The State of Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to the goals and values of the United Nations during its participation in the 78^th UN General Assembly in New York. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani led Qatar’s delegation, which played a prominent role at the event, highlighting Qatar’s valuable contributions as a UN member across numerous initiatives.

Read on for highlights from the key speeches delivered by His Highness the Amir and top officials of the State of Qatar.

UN General Assembly High-Level Debate: Speech by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar

On 19^th September, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani delivered a speech at the High-Level General Debate of the 78^th UN General Assembly in New York. HH opened his address by extending condolences to the people of Morocco and Libya, expressing “full solidarity” in wake of the recent tragedies.

HH went on to cover an array of topics including artificial intelligence and technology, energy, mediation, the Palestinian cause, and Qatar’s successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup. 

HH the Amir spoke of how the FIFA World Cup Qatar “emphasised the role that sport plays in building bridges of communication and rapprochement between peoples and cultures”.

HH also touched upon Qatar’s investments in energy and its important role in addressing global energy challenges while simultaneously diversifying the domestic economy.

Additionally, HH highlighted Qatar’s role as a global mediator, emphasising, “The path to resolve conflicts through peaceful means is a long and strenuous path, but it is less costly than wars, and our commitment to continue our efforts in facilitating and making peace is a firm commitment deeply rooted in the core of our foreign policy”.

HH then drew attention to the ongoing racism in the world today, highlighting “the necessity for combating racism and campaigns of incitement against entire peoples, religions, and civilizations”.

In conclusion, HH underscored the major obstacles facing the international community and called for consensus within the UN “to safeguard the future of entire peoples from loss due to the unwillingness of… countries to cooperate in implementing international law”.

His Highness’ full speech can be found here.

SDG Summit: Speech by HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar

On 18^th September, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, delivered a speech at the opening session of the SDG Summit in New York.

Addressing the audience, HE the Prime Minister asserted that they had “gathered here at this very critical moment in the implementation of SDGs, where we share one goal addressing the most urgent challenges facing the world – armed conflicts, food security crises and climate change”.

HE also highlighted the importance of valuing the opinions of young people and empowering women and girls and reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development, both domestically and internationally.

Concluding his address, HE urged fellow UNGA attendees to “…remember that the pathway to build a new world that is safer, more equitable, and free, is through achieving international human solidarity. Together we can turn our commitments to action and turn the 2030 agenda into reality”.

His Excellency’s full speech can be found below:

Sideline events

On the sidelines of UNGA 78, the State of Qatar participated in various events covering topics such as innovation, education, global health, and sustainability. Key activities included:

• HE the Minister of Education of the State of Qatar, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, delivered the closing remarks at “Transforming Education: Learning to build a better future for all”, which launched the Transforming Education Coalition.
• The State of Qatar, in collaboration with the UNGA, the International Labour Organization, and Silatech, hosted an event titled “Unlocking potential: the power of remote work in economically empowering vulnerable youth”.
• Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, participated in a session titled “Investing in Education on Climate Change for a Green Future”, organised by Education Above All Foundation in cooperation with Silatech, where he spoke about Qatar’s prioritisation of environmental awareness through education and investment in research.
• HE the Permanent Representative to the State of Qatar to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, delivered a speech at an event titled “Together Towards a Disability-Inclusive Future: From SDGs Summit to Beyond 2030” jointly hosted between the State of Qatar, Guatemala, Mexico, UNICEF, UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD), International Disability Alliance, and Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities.
• The State of Qatar’s UN delegation, represented by HE the Permanent Representative to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed Saif Al Thani, hosted the UNDP Accelerator Lab event titled, “Breaking the Scale Barrier: From SDG Innovation to SDG Achievement”. The event focused on how innovation can be a powerful force in global development efforts through the 2030 benchmark.
• Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, opened the Qatar-funded Sustainable Development Goals Pavilion at the UN Headquarters.