UNHCR and QFFD Mark World Refugee Day with «Walk in their Shoes» Exhibition

In commemoration of World Refugee Day, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in collaboration with Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), organised an exhibition titled “Walking in Their Shoes”, at Place Vendôme Mall in Lusail. This unique public exhibition brings to life the personal journeys of displaced people from around the world, giving the public in Qatar the opportunity to experience their stories firsthand.

The exhibition was inaugurated today with an opening ceremony attended by HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of QFFD, HE Fahad bin Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD and Mr Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar, alongside several distinguished guests. Attendees were guided through the exhibition, where they explored photos and narratives capturing the resilience and dignity of displaced individuals and families.

Set within a UNHCR family tent, similar to those used in refugee sites, the exhibition showcases a glimpse into the living conditions of those forced to flee their homes. It also highlights the vital support and contributions generously provided by donors such as QFFD, and its impact on the lives of displaced populations globally.

Speaking at the event, Mohsen expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration: “No one chooses to become a refugee. People fleeing war and persecution carry with them untold stories of resilience, strength, and hope. This exhibition helps us all reflect on their journeys and be reminded that behind the numbers are people with dreams, defying adversity to build a brighter future for their families. We are grateful to QFFD for standing with displaced people around the world and for joining us in creating this meaningful space where the public can connect with refugees’ stories.”

Reflecting on the significance of this day, Ms Shaikha Al-Shaibi, Head of Partnership Planning and Evaluation: “At the Qatar Fund for Development, we remain unwavering in our commitment to supporting forcibly displaced populations. Through our long-standing partnership with UNHCR, we strive not only to address urgent humanitarian needs but also to invest in long-term resilience and opportunity. This exhibition serves as a powerful call to action, a moment to reaffirm our shared humanity and collective responsibility toward those facing displacement and hardship. It brings to life the individual stories behind the crisis, stories of courage, hope, and perseverance.”

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee. This year, World Refugee Day is marked amid severe aid funding cuts putting millions of lives at risk. According to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends Report, there were more than 123 million forcibly displaced people by the end of 2025, including 42.7 million refugees and 73.5 million internally displaced people. The main drivers of displacement remain large conflicts like Sudan, Myanmar and Ukraine, and the continued failure to stop the fighting.

The “Walking in Their Shoes” exhibition is open to the public free of charge from 22 to 27 June at Place Vendôme Mall, offering an opportunity to learn about the realities faced by forcibly displaced people and the joint UNHCR-QFFD humanitarian efforts to support them.