At a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative in New York, Qatar emphasized the urgency of strengthening international cooperation to promote sustainable development and accelerate progress towards the UN 2030 Agenda. Led by Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, the nation addressed pressing challenges confronting developing countries, including financial constraints, food insecurity, climate change, energy shortages, and the digital divide.
Minister Al Misnad underscored the importance of sustainable and inclusive development as a foundation for long-term peace, stability, and prosperity. She called for increased international efforts to bridge the development financing gap and allocate more resources to developing nations, with a particular focus on the least developed countries. Furthermore, Qatar advocated for enhanced commitments in development finance, climate action, and reforms to the international financial system to better support these nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The potential role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in supporting sustainable development was highlighted, though Al Misnad cautioned that unequal access to technology and expertise might exacerbate existing disparities. She proposed greater collaboration in technology transfer, scientific research, innovation, and digital skills to ensure equitable development.
In addition to its advocacy on the global stage, Qatar reaffirmed its own commitment to sustainable development through its National Vision 2030 and various international partnerships. The country emphasized its ongoing efforts in areas such as poverty reduction, education, food security, healthcare, and resilience-building in vulnerable regions.