New York City, September 27 (QNA) - The State of Qatar, together with a group of its international partners, has called on the global community to join the efforts of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC), which was launched during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the aim of building a more inclusive and prosperous future for people with autism worldwide.

The GAAC, which was announced at an event organized by Qatar Foundation (QF), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Autism Speaks, represents an opportunity for the international community to unite in supporting individuals with autism and their families. The announcement came during the UN’s High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser commented: "I welcome the launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition, marking a milestone that shifts our efforts beyond awareness to collective action. This platform urges the international community to embrace its shared responsibility in addressing autism. As the first coalition of its kind, it will ensure autism becomes an international priority."

Her Highness added: "The State of Qatar’s commitment to the causes of autism extends beyond its national border, and is rooted in our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life. On this occasion, I urge governments, stakeholders, and development partners to move beyond awareness and commit to concrete collective action, including the meaningful allocation of necessary resources."

The establishment of this coalition, led by QF, WHO, UNICEF, and Autism Speaks, reflects the growing global recognition of autism as a shared social responsibility. Current estimates indicate that around 80 million people, about one percent of the world’s population, are on the autism spectrum, highlighting not only rising prevalence but also advances in diagnosis and awareness.

The GAAC further urged decision-makers worldwide to move from awareness to action, allocating resources to address autism issues collectively, advancing autism on the global agenda, and embedding it into policy frameworks. The coalition also emphasized collaboration and knowledge-sharing across research, technology, and education, in addition to coordinated outreach and innovation-driven strategies to tackle autism.

The GAAC has also extended its invitation to governments, NGOs, charities, and private sector partners to join its efforts, so as to contribute meaningfully to global cooperation on autism, particularly in areas of social inclusion, economic opportunities, and enhancing the wellbeing of individuals with autism everywhere.

HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud said: "The Global Autism Advocacy Coalition is a beacon of what can be achieved when nations unite for good. By working together, we can improve the lives of millions of individuals with autism, helping them reach their full potential and showing the world that collective action delivers hope, dignity, and opportunity."

HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi said: "This moment reflects the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose leadership has long advanced dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with autism. It was through her efforts that, in December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139, designating 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day".

"Qatar has long been a regional pioneer in supporting autistic children and their families. In 2017, it launched its first national autism strategy, creating a foundation for inclusive policies and services. Since then, Qatar has championed the rights of the autistic community through early diagnosis, education, and community services, ensuring inclusion at every stage of life," Her Excellency said.

"Looking ahead, innovation must remain central to continued progress. For us, innovation is not only about technology, but also about re-imagining how social systems, family support, and community engagement work together so every individual can contribute meaningfully to society. Through the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition, we look forward to fostering deeper collaboration and knowledge-sharing across research, innovation, and technology to ensure our efforts are united and impactful," Her Excellency concluded.

During the event, Associate Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Co-Founder of the Autism Sensing Center of Excellence Dr. Dena Al-Thani highlighted priority areas requiring international cooperation, such as mobilizing resources, boosting investment, and focusing on technological innovation in autism diagnosis and intervention.

QF, WHO, UNICEF, and Autism Speaks also used the networking opportunities during the UN General Assembly to coordinate with stakeholders and invite them to join the coalition.

Research, Development, and Innovation Advisor to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at QF Dr. Hilal Lashuel said: "We take pride in the leading role that Qatar Foundation, together with its partners, has played in establishing this coalition".

"Having a global voice for autism and launching supportive platforms for individuals with autism has become a global necessity, not a choice. Autism has become a worldwide challenge that requires a global response and resources that exceed the capacity of any single country or institution. From this perspective, one of the coalition’s main objectives is to strengthen integrated international collective action across all fields, in order to translate decades of hope, investment, and progress into concrete and tangible solutions that bring about meaningful positive change in the lives of individuals with autism and their families," he said.

HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has long been a leading advocate for global autism awareness and support. Her proposal in 2007 led to the UN General Assembly’s adoption of World Autism Awareness Day, held each year on 2 April, aimed at raising awareness and improving the quality of life for individuals with autism. (QNA)