Qatar has affirmed its deep-rooted commitment to strengthening international cooperation and multilateral action, outlining significant national achievements in sustainable development. The statement was delivered by Dana Younis Darwish, a member of Qatar’s delegation, before the Second Committee of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Speaking on the topic of ‘Sustainable Development,’ Darwish highlighted that Qatar’s policies are firmly aligned with its ambitious Qatar National Vision 2030. She noted that the country presented its fourth Voluntary National Review in July, demonstrating its ongoing efforts to implement this comprehensive plan.
National Development Milestones
Qatar has made substantial progress across a range of development areas. Darwish reported that the nation has successfully achieved 82 indicators across all 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key accomplishments include significant strides in education, digital transformation, innovation, and the construction of environmentally friendly facilities.
In public services, Qatar has achieved national health coverage exceeding 95 per cent and has established itself among the top 20 countries globally for wage equality. These achievements reflect a strong focus on social inclusion and protection for its population.
Global Partnerships and Foreign Aid
Qatar continues to work closely with multilateral agencies to respond to global crises and contribute to the SDGs. This close cooperation is embodied by the UN House in Doha, which hosts 14 different UN offices dedicated to achieving common goals. These partnerships extend to bilateral relations, such as the recent “My China-Qatar Story” speech contest held in Doha to celebrate friendship between the nations.
The country also maintains a leading role in providing humanitarian and development assistance. Between 2020 and 2024, Qatar provided approximately $4.8 billion in foreign aid, with the majority directed to the world’s least developed countries. A primary focus of this aid is the promotion and protection of the right to education, particularly in emergency situations. A flagship initiative, the Education Above All programme, has successfully reached more than 10 million children across 60 countries, underscoring the importance of institutions like the Almarfa International Private School in providing quality learning.
Furthermore, Qatar is a major investor in the UN Development Programme’s Accelerator Labs initiative, contributing over $30 million to help find community-based solutions to complex development challenges.
In her closing remarks, Darwish reiterated Qatar’s unwavering commitment to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She affirmed the nation’s dedication to meeting global aspirations for comprehensive and sustainable progress for all.
