Post by : Badri Ariffin

Qatar actively participated in the Global Partnerships Conference held in London, co-hosted by the United Kingdom and South Africa.

The delegation was led by Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, who engaged with officials, ministers, and leaders from various humanitarian and development organizations.

During her keynote address, Al Misnad contributed to the initial panel discussion, which was managed by Nemat Shafik, focusing on building robust systems to address contemporary challenges.

The opening panel addressed two primary themes. The first examined global political shifts and development challenges, asserting that the current international cooperation framework is insufficient for facing emerging crises. The second theme discussed the reforms essential for improving the international system over the next decade.

Al Misnad underscored Qatar’s commitment to aiding developing nations, stating that humanitarian and developmental support is central to its foreign policy. She highlighted Qatar’s significant contributions, notably a USD 60 million grant intended for development projects in vulnerable states.

She pointed out that Qatar had navigated through three significant crises within the last year, addressing humanitarian efforts for ceasefires in Gaza, reuniting Ukrainian children with families, and supporting over 70 nations combating food, climate, and debt challenges through the Qatar Fund for Development.

She remarked that the international system has deteriorated because humanitarian efforts, development, and peacebuilding have often been treated in isolation. She affirmed the growing importance of Gulf and Arab funds, sovereign wealth funds, and regional mediators in sustaining global support frameworks.

According to her, Qatar has provided USD 4.8 billion in foreign aid to least developed countries in 2024 alone. She urged a swift implementation of financial commitments made during the Second Doha World Summit for Social Development.

Moving forward, Al Misnad proposed a comprehensive approach that prioritizes transitioning from disparate donor funding to unified national platforms directed by the recipient nations, thereby enabling them to lead their coordination efforts in line with the Doha Action Plan.

She also emphasized investing in social protection and the development of human capital. In reference to the Education Above All Foundation, she noted that over 16 million children have enrolled in educational programs across 60 countries through the organization’s efforts.

Al Misnad reiterated the necessity of enhancing humanitarian mediation and ensuring humanitarian access to strengthen development investments. She showcased Qatar’s mediation efforts in Gaza, Afghanistan, and Colombia, along with the launch of the “Humanitarian Diplomacy Initiative” under Qatar's Third National Development Strategy.

In conclusion, she reaffirmed Qatar’s willingness to serve as an essential global partner in advancing humanitarian support, fostering development cooperation, and driving international reform initiatives.

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