Opening of UN House in Qatar to consolidate global cooperation

Doha, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani affirmed that Doha will remain a forum for multilateral action, and a reliable platform for dialogue and cooperation between parties that believe in the importance of joint action to face global challenges.

He was speaking at the opening of the “United Nations House” in Lusail, yesterday, on the sidelines of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, in the presence of a large number of Their Excellencies ministers and United Nations officials.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the positive momentum witnessed by the inauguration of the UN House and its distinguished high-level presence is the result of serious and tireless work, and the fruit of a path that began many years ago within the framework of the strategic partnership between Qatar and the United Nations, which included the opening of many offices and bodies in Doha, and that work is under way to host more offices of other United Nations entities.

The Deputy PM expressed Qatar’s pride in what has been achieved in the context of the partnership with the UN system, as Qatar raised the level of its donations to United Nations agencies, and signed many agreements with various United Nations agencies, which resulted in many achievements and tangible results. Sheikh Mohammed pointed to Qatar’s keenness to always be a platform for multilateral action, which is evident today in its hosting of a group of high-level personalities at the official opening of the UN House.

He also expressed his appreciation for the participation of Secretary-General H E Antonio Guterres.

He praised at the same time his leadership role in the United Nations, and his tireless efforts to continue to fulfil the hopes pinned on this organisation, which has made remarkable progress in maintaining peace and security and promoting sustainable development.

He stressed that Qatar appreciates the contributions and experience of the UN Secretary-General, especially at this exceptional stage and what recent years have shown that no country is capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges on its own, praising at the same time the active role of H E Csaba Korosi as President of the current session of the General Assembly.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani continued by saying, “We are honoured today to inaugurate the ‘United Nations House’, which will be based in Doha, and which will be a platform for continuing cooperation, dialogue and exchange of experiences. We hope that the UN House in Doha will strengthen the bonds of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Organisation, and that the product of its existence is at the level of expectations pinned on it, especially in our region, which is witnessing various challenges.”

He added that Qatar announced, during the 18th Doha Forum in 2018, its support of $500m to fund various United Nations bodies and agencies.

With the opening of the United Nations House, Qatar renews its commitment to continue supporting the activities of United Nations entities and cooperating closely with them.

The Deputy PM and FM indicated that the opening of the United Nations House coincides with the holding of LDC5 conference, the second part of which will open today and will last for five days, expressing his pride in the opportunity to host such a historic event.

He hoped that the conference will contribute to bringing about the desired change in the lives of millions of people of the least developed countries, and that it will contribute to alleviating the burdens of the crises and challenges facing these countries.