Qatar Participates in the Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council. The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its dedication to international cooperation and youth empowerment by participating in the Global Leadership Council Meeting for the Generation Unlimited initiative, hosted by Canada.
This crucial meeting was held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Representing Qatar at this high-level event was HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, whose presence and address further solidified Qatar’s leadership on the global stage in the areas of youth development, education, and international collaboration.
Qatar Participates in the Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council
Qatar’s collaboration with Canada was a central theme of the Global Leadership Council Meeting. The event, chaired by Canada, was attended by notable figures such as HE Canada’s Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, HE Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Bob Rae, HE President of the UN Economic and Social Council Paula Narvaez, and HE Executive Director of UNICEF Catherine Russell. The gathering brought together a diverse group of global leaders, including governments, private sector representatives, development partners, civil society members, and youth, all focused on the shared goal of unlocking the potential of young people.
In her address, HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater praised the strong, long-standing partnership between the State of Qatar and Canada. She emphasized that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss initiatives aimed at empowering youth through education and skills development. She acknowledged the importance of such multilateral efforts, which are key to achieving a more just and sustainable world.
Qatar Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Development
Qatar’s dedication to youth empowerment was a focal point of HE Al Khater’s remarks. She underlined the State of Qatar’s firm belief in the immense potential of young people and the country’s commitment to making youth development a top priority. Qatar has invested heavily in various programs and initiatives aimed at making a lasting impact on the lives of young people, both within Qatar and across the globe.
Through key institutions like the Education Above All Foundation and the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar provides educational and economic empowerment opportunities to millions of children and youth, working in over 60 countries worldwide. These initiatives aim to create transformative change by ensuring that young people, particularly those in underprivileged regions, are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to shape their futures.
The Generation Unlimited Initiative
The Generation Unlimited initiative is a global partnership that brings together the public and private sectors, governments, civil society, and youth to unlock the potential of 1.8 billion young people worldwide. This initiative is pivotal in equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to positively contribute to their communities and foster a better, more just world.
HE Al Khater stressed the importance of Generation Unlimited as a leading example of how collaboration between multiple stakeholders can create opportunities for youth. She commended UNICEF for playing a vital role in the initiative, which aims to reach young people in all corners of the world, ensuring they have access to the education, training, and opportunities necessary to succeed in the modern economy.
Qatar Leadership in Global Education
HE Al Khater highlighted Qatar’s outstanding track record of forming meaningful partnerships and promoting multilateral cooperation in the field of education. HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s commitment to educating one million girls in three years under the Charlevoix Declaration is a prime example of Qatar’s leadership in global education efforts. Qatar surpassed this target by 2020, reporting that 1.7 million girls had been educated as part of the country’s commitment to global education.
These achievements underscore Qatar dedication to ensuring that girls, in particular, are given the chance to receive a quality education, which is a key factor in reducing poverty, promoting equality, and driving sustainable development.
Strengthening Qatar-Canada Cooperation
In addition to the Generation Unlimited initiative, Qatar and Canada have worked closely on other development and humanitarian efforts. HE Al Khater expressed Qatar’s honor in co-leading impactful initiatives with Canada, specifically mentioning the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development. This MoU focuses on strengthening joint foreign aid policies, promoting economic and social development in developing countries, and working toward reducing poverty, all in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MoU is an important step in formalizing cooperation between Qatar and Canada on various development projects. It lays the foundation for future collaborations aimed at addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, particularly those affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Global Cooperation in Education: Qatar’s $40 Million Commitment
Another key outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a framework agreement between Education Above All Foundation and Global Affairs Canada. This agreement will further enhance global cooperation in the field of education, with a particular focus on improving access to quality education for children and youth in underprivileged regions.
Under this framework, the Education Above All Foundation has committed to providing $40 million as part of a total budget of $95 million for educational projects spanning from 2024 to 2028. This substantial investment reflects Qatar’s ongoing commitment to supporting international educational initiatives that promote equity and development.
Qatar Vision for Multilateral Action and Solidarity
In her concluding remarks, HE Al Khater reiterated the importance of solidarity and multilateral action in addressing global challenges. She emphasized that now, more than ever, the international community must work together to prioritize humanitarian and development assistance, particularly in regions where it is most needed.
Qatar’s role as a leader in global development is firmly rooted in its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, Qatar remains steadfast in its dedication to working alongside its global partners to ensure that progress is both inclusive and sustainable.
Conclusion
Qatar’s participation in the Global Leadership Council Meeting for the Generation Unlimited initiative highlights the country’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, education, and international cooperation. By working closely with global partners like Canada and UNICEF, Qatar is helping to create a future in which young people around the world are equipped with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
As Qatar continues to play a leading role in shaping global development policies, its efforts to foster multilateral action, reduce poverty, and promote education will remain central to its vision for a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.