UN Session Honoring the Late Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
New York – Agencies: The United Nations General Assembly held a high-level session on Wednesday evening in New York to honor the late Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on July 12. The session observed a minute of silence in mourning for the deceased, with broad participation from senior UN officials and representatives of regional and international groups who conveyed condolences to Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as to the ruling family, the government, and the Qatari people, recalling his exceptional achievements and pivotal role in establishing the foundations of diplomacy, mediation, and development.
Opening the session, UN General Assembly President Chakib Khalil, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, stated that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was among the most prominent leaders in modern Qatari history, during whose reign the country experienced a comprehensive economic, social, and cultural renaissance focused on education, science, and human development. He pointed to the crystallization of a long-term development vision, the enhancement of women’s political participation through voting and candidacy, and the transformation of Qatar into a global hub for dialogue and mediation.
For his part, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the late Emir as a visionary leader who brought about institutional and economic transformation in Qatar, where its share of the global economy grew many times over, a permanent constitution was issued, and investments were made in higher education and research through Qatar Foundation and Education City, alongside the launch of Qatar National Vision 2030. Guterres emphasized that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s impact extended globally by establishing Qatar as a trusted partner in mediation and humanitarian work.
Speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Bahrain’s Permanent Representative Jamal Fares Al-Ruwaili affirmed that the late leader dedicated his life to serving his country and nation with a forward-looking vision, playing a prominent role in consolidating joint Gulf cooperation and enhancing regional solidarity and stability.
In a statement for the Arab Group, Oman’s Permanent Representative Omar Al-Kathiri stressed that the deceased was an exceptional leader and a symbol of wisdom and reform, recalling his positions in support of Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, his patronage of reconciliation efforts, support for the reconstruction of Gaza, and hosting the 2012 Conference for the Defense of Jerusalem, as well as Arab and Islamic summits, which established Doha as a beacon of joint Arab action.
The late Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is regarded as the architect of modern Qatar’s renaissance. During his rule, the country’s permanent constitution was issued, and the Qatar National Vision 2030 was formulated, aiming to develop a knowledge-based economy and transform Qatar into an advanced state capable of achieving sustainable development.
