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On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed the State of Qatar's leadership role in advancing global dialogue and strengthening international cooperation, with the aim of identifying practical solutions to pressing challenges and driving inclusive development. Through a series of high-level discussions, QFFD brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, fostering constructive dialogue that contributes to collective action towards a more prosperous, just, and inclusive future. Highlighting its commitment to gender equality, QFFD partnered with Foreign Policy, as part of Her Power Forum under its Women in Conflict Zones initiative. The session "Women in Conflict Zones: From Marginalization to Mobilization." The discussion brought together global leaders to explore actionable strategies for meaningfully integrating women into peacebuilding and development processes, emphasizing their vital role in driving resilience and sustainable recovery. QFFD, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, co-hosted a high-level panel titled 'Global Development in Evolution: What's Next for the Future of Health, Food, and Education'. The session explored how geopolitical shifts, climate pressures, and demographic changes are reshaping development models, highlighting the importance of open dialogue, innovative financing, and strong partnerships to unlock resources for communities most in need and to advance global development that is inclusive, responsive, and effective. In parallel, QFFD joined forces with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Gates Foundation to host a high-level roundtable "Delivering Health for All: Scaling Immunization through Universal Health Coverage and Innovative Financing." The discussion emphasized the role of immunization as a cornerstone of global health and examined how Universal Health Coverage, policy reforms, delivery innovations, and innovative financing can expand equitable access to healthcare and strengthen resilience Kholoud Al Mohannadi, Head of Communications and Global Advocacy, at QFFD, stated: "Dialogue is the driving force of progress. It unlocks practical and innovative solutions that not only tackle today's most urgent challenges but also lay the foundations for lasting resilience. Working closely with our partners, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future that is just, inclusive, and sustainable for all". In addition to these platforms, QFFD also engaged in dialogues addressing youth employment, digital inclusion, and the eradication of poverty and hunger, underscoring its recognition of the vital interlinkages between these critical sectors and the integrated approach required to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Through these efforts, QFFD continues to advance Qatar's international cooperation agenda, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for meaningful partnerships, inclusive dialogue, and collective progress.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Friday his country's condemnation of the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Qatar on Sept 9.In his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Sharif affirmed Pakistan's condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli violation of Qatar's sovereignty, in the attack that targeted residential buildings in Doha, and its violation of the sovereignty of other countries in the region.Separately, the Pakistani prime minister said that the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the genocide against innocent Palestinian civilians represent a stain on the global conscience and a collective moral failure, reiterating the demand to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.He also welcomed the official recognition of the State of Palestine by a number of countries, calling on other countries to do the same. He recalled Pakistan's supportive position for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.Sharif also addressed the Ukraine-Russia crisis in his speech, affirming his country's support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two countries in accordance with the UN Charter.He also spoke, in separate contexts, about climate change, world peace, and Islamophobia.

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.”