tag

The United Nations on Friday released a long-awaited update of its database of companies with activities in Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, listing 158 firms from 11 countries. UN rights chief Volker Turk has condemned as a war crime Israel's policy of settlements on Palestinian territory in the occupied West Bank. While several companies including Alstom and Opodo had been removed from the non-exhaustive database, major firms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Motorola Solutions and TripAdvisor remained on the list. Contacted by AFP for their reaction, the companies have not so far responded. While most of the companies were based in Israel, others were based in Canada, China, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Britain and the United States. The report, from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), urged companies to "take appropriate action to address the adverse human rights impacts" of their activities. Turk said in a statement: "This report underscores the due diligence responsibility of businesses working in contexts of conflict to ensure their activities do not contribute to human rights abuses." Israel denounced the report as "a document with no legal ground and far beyond the scope of the OHCHR". The country's UN office in Geneva added: "The OHCHR continues to misuse UN resources to tarnish Israel, proving that it is not able to execute its mandate in any adequate way. "We call on friends not to yield to this ugly attempt to blacklist Israeli firms." The list was first produced in 2020 after a UN Human Rights Council resolution called for a database of firms that profited from business in illegally occupied Palestinian territory. The UN rights office was asked to list companies found to be taking part in any of 10 activities, including construction, surveillance, demolitions and destruction of agricultural land in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Listing companies in the database was "not, and does not purport to be, a judicial or quasi-judicial process", it stressed. Despite a requirement for the database to be updated annually, it has been revised just once before, in 2023, when some companies named in the original list were removed. Friday's release marks the first update that includes fresh names. "A total of 68 new companies were added to the list published in 2023, while seven of those... were removed as they were no longer involved in any of the activities concerned," the rights office said. The list is not exhaustive, the rights office said, acknowledging that it had only had time to review 215 of the 596 companies about which it received submissions. For this latest update it said it had prioritised companies with a direct physical link in the settlements, in the fields of construction, real estate, mining and quarries. The remainder will be assessed in future updates, it said. The exercise has been contentious from the start. In 2020, Israel and the United States condemned the creation of the database. Today, nearly two years into the war raging in Gaza, where Israel faces growing accusations of committing genocide, the issue has become even more contentious.

On the sidelines of the ongoing 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), held under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights”, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has announced signing of 13 new agreements with UN agencies, international financial institutions, and humanitarian organisations, representing contributions exceeding $133mn.QFFD has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation as indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable development and shared global prosperity, a statement said Friday. These commitments are set to benefit more than 8.3mn people worldwide, advancing collective progress across health, education, youth empowerment, food security, climate resilience, and economic development.The agreements include partnerships with both long-standing and new partners, among them the UN Population Fund, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Gates Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the World Food Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the UN Development Coordination Office, and the Saudi Fund for Development, the UN Development Programme, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Unicef in support of the Generation Unlimited initiative, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, the International Rescue Committee, and the Inter-American Development Bank together with the Inter-American Investment Corporation.The signing ceremonies were witnessed by HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of the board of directors of QFFD, and HE Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation and vice-chairperson of board of directors of QFFD, alongside high-level representatives from partner organisations.Through these agreements, QFFD underscores its firm belief that international solidarity is the only effective path to addressing the most pressing global challenges. Through flexible core contributions, QFFD will strengthen the institutional capacities of leading UN agencies and expand their reach to the most vulnerable. At the same time, targeted programmes, supported by innovative financing mechanisms, will advance women’s health, support food stockholding systems, sustain essential public services in conflict-affected countries, rehabilitate critical infrastructure for displaced communities, and create new opportunities for young people through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.Sheikh Thani also met with Amina J Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the UN and chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, reaffirming the enduring partnership between Qatar and the UN and their shared commitment to advancing a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. A series of high-level meetings with leaders from the development field were also convened to explore avenues for deeper cooperation addressing global development priorities.Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, director general of QFFD, emphasised: “QFFD believes that transformative change can only be achieved through collective action. These agreements reaffirm our commitment to work hand-in-hand with governments, the private sector, and international partners to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. They also underscore the importance of high-impact partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms in addressing persistent gaps and global challenges, ensuring solutions that are locally driven, scalable, and sustainable.”

