Media Center

New York, September 27, 2024

The State of Qatar participated in the Global Leadership Council Meeting for the Generation Unlimited initiative organized by Canada, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Representing the State of Qatar at the meeting was HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater.
The meeting was also attended by HE Canada Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, HE Canada 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.
In her address at the event, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation praised the fruitful partnership between the State of Qatar and Canada and described the meeting as an important platform that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including governments, private sector leaders, development partners, civil society, and youth.
She emphasized that the State of Qatar places great importance on the immense potential of young people and has made their development and empowerment a top priority. This has been implemented through various programs and initiatives aimed at making a lasting impact on the lives of youth. Her Excellency noted that through 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 more than 60 countries.
Her Excellency highlighted the importance of the Generation Unlimited initiative as a leading global partnership between the public and private sectors and youth, aimed at unlocking the potential of 1.8 billion young people worldwide by equipping them with the right skills and opportunities, allowing them to positively contribute to their communities and create a better and more just world. She expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its vital role in making a tangible difference in the lives of children globally.
Her Excellency added that the State of Qatar has an outstanding track record of forming meaningful partnerships and promoting multilateral cooperation, highlighting the commitment of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to educating one million girls in three years under the Charlevoix Declaration, she noted that the State of Qatar reported educating 1.7 million girls by 2020 in response to this commitment.
Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatars honor in collaborating with the Government of Canada to co-lead such an impactful initiative like Generation Unlimited and highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Canadas Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development on development cooperation. She added that it was an honor to sign this Memorandum of Understanding a few days ago with HE Canada Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, focusing on strengthening joint foreign aid policies, promoting economic and social development in developing countries, and reducing poverty in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Her Excellency also mentioned the establishment of a framework agreement for cooperation between the Education Above All Foundation and Global Affairs Canada to enhance global cooperation in education. Under this framework, the Education Above All Foundation has committed $40 million out of a total budget of $95 million from 2024 to 2028.
Her Excellency concluded by saying that solidarity and multilateral action are more important than ever, reaffirming Qatar's steadfast commitment to working with the international community to address global challenges and prioritizing humanitarian and development assistance, especially in areas where it is most needed.