Qatar Charity concluded its participation in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive, locally led, and sustainable approach to humanitarian and development efforts. The week-long engagement, led by CEO Yousuf bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, involved strategic meetings and high-level discussions with UN agencies, international NGOs, foundations, and development partners.
Central to Qatar Charity’s agenda during the sessions was the promotion of stronger leadership and decision-making roles for organizations and communities in the Global South. The group argued for a shift from the traditional model, where these entities are seen mainly as aid recipients or implementers, toward a system where they actively participate in setting priorities, financing, and operational decisions. Qatar Charity also advocated for investment in local institutions and leadership as essential components of a meaningful localization process.
The organization’s discussions included partnerships and cooperation agreements with a range of humanitarian and development actors such as BRAC, International Medical Corps (IMC), ANERA, UNICEF, and others. Engagements with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) highlighted the role of regional and Global South institutions in shaping and funding international cooperation. Qatar Charity’s collaboration with IsDB recently included a $10 million contribution to the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees, a waqf-based financing mechanism aimed at supporting sustainable solutions for displaced populations.
Qatar Charity also reinforced its strategic partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), contributing to discussions on humanitarian diplomacy, principled action, access, localization, resilience, and responsible transitions. This cooperation is set to continue with the planned Humanitarian Impact Forum in Doha in January 2027, co-organized by Qatar Charity and OCHA, which will gather humanitarian stakeholders to explore practical solutions across impact, accountability, localization, innovation, and partnership.
Engagements extended to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), focusing on refugee protection, self-reliance, and faith-based initiatives. Throughout the General Assembly, Qatar Charity also underscored the importance of diversifying humanitarian financing beyond traditional aid sources, encouraging increased use of Islamic philanthropy, community giving, private-sector partnerships, and other funding mechanisms.
Beyond its bilateral and multilateral meetings, Qatar Charity’s interactions spanned organizations including the Clinton Global Initiative, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Save the Children, Plan International, Street Child, and others, addressing issues of education, child protection, resilience, and the future of international cooperation.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the UNGA session, Yousuf bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari highlighted the need to rethink international cooperation models in light of current global challenges, emphasizing the Global South’s capacity and responsibility to contribute more fully. He stressed the organization’s commitment to translating dialogue into tangible action through strengthened partnerships, diversified financing, and responsible innovation moving forward. The upcoming Humanitarian Impact Forum in Doha will serve as a key platform for advancing these objectives.