Doha: HE Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Doha, Dr. Ahmed Marii affirmed that, under the prudent leadership of HH the Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the State of Qatar has laid out a global criterion in humanitarian work, positioning the nation as a regional and global hub and a role model for humanitarian diplomacy, in addition to pitching in and providing effective aid, fostering international coordination, alertness, and response to disasters.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Marii highlighted that what distinguishes the Qatari approach is its integrated nature, as Qatar’s diplomacy is not confined to mediation, but is followed by an immediate practical response reflecting a real commitment towards the afflicted people on utterly humanitarian grounds. He noted that Qatar has been designated as the champion of humanitarian diplomacy in recognition of its leading role in responding to humanitarian crises around the globe.
The State of Qatar stands as a pioneering model of steadfast commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and international relief efforts, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, which firmly believes that extending aid to those in need is a humanitarian and moral obligation unbounded by political or geographical considerations, highlighted Dr. Marii. Dr. Marii asserted that the State of Qatar pursues a foreign policy that underpins crystal-clear principles, which are predicated upon enhancing international peace and security, as well demonstrated in its diplomatic approach, which is anchored in resolving conflicts through peaceful means and encouraging dialogue as a core vehicle for achieving global stability.
One of the foremost priorities of the Qatari foreign policy is mediation in conflicts, strengthening humanitarian aid, and energizing preventive humanitarian efforts, he underlined. In addition, Dr. Marii pointed out that Qatar embodies this commitment through its unwavering support for the efforts of the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations. He stressed that Qatar provides generous support and contributes to enabling an effective response to humanitarian crises worldwide.
Qatar’s role has not been restricted to providing humanitarian aid, but has gone beyond strengthening humanitarian diplomacy as a tool for peace and stability, positioning itself as a reliable mediator in resolving conflicts and opening humanitarian corridors even in the toughest political and security environments, Dr. Marii noted. Dr. Marii affirmed that Qatar forges strategic partnerships with humanitarian actors such as OCHA to ensure aid is delivered to the most vulnerable groups without any discrimination. He added that, through this approach, Qatar has remained a role model in leveraging diplomatic strength and humanitarian commitment, thereby bolstering its stature as a key international partner in countering global crises and humanitarian challenges.
The collaboration between the Doha-based OCHA and the State of Qatar is a truly innovative and enduring partnership and strategy, not circumstantial, representing a role model for effective partnership in the humanitarian field, he said. Dr. Marii underlined that, through its public and humanitarian institutions, Qatar has proved its enduring commitment to backing regional and global humanitarian efforts, thereby promoting its position as a fundamental partner in responding to humanitarian crises worldwide.
This collaboration is grounded in the State of Qatar’s strategic vision to bolster humanitarian diplomacy, expand the scope of support extended to humanitarian organizations, and contribute to the development of sustainable financing mechanisms, Dr. Marii highlighted. He affirmed that, since the inauguration of OCHA in Doha, there has been tangible progress across several areas, including the coordination of humanitarian response, the bolstering of humanitarian financing, and the strengthening of partnerships with key Qatari humanitarian actors such as Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Qatar Airways, the International Search and Rescue Group, and so forth.
His Excellency elucidated that this partnership is founded upon a multi-layered approach encompassing capacity-building, the exchange of expertise, and the development of innovative solutions to address humanitarian challenges. He noted that Qatar’s support for humanitarian diplomacy has contributed to delivering a concrete positive impact, whether through the provision of assistance or through efforts aimed at protecting civilians in conflict zones.
Dr. Marii noted that the launch of the Strategic Dialogue between OCHA and the State of Qatar, whose second edition was convened in February 2025, stands as a reaffirmation of Qatar’s enduring commitment to advancing regional and international humanitarian collaboration. He highlighted that this initiative seeks to develop sustainable mechanisms to bolster humanitarian response efforts, ensuring their continuity and positive impact, with this round of the dialogue culminating in the launch of several humanitarian initiatives devoted to reinforcing rapid and sustainable responses to global crises.
Regarding the areas encompassed by the humanitarian partnership between OCHA in Doha and the State of Qatar, primarily the facilitation of aid delivery to its rightful beneficiaries, His Excellency underscored that this partnership spans numerous vital fields that enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian response and contribute to the capacity-building of institutions and personnel operating in this field.
