The State of Qatar has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen multilateral forums such as the United Nations to find collective solutions to challenges facing the world. Out of its belief in multilateralism, Qatar has been actively supporting and participating in the world body’s programme. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s participation in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly this week shows the importance Qatar attaches to advancing the agenda of sustainable global development.
Qatar has been a member of the United Nations since 1971 and over the years has supported a number of UN bodies through financial contributions and diplomatic means. In their meetings with H H the Amir on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary-General H E Antonio Guterres and UNGA President H E Dennis Francis lauded Qatar’s support to the UN and its various agencies, as well as its humanitarian work for those in need around the world. Qatar has supported UN efforts for maintaining international peace and security, supporting international development, promoting human rights, providing humanitarian assistance, and participating in collective action to address existing and emerging challenges facing the world.
At 2018 Doha Forum, Qatar signed an agreement to provide annual support to UNDP, Unicef, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the UNHCR. The agreement also included $500m support for various UN programmes and the establishment of four new UN offices in Doha. In March 2021, Qatar and the UN signed multiple agreements to open new UN offices in Doha. In July 2021, Qatar pledged the allocation of $100m in support of the efforts of the United Nations World Food Programme in Yemen, supporting food security and helping prevent famine in the country. In October 2021, Qatar pledged an additional $16m to support UNDP’s global efforts to fight poverty, climate change and inequality across the world. In February 2023, QFFD granted $20m to support the efforts of the Education Cannot Wait Initiative (ECW), a global fund established by the United Nations to aid education initiatives in emergency and protracted crisis situations.
Education Above All Foundation, led by H H Sheikha Moza bin Nasser, has also partnered with the UN to advance and protect education from attacks, especially in conflict areas.
Qatar also hosts a UN House in Doha, which is the first of its kind UN office in the region, coordinating regional functions of UN bodies including ILO, Unesco, OHCHR, UNHCR, Unicef, UNOCT, UNDP, and WHO.
