The State of Qatar participated today in a high-level ministerial event to enhance support for the humanitarian response in Sudan and the surrounding region. The event was co-hosted by Saudi Arabia, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Representing Qatar at the event was HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater. In her speech, Al Khater expressed gratitude to all countries and UN organizations for setting up the meeting, emphasizing the significance of addressing the situation in Sudan, a country with deep ties to the Arab world and strategic importance due to its location and impact on the Horn of Africa and the broader Arab region.
She highlighted the tragic situation in Sudan, where the ongoing war has devastated infrastructure, displaced millions, and severely impacted health and education services. She cited World Health Organization (WHO) data, noting that 70-80
% of healthcare facilities in Sudan are no longer operational, and the country’s educational system is entirely disrupted, leaving nearly all children out of school.
Al Khater also drew attention to the alarming levels of hunger, with 14 million people suffering from acute hunger and 13 areas on the brink of famine despite the country being an agricultural one, stressing that Sudanese women are disproportionately affected by violence and lawlessness.
Her Excellency emphasized that Sudan’s crisis requires both political and humanitarian solutions, warning against reducing Sudan’s plight to a mere refugee issue. Al Khater praised Saudi Arabias diplomatic efforts through the Jeddah platform and commended Egypts political and humanitarian contributions. She called for Sudan to be placed back on the international agenda and to remain a priority for the global community.
The State of Qatar, Al Khater noted, has provided $75 million in aid through the Qatar Fund for Development since the start of the war, with ad
ditional contributions of over $21 million from non-governmental organizations like Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent Society. She urged other nations to follow through on their pledges to support Sudanese people both inside and outside the country.
Source: Qatar News Agency