Minister of State for International Cooperation
Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al-Khater
Her Excellency, Lolwah R M Al-Khater was appointed as Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2023 per the issuance of Amiri Order No. 4 of 2023. Previously, she had been appointed as Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs per HH the Amir Decision No 56 of 2019, assuming the position alongside her duties as Official Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, which she had been appointed in 2017.
Her Excellency was appointed as Media City board member as per HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior decision no 20 of 2019. She is the Executive Director of Doha Forum, and Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Fund for Development. Al-Khater was also the Official Spokesperson for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management formed in 2020 to combat COVID-19 effects domestically in Doha.
Besides the official capacity, HE. Al-khater is Member of the Board of Trustees at College of Islamic Studies of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Member of the Advisory Board at Georgetown University in Qatar, Member of the Board of Trustees at the Institute for Palestine Studies, Member of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums, and Chair of the Audit committee at Education Above All.
Mediation, Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Efforts:
In her newly appointed role as Minister of State for International Cooperation, Her Excellency Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater has embarked on a mission to fortify Qatar's global partnerships, deepen diplomatic ties, and spearhead Qatar’s contributions to international development and humanitarian assistance. This role entails a comprehensive approach to enhancing Qatar's role in international peacebuilding, providing humanitarian aid, and facilitating mediation in conflict zones. Her Excellency's responsibilities include orchestrating Qatar's strategic international partnerships, overseeing development aid, and representing Qatar in global forums to advocate for peace and cooperation.
Under the leadership of Her Excellency, Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and under the direction of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the State of Qatar has played a significant role in several humanitarian and mediation efforts across the globe:
● Afghanistan Mediation and Evacuation Efforts: With the strategic guidance of Her Excellency, Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater, and in the wake of the 2021 crisis in Afghanistan, Qatar swiftly coordinated the evacuation of thousands of Afghans and international citizens, ensuring their safe passage. Beyond evacuation, Qatar, under her leadership, extended humanitarian aid and developmental support, and supported education in Afghanistan, while emphasizing Qatar’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Afghans toward a peaceful resolution.
● Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza and Palestine: Qatar's ongoing commitment as a donor and mediator in Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories has been strengthened under Her Excellency’s supervision. Qatar's contributions to rebuilding homes, hospitals, and infrastructure have been crucial in alleviating the humanitarian crisis. Her Excellency’s oversight has been pivotal in Qatar's role in alleviating the most recent crisis in Gaza. During the first six months of the conflict, Qatar has provided more than 2,700 tons of relief aid to Gaza and evacuated hundreds of injured Palestinians to Qatar for treatment.
● Aid and Evacuation Efforts in Sudan: In light of the crisis in Sudan, Qatar, under Her Excellency’s guidance, promptly provided urgent aid and coordinated evacuation efforts to assist those affected. Qatar has evacuated thousands and provided more than 500 tons of urgent relief aid to Sudan, exemplifying Qatar’s proactive stance in offering assistance during global emergencies and crises.
● Mediation and Reunification Efforts Regarding Ukrainian Children: Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Qatar has leveraged its diplomatic prowess to address sensitive issues, including the reunification of children affected by the war, under Her Excellency Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater’s stewardship. Qatar’s efforts have been grounded in humanitarian principles and the protection of human rights, emphasizing the importance of family unity and the well-being of children.
● Disaster Relief Efforts: Qatar's rapid response to natural disasters and crises, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, has been marked by a comprehensive approach to humanitarian aid. These efforts included crises in Sudan, Libya, Pakistan, Turkey, Syria, and Afghanistan among others. Under Her Excellency's direction, Qatar has provided essential financial assistance, emergency supplies, and supported rebuilding efforts, demonstrating global solidarity and compassion.
In her capacity as Minister of State for International Cooperation and her previous roles, Her Excellency Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater has embodied a profound dedication to the principles of humanity, peace, and diplomacy, further highlighting Qatar's commitment to peace, humanitarian aid, and resolving conflicts through diplomacy.
Academic Qualifications & Professional Experience
Before her appointment as the Spokesperson, Her Excellency joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Minister Plenipotentiary. She also served as the Director of Planning and Quality at Qatar Tourism Authority and as a Research Project Manager at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
She has been working as an Independent Policy Analyst participating in conferences and multiple publications, and she is the co-editor of “Policymaking in a Transformative State: the case of Qatar”, a book published by Palgrave Macmillan. Al-Khater also wrote a book titled "Educational Outputs and Labor Market Needs: A study on Labor Market Issues and Methods of Addressing Them," and was published through the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Moreover, Her Excellency worked as a part-time lecturer at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and she is a Research Associate at The Oxford Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Forum at St. Antony’s College at the University of Oxford.
HE. Al-Khater holds a Master’s of Science in Computing and a Master’s of Arts in Public Policy. Her research interests are Islam and Modernity, and Public Policy.