In a powerful show of international cooperation, the State of Qatar and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have strengthened their partnership to tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges. The two partners came together for the 2025 Annual High-Level Strategic Dialogue, hosted at the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations in New York.
This important meeting reflects a shared vision to create a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive world. It builds on years of successful collaboration between the UNDP and Qatar through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), with a renewed focus on joint efforts under a new five-year agreement that runs from 2024 to 2028.
Renewing a Powerful Partnership
The High-Level Strategic Dialogue (HLSD) is a key part of the growing partnership between Qatar and the UNDP. It provides a space for both parties to align their strategies and explore new ways to support communities across the globe. This year’s dialogue reinforced their dedication to delivering sustainable results that make a real difference in people’s lives.
At the heart of the discussions was the shared goal of accelerating progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal blueprint for peace, prosperity, and environmental protection by the year 2030.
Who Was at the Table?
The event brought together top-level officials from both Qatar and the UNDP. Notable participants included Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Mr. Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD); and Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP.
They were joined by representatives from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar Charity, and other senior development experts. Together, they reviewed past successes and laid out plans for future projects that will tackle global issues from poverty and education to renewable energy and crisis response.
Four Key Areas of Cooperation
During the meeting, the partners identified four major areas where they will focus their joint efforts:
- Innovative Finance for Development
Qatar and UNDP will explore new ways to fund development projects that create long-term impact. This includes leveraging public and private resources in smarter, more sustainable ways. - Renewable Energy and Green Solutions
With climate change posing a major threat, both parties agreed to invest in clean, renewable energy sources to help vulnerable communities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. - Youth Empowerment and Education
Investing in the next generation is crucial. The partnership will support educational programs and youth-focused initiatives that prepare young people to lead their communities and build brighter futures. - Crisis Response and Recovery
Qatar and the UNDP are committed to helping countries recover from conflict, disasters, and other crises. By providing tools for reconstruction and resilience, they aim to restore hope and stability where it’s needed most.
What the Leaders Said
Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Al-Thani spoke passionately about the importance of collaboration in today’s interconnected world:
“This strategic dialogue represents a vital platform to strengthen our partnership with the United Nations in general, and the UNDP in particular. The State of Qatar believes that international cooperation and innovation are the keys to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Through our partnership, we continue to work together to address global challenges and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”
Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, emphasized that this partnership has already delivered real results, and there is more to come:
“This dialogue represents a pivotal moment in the long-standing partnership between the Qatar Fund for Development and the United Nations Development Programme. Together, we have launched impactful projects that improve education, healthcare, and renewable energy systems in countries that need it most. These efforts reflect the shared priorities of both QFFD and UNDP, and we remain committed to creating lasting change.”
Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, praised Qatar’s role as a global leader in sustainable development:
“Qatar is a key strategic partner for UNDP. Their strong commitment to innovative and impactful solutions is exactly what we need in today’s world. This partnership reinforces the values of global cooperation and ensures that vulnerable communities are not left behind as we work toward the 2030 goals.”
Looking to the Future
This renewed partnership between Qatar and the UNDP sends a clear message: achieving a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future requires unity, bold thinking, and long-term commitment. By aligning their resources and expertise, these two partners are setting a powerful example for how international cooperation can drive real progress.
The world today faces many challenges—climate change, inequality, conflict, and poverty among them. But through partnerships like this one, solutions become more possible. The agreement between Qatar and the UNDP highlights the need for global leadership that puts people and planet first.
With the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals fast approaching, this collaboration is more than just timely—it is essential.
