Doha: Qatar's role as a significant player in international humanitarian efforts has been underscored through the recent launch of the 'Humanitarian Impact Forum 2025' by Qatar Charity. This forum aims to unite non-governmental organizations and donors, along with partners from the United Nations, to discuss and improve humanitarian operations and aid delivery.
During the event, HE Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided insights about the urgent need for collaborative humanitarian efforts. Addressing the complexity of the current global political climate, she emphasized, 'The world today is witnessing...in many regions, in addition to the growth of additional challenges such as the challenge of climate change, health crises, the exacerbation of poverty and hunger, among others' (Qatar News Agency).
Sheikha Hanouf highlighted the multifaceted humanitarian challenges the globe faces today, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. Qatar's humanitarian efforts are not merely political, but also focused on ensuring aid reaches those who need it most. Between 2020 and 2024, Qatar is reported to have provided around $2.7 billion in humanitarian aid.
At the launch event, Sheikha Hanouf conveyed Qatar's approach to its partnerships, stating, 'Qatar does not deal with UN organizations...but rather as key partners in delivering humanitarian aid to those most in need' (Qatar News Agency). This sentiment reflects Qatar's view of collaboration not just as donor-recipient dynamics, but as mutual partnerships fostering impactful aid delivery.
Preventive diplomacy emerged as another pillar of Qatar's foreign policy. Sheikha Hanouf noted the necessity of developing proactive strategies to avert crises before they materialize. 'Developing plans to prevent crises...is preferable to seeking solutions after they have occurred,' she stated, pointing to the importance of anticipation and preparation.
During the session titled 'Bridging Boundaries: Collaborative Solutions for Humanitarian Access in Complex Political Landscapes,' Sheikha Hanouf discussed the often overlooked psychological impact of political crises. She articulated, 'The humanitarian impact of political crises...requires us to work on finding solutions...to treat the psychological conditions resulting from crises' (Qatar News Agency).
This focus on emotional and mental health aspects is particularly timely as many communities around the world suffer from the emotional toll of prolonged conflict and instability. Every crisis leaves behind not only physical destruction but also psychological scars, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to humanitarian assistance.
Qatar's humanitarian initiatives, as highlighted by Sheikha Hanouf at the forum, demonstrate the country’s commitment not only to alleviate immediate suffering but also to contribute toward sustainable solutions. The 'Humanitarian Impact Forum 2025' symbolizes this commitment, aiming to bridge gaps between various entities working to provide assistance.
By collaborating with global partners and addressing the intertwined nature of humanitarian and geopolitical challenges, Qatar is positioning itself as a central hub for humanitarian diplomacy. The country aims to reconcile the political intricacies of today’s world with the urgent need to provide effective humanitarian aid.
With clear strategies and initiatives, Qatar continues to lead by example on the international stage, showcasing how nations can contribute meaningfully to global humanitarian efforts. The success of the forum will depend significantly on fostering these partnerships and ensuring consistent and effective humanitarian access to those most affected by crises.