Geneva: The State of Qatar participated in the 2026 Annual Pledging Conference of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva. Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi, represented Qatar at the conference.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Suwaidi expressed Qatar's appreciation for Filippo Grandi's leadership at UNHCR, highlighting his contributions to refugee protection and international humanitarian work. She noted the ongoing refugee crisis, with over 136 million people requiring assistance by the end of 2026, compounded by new conflicts, unresolved crises, and financial challenges faced by the UN and its agencies.

Al Suwaidi emphasized the need for international solidarity to address displacement causes, meet urgent needs, support host countries, and find sustainable refugee solutions. She underscored Qatar's commitment to its strategic partnership with UNHCR, detailing the outcomes of their first high-level dialogue held in May. The dialogue resulted in agreements to provide USD 8 million for UNHCR's 2025-2026 budget, USD 3 million for Syrian refugees' healthcare in Jordan, and cash assistance to vulnerable populations in Yemen.

Qatar's ongoing support for refugees was highlighted, including contributions to peace efforts, such as the air and land bridge for Palestinians following the Sharm El Sheikh Summit. She mentioned the Hope City residential project in northern Syria, launched in partnership with Qatar Charity and the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, providing housing for displaced families.

In Sudan, Qatar initiated aid in Chad for refugee families and signed a USD 2 million agreement for assistance in South Sudan. Al Suwaidi noted Qatar's relief efforts in Ukraine, including a USD 5 million agreement with UNHCR to rehabilitate social infrastructure, and its efforts to reunite children with their families.

Qatar's mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the Doha Declaration of Principles, were also mentioned. Al Suwaidi highlighted a new project to improve health services in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, ensuring continued healthcare for refugees and host communities.

In conclusion, Al Suwaidi reiterated Qatar's commitment to humanitarian values, multilateral action, and partnerships promoting human dignity and sustainable solutions for refugees worldwide.