Geneva: The State of Qatar, represented by the Empowerment and Elderly Care Center (Ehsan), took part in a significant side event focusing on the protection of the rights of older persons. This event was organized at the United Nations Office in Geneva, coinciding with the 59th session of the Human Rights Council.

According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar's delegation was led by Manal Ahmed Al Mannai, the Executive Director of Ehsan Center. The event was organized by the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Permanent Delegation of the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

In her address, Al Mannai emphasized Qatar's dedication to safeguarding the rights of older persons and enhancing their societal roles through a comprehensive national model focused on empowerment. This model is designed to ensure active public participation by older persons while maintaining their dignity and autonomy. She noted that Qatar's National Strategy for Social Development and the Family (2025-2030) aims to elevate the quality of life for older persons by shifting from a care-based approach to an empowerment-based framework, consistent with the country's overarching national vision.

Al Mannai also detailed the Ehsan Center's approach as a national model, offering various services such as day care, home visits, psychological and social support, and family training. The center provides empowerment and community programs to encourage the integration of older persons into society and their active involvement. She underscored the importance of categorizing older persons as a priority group within social protection strategies, which is central to the national strategy's goal of fostering independence and encouraging active participation in all life aspects.