Doha, September 19 (QNA) - HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah affirmed that the role the State of Qatar plays in the field of mediation reflects a well-established approach in its foreign policy, built on prioritizing dialogue grounded in trust and peaceful solutions, and belief in the importance of keeping communication channels open even in the most complex crises. This approach is also founded on a clear constitutional foundation of promoting international peace and security and encouraging peaceful settlement of disputes as key pillars of the state's foreign policy.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Al Muftah said that the State of Qatar, under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, continued developing its expertise in mediation and expanding the scope of its diplomatic efforts across various regions of the world, until it became a trusted mediator regionally and internationally. This development is supported by Qatar's accumulated experience and its ability to communicate with all parties, even the most complex and challenging cases, maintain channels of dialogue, and work with strategic patience and continuity. 
Her Excellency clarified further that the State of Qatar does not view mediation as a matter of media visibility or international competition, but rather a matter of moral responsibility and effectiveness in preserving international peace and security. HE added that Qatar's guiding principle is whether there is an opportunity to contribute effectively to reducing tensions and helping the parties move forward toward a political solution, and to find common ground that would enable them to reach understandings and peaceful solutions, while the decision regarding the outcomes of the process remains in the hands of the parties concerned.
Regarding the evolution of the relationship of the State of Qatar and the United Nations from a traditional member relationship into an effective strategic partnership for the past two decades, HE affirmed that this relationship has evolved gradually from engagement within the framework of membership into a broad, long-term strategic partnership encompassing a range of political, humanitarian, and development fields. Over the years, Qatar's contribution to the work of the United Nations has expanded to include support for UN initiatives and programs, participation in peace and mediation efforts, humanitarian and development work, and cooperation in addressing a number of international challenges.
Among this was the signing of several agreements between the State of Qatar and the United Nations on the sidelines of the 2018 Doha Forum with the attendance of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HE UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where Qatar has provided support to the financing of UN organizations with USD 500 million, a move that represents Qatar's active role in international efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
HE Al Muftah noted that one of the most prominent manifestations of this evolution has been the growing institutional presence of the UN in Doha, with the State of Qatar hosting a number of UN offices and programs and organizing dozens of UN events. This was further reinforced by the opening of the UN House in Doha, which brings together a number of UN entities, strengthening the institutional character of this partnership and expanding areas of joint cooperation. This cooperation has come to be based on long-term partnerships and initiatives across various fields of UN work, reflecting Qatar's commitment to supporting the United Nations system and promoting multilateral international action in addressing shared challenges.
She added that, in Geneva, the evolution of this partnership was reflected in Qatar’s active engagement in the multilateral system, particularly in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), where Qatar led three draft resolutions for the first time in its membership during 2025 and 2026 addressing priority issues, all of which were adopted by consensus without a vote. Resolution 59/17, entitled "Empowering Women and Girls in and through Sport", was tabled by Qatar on behalf of the core group comprising Qatar, Indonesia and Morocco, and was adopted in July 2025. The second, Resolution 60/19, entitled "Promotion and Protection of the Human Rights of Women and Children in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations: Ensuring Justice, Remedies and Reparation for Victims", was tabled by Qatar on behalf of the core group comprising Qatar and Costa Rica, and was adopted in October 2025.
She pointed that the third resolution, entitled "Protecting Healthcare in Armed Conflicts" and adopted in July 2026, represented a distinctive experience for the State of Qatar in UNHRC, as Qatar took the lead in drafting the resolution, conducting the related consultations and negotiations, and submitting it independently to UNHRC. The resolution received broad support, with 62 countries from across the different regional groups co-sponsoring it, highlighting the ability of Qatari diplomacy to mobilize support for initiatives addressing issues of international concern.
HE Al Muftah affirmed that the Qatari approach to mediation is characterized by flexibility and the ability to communicate with various parties while maintaining channels of dialogue, even with deferring positions and highly complex circumstances. The State of Qatar also places great importance on building trust, demonstrating patience and persistence, and providing space for the parties themselves to reach solutions that they can accept and implement. 
HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah clarified that this approach is based on bringing viewpoints closer together and creating favorable conditions for dialogue, while leaving the decision regarding the outcomes of the process in the hands of the parties concerned. The State of Qatar is also committed to cooperating with international and regional partners in a manner that supports the prospects for successful mediation and contributes to reaching sustainable solutions. Qatar's experience has demonstrated the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts even during stages when negotiations face difficulties or setbacks, thereby help keeping opportunities for reaching solutions alive.
Regarding the partnership between the State of Qatar and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and how it developed in the past few years, Her Excellency clarified that the history of the partnership between the UNHCR and humanitarian associations in Qatar dates back to the 1990s. Over the years, this partnership has expanded to respond to the various and growing cases of refugee displacement and forced migration around the world. In March 2023, the UN House in Doha was inaugurated, housing the office of the UNHCR.
She noted that Qatar's total contributions to support the programs of the UNHCR have so far exceeded USD 440 million, equivalent to more than QAR 1.6 billion, to support refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities across various sectors, including education, shelter, healthcare, livelihoods, and cash assistance. These generous contributions have served as a lifeline for many forcibly displaced persons around the world.
She went on saying that the State of Qatar considers its partnership with UNHCR as an important model of effective cooperation with the UN system. This partnership has evolved over the past years to encompass multiple areas of humanitarian response and support for refugees and forcibly displaced individuals in different regions of the world.
Her Excellency added that the scope of the cooperation expanded to include a number of Qatari non-governmental organizations and bodies such as Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Education Above All Foundation, Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Qatar Airways, Silatech Foundation, and Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah for Humanitarian Services Foundation, reflecting a commitment to leveraging available expertise and resources in support of shared humanitarian objectives and contributing to strengthening UNHCR's capacity to address the growing challenges of forced displacement.
She noted that the convening of the first high-level strategic dialogue between the State of Qatar and the UNHCR at its headquarters in Geneva in May 2025 marked an important milestone in the development of this relationship. The dialogue provided an opportunity to discuss ways of strengthening the existing partnership and exploring future areas of cooperation, including humanitarian assistance and the mechanisms for its allocation and distribution to serve refugees around the world. The dialogue also witnessed the signing of an agreement to support UNHCR's core resources for the 2025-2026 period, funded by the Qatar Fund for Development. HE Dr. Al Muftah expressed her anticipation to continuing to build on this partnership and expanding areas of cooperation with UNHCR in a manner that serves refugees and forcibly displaced persons and strengthens joint humanitarian action.
Regarding the challenges facing the sustainability of Qatari mediation outcomes following the singing of ceasefire agreements or political settlements, HE said that reaching a ceasefire or political agreement represents a fundamental step, while also marking the beginning of a new phase that requires sustained efforts to support implementation and sustainability. Among the most significant challenges at this stage are maintaining the parties' commitment to the agreed terms, rebuilding trust, and addressing the humanitarian, economic, and social repercussions left by the conflict.
HE added that this underscored the importance of continuing efforts after the conclusion of a political agreement, maintaining channels of dialogue between the parties, and following up on the implementation of agreed provisions. She noted that the sustainability of any agreement remains largely dependent on the parties' willingness and commitment to its implementation, alongside regional and international support that helps consolidate achievements and address the underlying causes of conflict. In this context, HE said that the long-term success of mediation is linked to the ability of the parties and partners to build on what has been achieved and transform it into a sustainable process that promotes stability and reduces the likelihood of a return to conflict.
Regarding contemporary crises, HE noted that the political and humanitarian paths are interconnected, describing them as two sides of the same coin. Addressing them in an integrated manner, she said, can enhance prospects for de-escalation and alleviate the suffering of civilians. Mediation can help create the conditions necessary for the delivery of aid and the protection of civilians, while humanitarian response can contribute to mitigating the effects of conflict and fostering an environment more conducive to sustained dialogue and, subsequently, reconstruction.
HE emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between countries and entities engaged in mediation efforts, on the one hand, and the UN and its humanitarian and development agencies, on the other, in a manner that contributes to the protection of civilians and facilitates the delivery of assistance, while upholding the fundamental principles governing humanitarian action. 
Concluding her exclusive remarks to QNA, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah emphasized that Qatar and the UN can build on their existing partnership in this field by combining diplomatic expertise in mediation and dialogue with the humanitarian and development capabilities of the UN system and its partners. Such cooperation, she noted, would help develop more integrated and sustainable responses to crises. (QNA)