The United Nations Secretary- General, Antonio Guterres has joined other dignitaries in Doha, Qatar to commission the new house for the United Nations on Saturday, 4th of March, 2023.
The preliminary administrative agreement for the establishment of the new United Nations House in the State of Qatar was approved during the cabinet meeting held few days ago.
The decision was made as a result of the illustrious relationship between Qatar and the international organisation, as well as their close collaboration and outstanding partnerships.
In his remarks, the UN Chief, on behalf the United Nations family, deeply thanked the Government and people of Qatar, adding that the UN is honoured by the commitment of Qatar to strengthen their work together.
He said he sincerely thinking of moving to Doha because it’s more than just a building, added that it’s a place to unite the work of the United Nations in Qatar and beyond bringing together development, humanitarian and diplomatic work under one roof.
Guterres stated further that the new UN House is also a symbol of the strategic partnership with Qatar. “We live in a time of enormous global challenges from conflicts, climate change and mass displacement, to poverty, hunger and deep inequalities.
“These challenges cry out for collaboration on a global scale. They demand that all countries stand in solidarity to find solutions. This spirit of collaboration and solidarity has defined United Nations’ partnership with Qatar from the very start.
“From Qatar’s generosity to assist the most vulnerable. To its steadfast support of the Sustainable Development Goals. To its extremely valuable contribution to the work of the UN fighting terrorism and violent extremism.
“And to its efforts to bring people together around solutions to address challenges like climate change and to advance mediation efforts in the region and further beyond”, the UN Boss said.
UN Secretary-General said he’s looking forward to building on more close collaboration and wished the Qatari people many years of happiness and the government many years of productive work supporting UN efforts.
“With this new House creating the conditions to demonstrate this strategic partnership is also a fantastic tribute to modernity to beauty and to the brotherhood between State of Qatar, United Nations and the international community”.
Also speaking at the opening, Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani who affirmed that Doha will remain an address and a forum for multilateral action.
Said further that Doha is a reliable platform for dialogue, cooperation between the parties believing in the importance of joint work to face global challenges.
He noted that the positive momentum and the high-level audience present at the opening of the United Nations House is the result of a serious and tireless work, and the fruit of a path that started many years ago within the framework of the strategic partnership.
The Minister added that this partnership includes opening of many of its offices and bodies in Doha, and that work is underway to host more offices of other United Nations entities.
He voiced the State of Qatar’s pride for what was achieved in the context of the partnership with the United Nations system, noting that Qatar has raised its donations to United Nations agencies.
“We’ve signed many agreements with various United Nations bodies, which resulted in realizing numerous and concrete results”, Qatari Deputy Prime Minister said.
While the International Labor Organization, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the UNESCO office, and other organisations are only a few of the 12 offices that make up the new UN House.