UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, at the first strategic dialogue between UNHCR and Qatar hosted at UNHCR’s headquarters in Geneva. Left to Right: Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Abdul Latif Al Ali, Assistant Director of the Office of the Undersecretary of Research and Development, Ministry of Interior; Mr. Nawaf Al-Hammadi, Chief of Global Operations, Qatar Charity; Ms. Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees; Mr. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees; H.E. Fahad Al Sulaiti, Director-General of the Qatar Fund for Development; H.E. Dr. Hend Al Muftah, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN in Geneva; H.E. Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of the International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Major General Abdulla Saqer Al Muhannadi, Director of the Human Rights Department, Ministry of Interior; Mr. Faisal Al-Emadi, Secretary General, Qatar Red Crescent Society; Mr. Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Acting CEO, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation; Ms. Dominique Hyde, UNHCR's Director of the Division of External Relations. © UNHCR/Alexandre St-Denis
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, held its first strategic dialogue with the State of Qatar at its headquarters in Geneva, bringing together high-level representatives from both sides to build on the steadfast partnership and strengthen collaboration on global displacement challenges. A signing ceremony was organised the following day, during which three agreements were signed with key Qatari partners.
The inaugural dialogue laid the foundations and explored paths for further sustained collaboration, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to addressing humanitarian and development challenges and supporting response efforts to assist forcibly displaced people.
The dialogue, led by UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi and the UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner, Kelly T. Clements, gathered representatives from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Interior (MOI), Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, Qatar Charity (QC), and Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS).
The dialogue comes at a critical time, with a record 123 million individuals uprooted from their homes and acute funding shortfalls jeopardising UNHCR’s essential humanitarian programmes. It marks a key milestone in strengthening support for displaced populations and reinforcing the long-standing partnership between UNHCR and the State of Qatar.
Commenting on the event, UNHCR’s Filippo Grandi, said: “At a time of growing humanitarian crises and dwindling resources, strengthening our cooperation with partners like Qatar is crucial. Their steadfast partnership continues to enable UNHCR to deliver life-saving support to millions of displaced populations across the globe. It builds foundations for long-term self-reliance and sustainable impact.”
On behalf of the State of Qatar, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva Dr. Hend bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah said: “we commend the fruitful cooperation between the State of Qatar and UNHCR, and emphasise the importance of the dialogue in consolidating the partnership, expanding the horizons of cooperation, exchanging views on joint strategic priorities and initiatives, and reviewing the humanitarian activities and responses undertaken by the UNHCR with the support of the State of Qatar.”
From her part, HE Director of the International Organisations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani affirmed that “Qatar remains fully committed to intensifying this strategic alliance with UNHCR. We will continue to spearhead efforts to address emerging challenges, especially in under-resourced emergencies, fragile environments, and regions increasingly exposed to climate-driven displacement.”
From his side, Director General of QFFD, HE Fahad Al Suliati, stated: “At the heart of our strategy lies a firm commitment to refugees, with their needs and aspirations deeply integrated into our programs and priorities. This ensures that our interventions remain responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the complex realities of displacement. Over the past decade, Qatar has proudly worked alongside UNHCR not only through substantial and sustained financial support but through strategic, field-driven cooperation that delivers tangible outcomes where they are needed most.” He further emphasised, “Humanitarian systems are under increasing strain, global needs are escalating, and the funding gap continues to widen. To address this, we need a responsive and effective humanitarian system, one that demands joint action and sustained collaboration.”
On the second day, a high-level meeting took place between High Commissioner Grandi and the Chairperson of QFFD, HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, followed by a signing ceremony where QFFD reaffirmed its partnership with UNHCR by committing US$8 million for 2025-2026. This flexible funding enables UNHCR to swiftly respond to emergencies and sustain support for underfunded displacement crises.
The ceremony also saw the signing of a US$3 million agreement with QRCS in support of UNHCR’s health programme in Jordan for a period of 12 months. This contribution, which is provided thanks to QFFD’s generous funding, will provide Syrian refugees with access to life-saving and emergency secondary health care.
Additionally, QC underscored its commitment to supporting displaced Yemenis by continuing its collaboration with UNHCR through a new agreement to provide cash assistance to 2,500 of the most vulnerable individuals, helping them cover food and other urgent needs in 2025.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, at a high-level meeting with the Chairperson of QFFD, HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani and the Qatari delegation. © UNHCR/Alexandre St-Denis
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, with the Chairman of Qatar Fund for Development, H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari delegation at the signing ceremony. Left to Right: Mr. Nawaf Al-Hammadi, Chief of Global Operations, Qatar Charity; Mr. Faisal Al-Emadi, Secretary General, Qatar Red Crescent Society; H.E. Fahad Al Sulaiti, Director-General of the Qatar Fund for Development; H.E. Dr. Hend Al Muftah, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN in Geneva; H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Fund for Development; Mr. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees; Ms. Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees; Ms. Dominique Hyde, UNHCR's Director of the Division of External Relations; H.E. Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of the International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar. © UNHCR/Alexandre St-Denis
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and Director General of QFFD, H.E. Fahad Al Sulaiti, sign an agreement worth US$8 million for 2025-2026. © UNHCR/Alexandre St-Denis
UNHCR Deputy Commissioner, Kelly T. Clements, and Secretary General of QRCS, Mr. Faisal Al-Emadi, sign an agreement worth US$3 million to support UNHCR’s health programme in Jordan. © UNHCR/Alexandre St-Denis
UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar, Mr. Ahmed Mohsen and Chief of Global Operations at QC, Mr. Nawaf Al-Hammadi, sign a cash assistance agreement in support of displaced Yemenis inside Yemen. © UNHCR/Alexandre St-Denis
Qatar’s longstanding support to UNHCR has been pivotal in addressing humanitarian crises. Today’s singings bring the total contributions from the Government of the State of Qatar and Qatari entities since 2010 to US$423 million, positioning Qatar among UNHCR’s top donors, offering assistance and hope to millions of forcibly displaced persons worldwide.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Khaled Kabbara
Communications Officer- GCC Countries
[email protected]
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