NEW YORK - As part of the Annual State of Qatar - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) High-Level Strategic Dialogue (HLSD), Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirms its commitment to utilizing open dialogue to enhance the long-standing partnership between the two organizations. On the track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the dialogue progresses the efforts of the five-year Partnership Framework Agreement with UNDP from 2024-2028 while setting a platform for addressing the key challenges.
The HLSD was hosted in the Permanent Mission of The State of Qatar to the United Nations, and it was attended by HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, and Qatar Charity.
During the High-Level Segment, reflections on the transformative partnership between QFFD and UNDP were realized, highlighting the keyways in which QFFD's vision, which acts parallel in alignment with Qatar's National Development Strategy and National Vision (2024-2030), actively contributes to achieving the UNDP's core development areas (poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, gender equality).
The technical segments held conversations on innovative finance, renewable energy for development, youth empowerment and education, and reconstruction and development in crisis settings with the overarching objectives of accelerating progress toward achieving the SDGs and addressing critical challenges with transformative solutions.
During the opening remarks of the dialogue, HE Shaikha Alya Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations expressed, "This strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and UNDP represents a vital platform to strengthen our partnership with the United Nations in general and UNDP in particular, as the State of Qatar believes that international cooperation and innovation are the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Through our partnership, we continue to work together to address global challenges and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all".
Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of Qatar Fund for Development, noted the importance of this High-Level Strategic Dialogue, and stated: "This dialogue represents a pivotal moment in the long-standing partnership between the Qatar Fund for Development and the United Nations Development Programme. Through this partnership, we have implemented transformative projects that address pressing global challenges, including improving educational infrastructure, strengthening healthcare systems, and innovating in renewable energy. These projects reflect the shared priorities of QFFD and UNDP and underscore our commitment to creating lasting impacts".
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner welcomed Qatar's continued leadership and expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar for unwavering support to advancing SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, and supporting global development challenges: "Qatar is a key strategic partner for UNDP, actively contributing to global development through innovative and impactful solutions. Our collaboration reflects the core values of multilateralism needed in today's complex world, reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals."
The partnership between QFFD and UNDP continues to thrive, with the annual strategic dialogue serving as a platform to strengthen collaborative efforts and emphasize their shared mission of harnessing innovation and strategic partnerships to build a more sustainable future.
