Qatar Backs Global Development Push

Qatar has reaffirmed its support for global efforts to accelerate sustainable development, calling for stronger international cooperation to address financing gaps, climate challenges and unequal access to technology.

Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, represented the country at the fourth high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in New York on Saturday, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Al Misnad said Qatar supports efforts to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development amid growing challenges facing developing countries, including debt and financing pressures, food insecurity, climate change, energy insecurity and the digital divide.

She said inclusive and sustainable development should be viewed as a foundation for peace, stability and prosperity, adding that Qatar joined the GDI to support collective international efforts to place development at the centre of multilateral action.

The minister called for greater resources for developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, and urged countries to fulfil commitments on development finance, Official Development Assistance and climate action.

She also called for reforms to the international financial system to better respond to the needs of developing countries and support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

On technology, Al Misnad said advances in artificial intelligence and digital technologies could accelerate sustainable development but warned that unequal access could deepen existing disparities.

She stressed the importance of international cooperation in technology transfer, scientific research, innovation and digital capacity-building to ensure technological progress benefits developing countries.

Al Misnad also highlighted Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and its partnerships with UN agencies and international financial institutions to support poverty reduction, education, energy access, food security, healthcare and resilience against humanitarian crises.

She further highlighted Qatar’s role in implementing the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for 2022–2031.

Doha is preparing to host the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action from March 25 to 27. The meeting will assess progress, renew commitments to implementation and resource mobilisation, and support efforts towards sustainable graduation from the least developed country category.

Al Misnad reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to working with UN member states to strengthen international cooperation and mobilise resources to address interconnected global challenges.