.

The State of Qatar participated in the Ukraine Mine Action Conference, held in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on Oct. 22–23, with the participation of senior representatives from more than fifty countries and international organizations. The Qatari delegation was headed by His Excellency Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan Jaber Jaralla Al Marri, with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Defense. The conference, organized by the Government of Japan in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations, aimed to raise awareness and promote partnerships and international cooperation in the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Ukrainian territories. The State of Qatar's participation in this international event reflects its continued commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts, enhancing international peace and security, and maintaining its active role as a partner in multilateral initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of conflicts and promoting global stability.

Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini said that it is time to allow widespread humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip. Lazzarini said via X platform that the exchange of prisoners and detainees, as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, "sheds some light of hope after more than 2 years of total darkness." "It is time to build a future of peace through healing, justice and mutual recognition. Time to let in humanitarian aid at scale, including through UNRWA," he added.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has announced the release of Qatar's Second National Communication (NC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), reaffirming the country's commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in addressing climate challenges.The National Communication is an official document submitted by member states to the Convention Secretariat. It includes detailed data on greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation and adaptation policies and measures, as well as programs and initiatives related to sustainable development, with the aim of showcasing progress made in meeting climate commitments.In a statement issued Saturday, the Ministry explained that the preparation of the report took nearly two years of collaborative work involving government and semi-government entities, academic institutions, and national research centers.The data collection and analysis process adhered to the highest international standards to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.The issuance of the Second National Communication underscores Qatar's dedication to documenting its climate efforts within an institutional framework that integrates technical expertise and scientific knowledge.This contributes to the formulation of evidence-based policies that support sustainable development goals and align with Qatar National Vision 2030.This report reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to climate action and its active role in supporting international efforts to combat climate change.It also highlights the country's contribution to promoting knowledge exchange and sharing expertise with the global community, while reinforcing its presence in international environmental forums.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has welcomed the UN80 Initiative, launched by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as a key effort to make the United Nations more efficient, coherent, and fair in tackling contemporary global challenges. The GCC affirmed its support for efforts to reform the UN system and better meet the expectations of member states. This announcement was made during a speech delivered by Abdallah Al Fadhli, Diplomatic Attache of the State of Kuwait, on behalf of the Gulf Group before the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, under the agenda item "Organization of Work." Al Fadhli said that any reform must be anchored in the UN's three pillars: maintaining international peace and security, advancing human rights, and achieving sustainable development. He underscored the importance of a practical and constructive approach based on transparency, inclusiveness, and meaningful participation of all member states. He stressed the Gulf Group's readiness to engage constructively with all UN delegations and to promote consensus-building in the interest of achieving global goals. He reaffirmed the Group's belief that equality and inclusiveness among member states are essential to building an international order grounded in fairness and balance. Al Fadhli highlighted that enhancing fair representation and developing mechanisms for multilingualism within UN bodies are necessary, consistent with member states' aspirations for justice and equity. He specifically emphasized the importance of consolidating Arabic's status among the UN's six official languages since 1973, as a matter of equal access for Arabic-speaking peoples. He concluded by reaffirming the Gulf Group's commitment to collective and multilateral action under the UN framework, and its support for initiatives aiming to reinforce the Organization's effectiveness, strengthen its principles, and promote a just, inclusive, and sustainable international partnership.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for its joint invaluable mediation work to end the tragic war in the Gaza Strip. In a press statement, the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said he is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage in negotiations on the basis of the recent proposal presented by the President of the United States of America Donald Trump. The Secretary-General urged all parties to seize the opportunity to end the war in Gaza and reiterated his consistent call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access.

The Iranian rial plummeted to a record low against the US dollar on Sunday after the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions, according to currency-tracking websites.On the black market, the rial was trading at around 1.12 million rials against the dollar, the Bonbast and AlanChand websites reported, about a month after it had been slightly above one million rials to the greenback.

The State of Qatar participated in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, held in New York under the theme: "Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being."The delegation of the State of Qatar was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud.In his address, HE Al Mahmoud emphasised the importance of joint international efforts to confront the growing challenges of NCDs, strengthen mental health, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one third.He noted that Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030 prioritises the reduction of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, with a clear target of reducing NCD-related mortality by 36%.Drawing on the findings of the 2023 National STEPS Survey, HE Al Mahmoud highlighted the launch of nationwide campaigns on diabetes, obesity, and heart health, alongside innovative initiatives such as awareness programs linking oral health to the prevention of chronic diseases. He also underlined Qatar's continued investment in training healthcare professionals in collaboration with leading universities and institutions and the introduction of new care models, including AI-based applications and integrated treatments for mental health."Innovation lies at the heart of our vision," he said. "We employ AI-driven analytics to monitor diseases and advance precision medicine, through projects in personalised healthcare carried out in partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and Sidra Medicine."He further stressed Qatar's collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council Health Council, and the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Qatar, HE Al Mahmoud added, has also expanded mental health services and rehabilitation centres, and looks forward to hosting the Sixth Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health.He affirmed: "The progress achieved by the State of Qatar reflects its firm conviction that health is a fundamental pillar of human and social development. We reaffirm our commitment to continue these efforts and to work hand in hand with our international partners for a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for all."The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening global and national commitments to address the challenges of NCDs and mental health through enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation, health system transformation, sustainable financing, tackling social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants of risk and inequality, and accelerating a comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality response worldwide.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met with Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation. The meeting took place today on the sidelines of the GCC Secretary-General's participation in the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In light of regional developments, the UN Secretary-General praised the role and efforts of GCC member states in mediation and their ongoing pursuit of security and stability in the region and the world, affirming that the entire world needs the GCC's efforts across all fronts. Albudaiwi emphasized the GCC's keenness to strengthen joint cooperation with the United Nations to contribute to resolving regional and international issues, foremost among them the crisis in Gaza and the achievement of sustainable development. He also commended the General Assembly's resolution on cooperation between the GCC and the United Nations, which will significantly contribute to enhancing their partnership.