His Highness The Amir delivers a speech at the opening of the UN General Assembly:
Qatar marks 50 years since joining the UN
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, attended and spoke at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 76) on Tuesday, 21 September, which marks the 50th anniversary of the State of Qatar joining the United Nations in 1971.
Speaking at the Opening Session of the General Debate of the 76th session of the United Nation’s General Assembly, HH The Amir said: “During the past five decades, the relationship between Qatar and the international organisation has been characterised by close cooperation and exemplary partnerships in various fields.” HH The Amir also indicated that Qatar’s bet on international institutions and multilateral cooperation is a strategic one, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to supporting the United Nations entities and fulfilling its commitments to the issues identified by the international community as priorities at this stage.
HH The Amir noted: “We are pleased that Doha has become a hub of international multilateral action in our region, which is in dire need of the work and efforts of the United Nations agencies and international institutions, as their offices in Doha have started working,” and added: “In this context, we look forward to inaugurating the United Nations House in Doha soon.” HH The Amir also praised Qatar’s contribution to international efforts to combat terrorism and address its causes through supporting education, addressing youth poverty and unemployment, and resolving conflicts which also constitute a breeding ground for terrorism.
HH The Amir reaffirmed that the State of Qatar is always keen to establish peace, stability, and cooperation across the world and closer to home in the Gulf region via constructive dialogue.
In concluding his speech, HH The Amir underlined that Qatar has placed climate change at the forefront of its priorities, working with global partners to mitigate its effects.
Qatar values its strategic partnership with the United Nations and looks forward to enhancing and progressing these relations. Qatar is also committed to supporting the international community through its efforts in 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.
Within its 50-year partnership with the United Nations, Qatar pledged to be home to several UN offices, with some already open and functioning, including the Office of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Programme on Parliamentary Participation in Preventing and Combating Terrorism (UNOCT), officially inaugurated in Doha on 16 June 2021.
Over the course of its involvement, Qatar has pledged support to various UN programmes, including the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Qatar also continues to make generous financial contributions to various UN bodies and entities, aimed at supporting projects in the areas of development and humanitarian aid. These causes are in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and wider global developmental goals.
