Qatar Foundation (QF) has played a prominent role in advancing international discussions on family support, child protection in the digital era, and youth leadership in humanitarian law during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

QF member Doha International Family Institute (Difi) co-hosted two side events that convened global leaders and experts to address pressing challenges faced by families amid conflict and rapid technological change. One event, organised in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, focused on “Family Wellbeing and Resilience during Conflict.” The discussion highlighted the increased pressures conflicts and humanitarian crises place on families, often undermining their ability to provide caregiving, emotional support, and social stability. Speakers included Dr. Sharifa Noaman al-Emadi, executive director of Difi, and Dr. Ahmed Aref, the institute’s director of Family Research and Policy, who underscored the need for integrated, family-centred policies to enhance resilience in turbulent environments.

Another session, co-organised with the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the UN and the non-profit Global Helping to Advance Women and Children, explored “Protecting Children from Emerging Forms of Harm in the Digital Era.” This event examined the roles of parents, communities, and national authorities in safeguarding children’s well-being amid technological advances that may expose them to harmful content or adversely affect their mental health and social development. Dr. al-Emadi stressed the importance of placing family wellbeing at the core of global human rights and protection policies.

QF also spotlighted Qatar’s efforts in empowering women and girls through sports as part of its engagement at the council. In addition, QatarDebate—a QF-founded initiative—sponsored a side event titled “The Next Generation of Humanity: Youth Leadership in International Humanitarian Law,” in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Qatar and Jordan. The session gathered representatives from states, humanitarian organisations, civil society, and youth advocates from around the world to discuss the critical role young people play as advocates, educators, and leaders in advancing international humanitarian law.

Abdulrahman al-Subaie, administrative and strategy director at QatarDebate, emphasized the importance of extending youth participation beyond educational settings into decision-making arenas. He highlighted dialogue as a vital tool for cultivating an informed and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to global solutions.

Through its coordinated activities, Qatar Foundation has underscored its commitment to addressing global humanitarian and human rights challenges by fostering family resilience, protecting children in the digital age, and promoting youth engagement in international law.