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in cooperation with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), organized a side event titled "Family First: A Foundation for Social Development," on the sidelines of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.The event was attended by more than 71 participants representing diplomatic missions in Geneva, international and regional organizations, and civil society organizations concerned with family and social development issues. HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah stated in a speech that the event is being held at a pivotal moment as the world faces increasing challenges, noting that its aim is to highlight the central role of the family in driving social development.HE Dr. Hind affirmed that families around the world continue to face serious challenges, including poverty, limited access to productive and decent employment, social exclusion, and the need for protection during armed conflicts.In this context, she pointed out that more than 7,320 families in the Gaza Strip have been completely wiped out or reduced to one or two surviving members as a result of the genocide crimes committed by Israel, the occupying power.HE Dr. Hind stressed that addressing these challenges is essential to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development for all, noting that the progress made since the first World Summit for Social Development still requires further efforts to strengthen support and empowerment of families globally.She referred to the launch by the State of Qatar in June 2025 of the Social Development and Family's Strategy for 2025-2030 under the slogan "From Care to Empowerment," which embodies its firm commitment to enhancing social cohesion through a comprehensive approach that responds to the actual needs of society.She explained that this strategy places families at the heart of national development, recognizing them as a pillar of stability, identity, and resilience, and represents a qualitative leap in Qatar's social development efforts by addressing both current priorities and future aspirations.HE Dr. Hind noted that governments, civil society, and international organizations have a fundamental role in this field, calling for the strengthening of family-supportive policies, enhancing social protection, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and developing inclusive labor markets as practical steps to empower families and help them thrive.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad in Morocco Nasser Bourita on the sidelines of the meetings of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, several topics were discussed, most notably the strategic partnership between the two sides and ways to enhance it. They also reviewed the latest preparations for the Gulf-Morocco Investment Forum, scheduled for early November. This forum comes within the framework of the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco's commitment to strengthening investment and trade relations between them. GCC Secretary General also highlighted the importance the GCC attaches to its strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco, and its firm positions and decisions in support of the Moroccan Sahara and the preservation of the security, stability and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco. He also praised Security Council Resolution 2756, issued on October 31, 2024, regarding the Moroccan Sahara.

The State of Qatar participated in the 49th Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China, held Wednesday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, held a series of high-level bilateral meetings in New York on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.His Excellency Dr. Al Khulaifi met separately with several senior officials, including the Minister of People's Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela - Yvan Gil Pinto; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali, Abdoulaye Diop; UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo; State Secretary for Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik; State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, Diego Martinez Belio; US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Nuh Yılmaz.The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing areas of cooperation, and exchanging views on key regional and international developments.The meetings come as part of Qatar's active diplomatic engagement during this year's UN General Assembly, aimed at advancing its international partnerships and contributing to dialogue on pressing global issues.

The State of Qatar participated in a high-level event on climate action, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The State of Qatar was represented in the meeting by Her Excellency Minister of International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.