His Excellency indicated that the foremost area of focus is the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery, wherein the partnership is anchored in strengthening coordination between Qatari entities and humanitarian organizations to ensure the rapid and efficient delivery of assistance to the most vulnerable populations. This encompasses support for emergency relief operations, crisis response efforts, and the provision of aid through humanitarian coordination and financing mechanisms, such as pooled funds, thereby enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of humanitarian action, Dr. Marii said.
Dr. Marii outlined that these fields encompass humanitarian diplomacy and galvanizing resources, where the State of Qatar performs a pivotal role in boosting humanitarian diplomacy through advocacy and influence in global decision-making in support of humanitarian causes. This role also extends to mobilizing resources for international humanitarian operations, including contributions to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs). He noted that this role has significantly strengthened the effectiveness of crisis response efforts and yielded a tangible impact at the global level.
Strengthening the capacities of institutions and personnel operating in the humanitarian field is likewise a cornerstone of the partnership between the office and the State of Qatar. These efforts include specialized training programs aimed at fostering crisis management, humanitarian response, and coordination among humanitarian actors to ensure greater effectiveness in field operations, Dr. Marii highlighted.
Dr. Marii stressed that the partnership between OCHA and Qatar also includes strengthening the capabilities of search and rescue and disaster preparedness efforts, with the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group (QISRG), which was reclassified in November as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, playing a leading role in disaster response efforts at both the regional and international levels. This reclassification, His Excellency said, has enabled the team to take on a more prominent role in humanitarian missions, alongside enhancing the capabilities of other international teams, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to preparedness and rapid, effective response during crises.
It has also enhanced the region’s ability to handle disasters and respond effectively, reflecting Qatar’s leadership in building an advanced regional disaster response system. This includes implementing specialized training programs in partnership with OCHA to enhance the capabilities of both Qatari and international personnel, thereby bolstering national capacities and preparing teams capable of leading and executing leading humanitarian responses, he said.
He emphasized that, regarding the field of supporting innovation in humanitarian work, the partnership aims to develop innovative solutions to humanitarian challenges, such as leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence in managing humanitarian data, analyzing needs, and improving mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, and the precise and effective identification of humanitarian needs. This is in addition to integrating digital solutions to enhance transparency in aid distribution and ensure its delivery to the most vulnerable beneficiaries, Dr. Marii pointed out, highlighting that the collaboration with Qatar Airways has beefed up the efficiency of logistics supply chains and served as an innovative model in humanitarian logistics. This has enabled a faster and more efficient response to crises, accelerating the airlift of humanitarian assistance.
Dr. Marii added that with regard to boosting cooperation with Qatari humanitarian organizations, OCHA collaborates with leading Qatari institutions in the humanitarian field to strengthen humanitarian response and coordinate efforts in areas affected by crises. He further noted that this cooperation has resulted in effective programs and initiatives that have contributed to improving aid delivery mechanisms and ensuring the sustainability of humanitarian support.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Doha, Dr. Ahmed Marii described the partnership between the State of Qatar and the Office as innovative, strategic, multidimensional, and globally pioneering. He noted that the partnership is not limited to funding alone, but extends to humanitarian diplomacy, capacity building, innovation, facilitating aid delivery, and emergency response. He emphasized that the State of Qatar has established an integrated model to be emulated globally in the field of humanitarian partnerships, combining humanitarian diplomacy, support, strategic planning, and effective field work.
Dr. Marii stressed that the partnership is a sustainable institutional partnership, not a circumstantial one. He stated that, unlike some traditional partnerships that rely solely on emergency responses, the cooperation between Qatar and OCHA is based on a long-term strategic vision, embodied in the distinctiveness of this partnership and its sustainable institutional structure, which ensures the continuity of humanitarian support according to a strategic approach, not merely as a reaction to crises.
HE Dr. Marii emphasized that Qatar is a pioneer in integrating political mediation with practical humanitarian response, reflecting an advanced vision of the importance of humanitarian diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting stability. He noted that Qatar’s designation by OCHA as a “Humanitarian Diplomacy Champion” is a testament to its global leadership role in this field and its commitment to effective humanitarian advocacy.
His Excellency considers the State of Qatar to be one of the world’s leading countries today in the field of humanitarian action and humanitarian diplomacy, having established itself as a major supporter of international humanitarian efforts and a trusted strategic partner for the UN and humanitarian organizations. He attributed this pioneering role