Doha, December 08 (QNA) - Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) announced the signing of 18 development and humanitarian agreements, with a total contribution exceeding QR 2.016 billion, targeting more than 4.7 million beneficiaries worldwide, on the sidelines of the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum 2025.

These agreements span a range of priority sectors that contribute to improving the quality of health services, expanding access to education, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing food security, empowering youth and women, supporting communities affected by conflict and natural disasters, and strengthening systems' resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The signing ceremonies were witnessed by HE Chairperson of QFFD, Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Vice Chairperson of QFFD, Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, HRH Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, Princess Ghida Talal, and Chair and Board Member of the Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, along with high-level representatives of partner organizations.

These partnerships aim to advance innovative financing and expand development impact through strengthened multilateral cooperation with leading international and regional institutions, the private sector, and governments including Gates Foundation, King Hussein Cancer Foundation, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (WorldFish), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Religious Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Amref Health Africa, the Agence Française de Developpement (AFD), the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Qatar Charity (QC), and Qatar Red Cresent (QRC).

On this occasion, Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, stated: "These partnerships underscore the State of Qatar's unwavering commitment to confronting global development and humanitarian challenges through innovative, scalable, and forward-looking financing solutions. By harnessing QFFD's diverse instruments, ranging from grants and concessional loans to catalytic capital, guarantees, and more, we are shaping a new model of sustainable, impact-driven cooperation. Our collaboration with international banks and leading global and local institutions further reinforces our strategic vision for the next five years and amplifies our collective ability to deliver meaningful, long-term change."

QFFD further strengthened global dialogue by convening two high-level sessions during the Forum, bringing together ministers, development banks, multilateral organizations, and private-sector leaders. The first session, titled "Empowering Africa's Future: Addressing Regional Priorities for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Growth," focused on economic empowerment in Africa as a key pillar for sustainable and inclusive growth in the region, emphasizing the creation of equitable economic opportunities and enhancing prosperity across the continent.

The second session, titled "Innovative Financing for Development: Scaling Impact and Driving Inclusive, Sustainable Growth" examined the role of innovative financing in accelerating development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to a broader global conversation on effective tools and solutions capable of transforming international commitments into meaningful impact that supports the world's most vulnerable communities and strengthens their resilience to humanitarian and development challenges.

Together, these initiatives underscore the State of Qatar's commitment to international solidarity and shared responsibility, aligning with the vision of Doha Forum 2025 under the theme "Justice in Action: From Promises to Progress," reflecting a collective aspiration to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient future for all. (QNA)