New york: The State of Qatar expressed its pride in being among the five largest donor countries contributing to humanitarian aid to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for 2025, with a total exceeding USD 1.528 billion, reflecting the utmost priority Qatar gives to humanitarian response.
According to Qatar News Agency, this announcement was made in Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, before the United Nations General Assembly session on Agenda item 72 (a). The session focused on strengthening the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance and emergency humanitarian assistance, convened at the UN headquarters in New York.
HE Sheikha Alya emphasized the urgency of addressing humanitarian crises, highlighting the severe situation in the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian needs in the region are escalating due to ongoing aggression, prompting Qatar to take substantial measures. Under the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar launched a humanitarian aid land bridge last October to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The initiative, facilitated through Jordan and Egypt, followed the signing of a ceasefire document at the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit. Qatar stressed the importance of consolidating the ceasefire, ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid, and initiating recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Additionally, Qatar responded to the dire humanitarian situation in Al-Fashir, Sudan, by dispatching aid to support displaced civilians affected by armed conflict. The State of Qatar urged the Rapid Support Forces to protect civilians and facilitate the secure delivery of humanitarian aid in compliance with international humanitarian law.
From 2013 to October 2025, Qatar has provided USD 1.9 billion to support UN agencies and initiatives. The nation has also committed USD 88 million to OCHA’s core resources from 2017 to 2026. Qatar recently renewed its support for the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for 2026, increasing its total contributions to over USD 22 million.
HE Sheikha Alya highlighted the need for intensified diplomatic efforts to ensure urgent and unconditional access to humanitarian aid in crisis zones. She stressed the importance of protecting humanitarian workers, emphasizing Qatar’s participation in the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel and the Global Initiative by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
In conclusion, HE Sheikha Alya reiterated Qatar’s commitment to strengthening humanitarian diplomacy to alleviate suffering and protect human dignity.