The State of Qatar participated in a high-level meeting of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by Her Excellency Director of International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi discusses with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain Jose Manuel Albares the strategic relations between the GCC countries and Spain and ways to cement and develop them in various fields.The meeting took place Tuesday on the sidelines of the meetings of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.While discussing and reviewing the latest developments regionally and internationally, GCC Secretary General praised Spain's great humanitarian position on the Palestinian issue as well as the crisis in Gaza, stressing that this approach reflects the values of solidarity and justice, and contributes to supporting international efforts aimed at ending the human suffering of the Palestinian people and achieving security and stability in the region.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting held on Wednesday morning at the Amiri Diwan. Following the meeting, HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi stated the following:At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet commended the speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly's 80th session, which was held on Tuesday, at the UN's headquarters in New York. His Highness the Amir began by placing the international community before its legal and moral responsibilities, through his call to adhere to the rules and principles upon which the United Nations was founded, and the need to work to restore the strength of the collective security system, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, and the return of the effectiveness of international legitimacy.The Cabinet emphasized that the facts and realities presented by His Highness the Amir in his speech regarding the treacherous Israeli aggression against Qatar, the state terrorism practiced by Israel, and the war of extermination it is waging against the Palestinian people and insisting on continuing, clearly demonstrated the true objectives of the policies and practices of its Prime Minister.The Cabinet expressed its pride in the affirmation contained in His Highness the Amir's speech of the State of Qatar's principles and its commitment to its approach of standing with the values and principles upon which the international community is supposed to be based, and contributing to resolving crises.His Highness the Amir also indicated that Qatar is firmly convinced that peace cannot be achieved in our region without resolving the Palestinian issue. The Cabinet praised the keenness expressed by His Highness the Amir in his speech to ensure that Doha remains a global capital hosting major political, economic, and sporting events, and a center that brings together leaders and decision-makers from around the world to consult and formulate realistic solutions to common global challenges. It also emphasized that the State of Qatar remains faithful to its commitment to championing truth, building bridges of peace, and promoting justice in international relations.The Cabinet also hailed His Highness the Amir's participation in the conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution, which was held on Monday, in New York, as well as His Highness the Amir's participation in the multilateral meeting held by the United States of America in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, in the presence of a number of heads of state and governments, and delegations of countries. On the other hand, the Cabinet welcomed the results of the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on Sep. 17.The Cabinet affirmed that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's fruitful discussions with King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, have opened new horizons for enhancing the solid fraternal relations between the two countries and developing bilateral cooperation in various fields, for the benefit of their two fraternal peoples.The Cabinet considered the topics on its agenda, where it approved a draft law amending some provisions of Decree Law No. 24 of 2019 regulating and managing the strategic stock of food and consumer goods. This draft law was prepared with the aim of achieving the necessary speed to provide strategic goods in the country, raising the efficiency of stock management, and enhancing food security.The Cabinet approved a draft Cabinet decision amending the organization of some of the administrative units comprising the Ministry of Finance. The draft resolution includes the addition of two administrative units to the administrative units comprising the Ministry: the information security and data governance department and the fourth industrial revolution center.The Cabinet decided to approve accession to the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, the Ministry of Labour's proposal to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice, the Qatar Central Bank's proposal to join the Basel Consultative Group (BCG), the draft contribution agreement between the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in the State of Qatar and the United Nations, represented by the Development Coordination Office (DCO), for 2025-2026, the draft contribution agreement between the QFFD in the State of Qatar and the UNICEF to support the Generation Unlimited initiative for 2025-2026, the draft flexible voluntary contribution agreement between the QFFD in the State of Qatar and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for 2025-2026, the draft air services agreement between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Republic of Uganda, and the draft memorandum of cooperation in the field of international humanitarian law between the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law at the Ministry of Justice in the State of Qatar and the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in Sanremo, Italy.The Cabinet took note of the audited separate and consolidated financial statements of the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024, the annual report on the authority's activities for the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the audited financial statements of the Civil and Commercial Court (Qatar International Court) and the Regulatory Tribunal of the Qatar Financial Centre for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024, and the annual activity reports for each of the two courts for the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.The Cabinet concluded its meeting by reviewing two reports and taking appropriate decisions regarding them. These included: a report on the results of participation in the SelectUSA Investment Summit (Washington - May 2025), and a report on the results of participation in the first session of the Qatar-Greece Joint Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation (Doha - June 2025).

The State of Qatar participated in the High Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Qatari delegation to the meeting was headed by His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

The State of Qatar participated in the joint ministerial meeting between the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the French Republic, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The delegation of the State of Qatar to the meeting was headed by His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.