Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar secures UN recognition with Special Consultative Status

Doha, Qatar: The Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar (AYCMQ) has achieved a historic milestone, being officially granted a Special Consultative Status within the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

This marks the first time in 10 years that a climate-focused organization in the Gulf has received this recognition, placing the youth-led movement at the forefront of global climate governance and policymaking.

This status, which few organizations worldwide hold, provides the AYCMQ with direct access to the UN in New York and Geneva, including high-level policy forums and negotiations.

It allows the group to attend, observe, and even submit statements at UN conferences, bringing youth and community voices from Qatar and the Arab region to the global stage.

Speaking to The Peninsula, Neeshad Shafi, the organisation’s co-founder and executive director said: “It’s quite significant—for years, we’ve participated in climate discussions through other organisations or government delegations. But now, for the first time, we have our own identity. That’s a major accomplishment for a volunteer-driven organisation like ours.”

A Seat at the Table

The ECOSOC status is more than a symbolic honor. It provides AYCMQ with visibility and credibility, essential for building international partnerships and securing funding.

“It's essentially the UN’s way of vetting and saying: this is a legitimate organization, this is a credible partner,” explains Shafi. “That matters a lot when you’re seeking international funding or building partnerships.”

For the United Nations, ECOSOC conducts studies, formulates resolutions and recommendations, and coordinates the activities of various UN organizations.

Much of its work is performed by functional commissions on topics like climate change.

Over the past seven years, the organization has carved out a unique space in Qatar’s civic landscape, often filling an overlooked gap.

“In many places, community organizations exist only as WhatsApp groups,” Shafi reflects. “But to reach this level, you need structure, accountability, annual reports, government registration, and perseverance. That’s what sets us apart.”

What’s Next?

With its new ECOSOC status, AYCMQ is poised to strengthen its advocacy and programming.

Shafi emphasizes that the organization will continue to operate at its own steady pace, focusing on long-term goals and sustainable programs.

Upcoming projects include expanding their school-based Eco-Reporters program, which trains students to be young climate communicators, and new initiatives exploring the intersection of sustainability and artificial intelligence.

AYCMQ is also planning its first-ever Youth Climate Summit in Qatar, scheduled for early next year.

“We have a bigger voice now,” Shafi adds, “but our work will continue to focus on meaningful, practical programs that empower youth and engage communities.”

Behind this achievement is a story of persistence. “Getting here wasn’t easy,” Shafi says.

“Many organizations in the region never make it past the registration process. But we wanted to be credible, to be sustainable. And today, that effort is recognized on a global level.”

A Win for Qatar and the Region

While AYCMQ is now the only climate-focused NGO in the Gulf with UN consultative status, Shafi is quick to emphasize that this is a victory for all youth in the Arab world.

“This is a win for all youth in the Arab World,” he says with pride.

“It shows that persistence pays off, and this is a moment of pride for Qatar too, demonstrating that civil society here can contribute to global climate solutions.”

For Shafi and his team, the achievement is not an endpoint but a foundation for even greater impact.

“It’s a good beginning,” he reflects, “not to start something new, but to keep doing what we’ve been doing—with even more legitimacy, visibility, and responsibility.”