(MENAFN- Gulf Times) HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad inaugurated Monday the First Leaders' Meeting of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, held on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development Doha 2025, hosted by Qatar from November 4 to 6.
In her opening remarks, HE Dr al-Misnad praised Brazil's initiative in launching the alliance during its G20 presidency and the efforts of its co-chairs to turn the initiative into a practical framework serving humanity. She highlighted Qatar's commitment to rapid response and development for peace, stressing that ending hunger and poverty is a shared responsibility requiring international solidarity and equitable partnerships. Dr al-Misnad noted that over 700mn people worldwide still live in extreme poverty, with conflicts, climate change, debt, and funding shortages threatening development in many countries.
The minister also referred to Qatar's support for the Sevilla Commitment adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which calls for reforms to the global financial system and the creation of a fairer and more resilient global economy that ensures the right to development. HE Dr al-Misnad outlined Qatar's national vision for 2030, focusing on a diversified, sustainable, knowledge- and innovation-based economy, human development, social protection, healthcare, and environmental preservation. She emphasised Qatar's efforts to strengthen international partnerships to support multilateral co-operation and assist developing countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlighting Qatar's partnership with the UN, she said the country is implementing the Doha Program of Action (2022-2031) to help least developed countries move towards sustainable development. Qatar, through the Qatar Fund For Development, has signed agreements with the UN Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries to finance two key projects: enhancing resilience and establishing a food storage system to address food insecurity.
HE Dr al-Misnad added that Qatar provided US$4.8bn in foreign aid from 2022 to 2024, including US$1bn to fight poverty and hunger, US$1bn for education, health, water, and clean energy, and allocated around US$1bn from its Special Drawing Rights to IMF funds for poverty reduction and resilience. The country also contributed over US$30mn to UNDP's Development Impact Accelerator Labs to support innovative community solutions.
She reaffirmed Qatar's belief in the UN as a platform for unifying efforts and strengthening multilateral action, and emphasised its continued support for UN Resident Coordinators and development programmes to ensure the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
HE Dr al-Misnad concluded by reiterating Qatar's commitment to a world free from hunger and poverty, emphasising that through partnership, investment in people, and a deep belief in solidarity, we can ensure no one is left behind, and that peace and development are shared rights for all.

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