Qatar has been a staunch supporter of multilateralism and a supporter of the United Nations agenda to advance peace and sustainable development around the globe. The state has supported a number of UN agencies in their endeavours to improve the lives of tens of millions through humanitarian and development initiatives globally.
Since joining the United Nations in 1971, Qatar has emerged not only as a steadfast member but as a strategic partner in advancing the UN’s mission of peace, development, and humanitarian relief.
Qatar’s contributions and support to UN agencies reflect the country’s deep commitment to international cooperation and multilateralism. From humanitarian support to peacebuilding, and from education in conflict zones to counter-terrorism, Qatar’s role on the world stage continues to expand in both depth and significance.
Financially, Qatar has become one of the region’s most generous supporters of the UN system. In 2018 alone, the country pledged $500m to key UN agencies, including UNDP, UNICEF, and UNHCR. This was followed by further major contributions — $100m to the World Food Programme for Yemen, $500m for the reconstruction of Gaza, and $20m to global education efforts through the UN’s “Education Cannot Wait” fund.
Qatar is also home to a first-of-its-kind UN House in Doha, which coordinates regional functions of UN agencies including ILO, UNESCO, OHCHR, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNOTC, UNDP and WHO. Opened in 2023, the UN House serves as a powerful symbol of Qatar’s role as a regional and global hub for diplomacy and development.
The President-elect of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and former German foreign minister, H E Annalena Baerbock has also lauded Qatar’s prominent role in supporting United Nations efforts, particularly in promoting international peace and security and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
These remarks came when the UNGA President-elect met Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani at UN this week. They also reviewed joint priorities for Qatar and the United Nations within the framework of the upcoming General Assembly session and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges.
Qatar’s envoy reaffirmed the country’s continued commitment to actively supporting UN initiatives.
Doha is also set to host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November this year. Convening at the level of Heads of State or Government, the summit aims to address the gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action and its implementation and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
