Doha: HE Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Haoliang Xu affirmed that the State of Qatar plays a pivotal role in supporting multilateralism and enhancing multilateral development cooperation, highlighting the importance of the strategic partnership between Qatar and the UNDP in addressing the accelerating global challenges.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency emphasized Qatar’s contributions during the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. He noted that the commemoration occurs amidst a backdrop of numerous armed conflicts, climate change repercussions, and humanitarian crises in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. His Excellency stressed the importance of recalling the core objectives of the United Nations, such as promoting peace, supporting development, and safeguarding human rights, in which Qatar plays a vital role.
He pointed out the decline in official development assistance (ODA) at the international level, which has dropped from $250 billion in 2024 to an estimated $180 billion in 2026, a nearly 30% decrease. This decline highlights a significant gap between the scale of global challenges and available funding. In response, Qatar has provided nearly $5 billion in international support since 2020, including contributions to the International Development Fund, humanitarian aid, and multilateral programs.
Qatar’s contributions go beyond financial support, extending to innovative and developmental fields. The ‘Accelerator Labs’ initiative, supported by Qatar and Germany, covers over 100 countries and aims to develop innovative solutions to complex development challenges. These labs encourage collaboration among governments, the private sector, academics, and entrepreneurs to find practical and sustainable solutions.
Joint projects between the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the UNDP, such as the “Rebuilding Hope” initiative in Gaza, provide educational opportunities for students and support sustainable livelihoods in various regions. The partnership also extends to supporting women and girls in Afghanistan and promoting Palestinian handicrafts and products through events like ‘Palestine Week’ in Doha.
His Excellency highlighted the growing needs of developing countries, which face high levels of debt and limited capacity to invest in vital sectors. He emphasized the need for political will and commitment to bridge funding gaps and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Qatar’s support plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
Looking ahead, His Excellency expressed hope for future cooperation with Qatar in fields such as innovation, artificial intelligence, and big data. He emphasized that international support can act as a catalyst for national efforts, and the Qatar-UNDP partnership is a driver of sustainable development.
In conclusion, HE Haoliang Xu underscored the necessity of investing in development to promote global stability. He highlighted the stark contrast between global military spending and the development financing gap, reinforcing the importance of Qatar’s role in supporting development initiatives.