Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) engaged in a High-Level Strategic Dialogue between the State of Qatar and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

7th of February 2025

United Nations Plaza, New York
On the sidelines of the 2025 Economic and Social Council Partnership Forum, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) engaged in a High-Level Strategic Dialogue with the State of Qatar and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The dialogue, hosted by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, focused on advancing collaborative efforts in critical areas, including humanitarian response, child protection, education, and health.
The Strategic Dialogue underscored the importance of joint initiatives in conflict-affected regions, aiming to enhance access to quality education for the most vulnerable communities. The session also addressed the growing challenges including the impacts of climate change, highlighting the need for transformative solutions to safeguard children’s rights and futures.
During the dialogue, Sheikha Alya Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations expressed, “These annual Strategic Dialogues are extremely important, as they offer a unique opportunity to celebrate our achievements, discuss shared priorities, and explore the partnership between the State of Qatar and UNICEF. Our objective is to continue strengthening this collaboration, reflecting on our progress, and outlining the path forward. The State of Qatar has long been a steadfast supporter and key partner of UNICEF, actively committed to improving children’s lives worldwide.”
Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, affirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting communities around the world by stating: “As we gather here today, 244 million children and adolescents remain out of school, and countless others are denied basic rights like healthcare, education, and protection. These challenges demand innovative solutions and steadfast collaboration. At the heart of our partnership with UNICEF is a shared vision to address the barriers faced by the world’s most marginalized children and to contribute to international peace and security by advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Ms. Catherine Russel also stated: “I am pleased to renew our commitments to children at the high-level meeting with the State of Qatar today,” said Russell. “We agreed to further strengthen our collaboration to achieve lasting results in saving and improving the lives of children.”
Furthermore, Ms. Kholoud Al-Mohannadi, Head of Communication and Global Advocacy at QFFD expressed “At a time of growing global challenges, millions of children are growing up in environments where learning is disrupted, healthcare is inaccessible, and basic protection remains out of reach. Yet, in the face of these hardships, our responsibility has never been greater, and our collective action has never been more urgent. Through our partnership with UNICEF, we remain committed to restoring hope, rebuilding opportunities, and empowering every child to realize their full potential and contribute to a more hopeful and prosperous future.”
Through this strategic engagement, QFFD remains steadfast in advocating for and strengthening collective efforts to secure a better future for all children, especially those in the most vulnerable regions affected by conflict, poverty, and lack of essential services. QFFD continues to work alongside partners to transform the lives of children globally through sustainable, inclusive development solutions.

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