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Foreign Policy

Qatar’s Partnership with the United Nations

Qatar has been a member of the United Nations (UN) since 1971. Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN is Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani. Through its strategic partnership with the UN, Qatar supports international peace and security initiatives, international development, human rights, and combatting the various challenges that exist in the world.

Due to a strong commitment for global development and humanitarian aid, Qatar signed agreements pledging to contribute $500 million to a diverse range of UN programmes, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), among many others.

Qatar and the UN also established new UN offices in Doha, including the Office of the United Nations Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism (UNOCT) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

In March 2023, the UN House opened in Doha, which aims to unify the work of the UN regionally and abroad, as well as facilitate increased cooperation between Qatar and the UN.

Qatar’s International Diplomacy and Development Efforts 

Qatar’s foreign policy is based on a set of principles aimed at strengthening international cooperation and encouraging the peaceful resolution of disputes. Qatar strongly believes in the power of diplomacy and dialogue and has a successful track record in conflict mediation. Qatar’s foreign policy respects and honours all international treaties and conventions to which it is a party.

Qatar’s foreign policy seeks to:

  • Promote sustainable development and alleviating discrimination against women and religious minorities.
  • Provide humanitarian assistance in regions of conflict and war.
  • Support and strengthen efforts to reduce anticipated humanitarian needs during emergencies.
  • Find solutions to conflicts through dialogue and mediation.

Qatar’s Most Prominent Regional and International Mediation Efforts

Qatar has been heavily involved in major conflict resolution efforts in the past.

  • 2008

    Qatar brokered the Doha agreements between rival Lebanese factions, which ended an 18-month long political crisis.

  • 2008-2013

    Qatar took a leadership role in peace efforts in Sudan, hosting peace talks in Doha between the Sudanese Government and the Justice and Equality Movement in Darfur.

  • 2015

    Qatar successfully mediated between the rival Tebu and Taureg tribes in Libya, resulting in the signing of a peace and reconciliation agreement in Doha.

  • 2020

    Qatar mediated the signing of an agreement between the US and the Taliban.

  • 2021

    Qatar mediated a dispute between Kenya and Somalia.

  • 2021

    Qatari efforts contributed to a ceasefire declared between Gaza and Israel, in coordination with Egypt and the United Nations.

  • 2022

    Qatar hosted peace negotiations between Chad’s Transitional Military Council and Chadian opposition groups to bring an end to the armed conflict and build towards national reconciliation.

  • 2023

    Qatar mediated the exchange of detainees between the US and Iran with the hope that this success will pave the way for further understanding, while reaffirming Qatar's commitment to contribute to all efforts that enhance regional and global security.

Resolving Conflicts through Dialogue and Mediation

The State of Qatar is committed to maintaining stability in the Middle East region, based on its belief in the need to address regional conflicts and disputes through dialogue and mediation. The State of Qatar plays an active role in the international community, including through its membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council, the League of Arab States, the Group of 77, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Humanitarian Aid

Qatar provides humanitarian aid for education, health and economic development initiatives around the world. Working with international organisations and partner countries, Qatar is committed to working with the international community to reach sustainable global development goals and rapidly respond to humanitarian emergencies.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar provided medical and humanitarian assistance to over 90 countries across the globe. Qatar provided $70 million to a host of organizations to support with the development and delivery of vaccines and took part in transporting over 600 million COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.

Qatar’s international partnerships continue to make an impact worldwide. Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Orbis UK established the Qatar Creating Vision initiative, which delivered more than 6.6 million eyes tests and treatments in India and Bangladesh. Other partnerships include Qatar’s $30 million contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Labs network serving more than 115 developing countries to tackle the world’s most pressing development challenges.

Through Education Above All (EAA), Qatar also contributes to human, social and economic development through the provision of quality education for all. This includes EAA’s “Educate A Child (EAC) programme”, which supports the education of out-of-school children affected by poverty, conflict, natural disaster and/or cultural barriers.