Doha, Qatar: The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Public-Private Partnerships and Islamic Social Finance, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Muraikhi has stressed that the presence of the UN House in Doha reflects the future of the relationship between the two sides.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Al Muraikhi added that it also facilitates taking the necessary decisions and helps in understanding the nature of the projects and areas of concern to Qatar, the most important of which are the developmental and humanitarian aspects, due to Qatar’s strategic importance in the international humanitarian map.
He added that Qatar’s efforts during the past years, and then the presence of the UN House in Doha, helps in speeding up the response and prior coordination between the various authorities in Qatar and the various UN organisations, whether it is coordination between the government and private sectors, or civil society organizations. He noted that the UN House speeds up the procedures and understanding of projects related to humanitarian work and the speed of response to them.
He mentioned Qatar’s contribution as one of the first countries to support the UN by signing agreements and providing financing for its organisations up to $500m, as well as the opening of the UN House, which includes several organizations of the United Nations.
Dr. Al Muraikhi referred to the historic relationship between Qatar and the UN which began in 1971, adding that the relationship has turned into a strategic one aimed at achieving the goals and principles of the UN including maintaining international peace and security, supporting international development efforts and promoting human rights, which at the same time comes within Qatar Vision 2030.
Dr. Al Muraikhi underlined that Qatar has spared no effort in providing humanitarian aid, and its efforts in international initiatives are clearly visible in addressing global challenges. He pointed out that the best proof of these efforts was during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Qatar was one of the first countries to contribute in providing the vaccine to many poor countries; the national carrier Qatar Airways was also used to transport stranded UN employees working in relief efforts and humanitarian work.
He said that one of the most important areas in which Qatar seeks to strengthen its partnership with the UN, is promoting interfaith dialogue and supporting the Alliance of Civilizations, and mediating in international crises. The best evidence of this is the success of Qatar in resolving the Darfur issue, he said, adding that Qatar also plays an effective role in protecting human rights. He noted the role of Qatar Fund for Development as an executive body in providing Qatari humanitarian and development assistance, as the fund facilitates the commitment of the strategic partnership between Qatar and the UN.
Dr. Al Muraikhi praised Qatari charities for providing humanitarian and development assistance to many countries in need and participating in international relief with various UN bodies.
He lauded the Education Above All Foundation for taking immediate and concrete measures to protect education through partnership with various United Nations organisations, led by UNICEF and UNESCO. He also noted the role of the Qatar Red Crescent and its distinguished partnership with various UN agencies in implementing many humanitarian and development projects in various poor countries.
Dr. Al Muraikhi stressed that the partnership between Qatar and the UN goes beyond the government sector or civil society institutions, but also the private sector. According to him, he seeks to consolidate the partnership between UN and the Qatari private sector on a strategic basis, with ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Qatar to invite the private sector to meet with UN bodies to strategically strengthen this partnership.
