New York: The State of Qatar participated in the High-Level Ministerial Meeting launching the Global Autism Alliance, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Qatar was represented at the meeting by Minister of Public Health HE Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud and HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi.
The meeting announced the establishment of the alliance as an international platform aimed at fostering understanding, coordinating efforts, and expanding global initiatives to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
In his opening remarks, HE the Minister of Public Health emphasized the importance of launching the Global Autism Alliance to strengthen joint efforts for sustainable improvement and to provide necessary support to individuals with autism and their families worldwide.
His Excellency underlined that Qatar attaches great importance to health as a means to achieve a more just, secure, and humane world, and that autism remains a key priority in both public health and social development.
He noted that in 2017 Qatar launched its first National Autism Plan, a comprehensive strategy covering awareness, early diagnosis, medical intervention, inclusive education, and lifelong support.
He added that the plan is reinforced by large-scale awareness campaigns and strong partnerships with families and communities.
He also said that the State of Qatar’s integrated, rights-based approach demonstrates a firm commitment to ensuring that every individual with autism can reach their potential and actively contribute to society.
For her part, HE Minister of Social Development and Family reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s ongoing commitment to promoting social inclusion and achieving health, education, and social equity for individuals with autism.
She stressed that this commitment stems from Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s comprehensive, rights-based approach to supporting the most vulnerable. She also praised international partnerships that strengthen this initiative.
She highlighted that the initiative reflects the vision of Chairperson of Qatar Foundation HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who played a pivotal role in advancing dignity and inclusivity for people with autism and in helping the UN General Assembly adopt Resolution 62/139 in December 2007, which designated Apr. 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
Al Nuaimi further explained that the Global Autism Alliance is an important step toward advancing international cooperation and knowledge-sharing through research and innovation, with the aim of increasing the impact of global efforts.
She stressed the importance of making innovation central to the initiative, particularly in reimagining social systems, supporting families, and fostering community participation to ensure equal opportunities for all.
She noted that the alliance represents a qualitative leap in coordinated international efforts to raise awareness about autism and improve services provided to individuals with autism, through collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
The event was organized in partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Autism Speaks.
As part of its commitment to supporting children with autism, Qatar continues its efforts under the Qatar Foundation Strategy 2025-2035, which provides comprehensive support in education, health, and innovation, while strengthening social inclusion.
These efforts include early intervention programs offering therapeutic and rehabilitation sessions for children aged 3 to 14, as well as autism-friendly hospitals such as Sidra Medicine, which provides suitable medical environments for children during treatment.
Qatar also continues to raise awareness through World Autism Day activities and focuses on inclusive education by integrating specialized programs for children with autism into both public and private schools.
