Doha, April 28 (QNA) - HE Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Doha, Dr. Ahmed Marii affirmed that, under the prudent leadership of HH the Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the State of Qatar has laid out a global criterion in humanitarian work, positioning the nation as a regional and global hub and a role model for humanitarian diplomacy, in addition to pitching in and providing effective aid, fostering international coordination, alertness, and response to disasters. In a conversation with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Marii highlighted that what distinguishes the Qatari approach is its integrated nature, as Qatar's diplomacy is not confined to mediation, but is followed by an immediate practical response reflecting a real commitment towards the afflicted people on utterly humanitarian grounds. He noted that Qatar has been designated as the champion of humanitarian diplomacy in recognition of its leading role in responding to humanitarian crises around the globe. The State of Qatar stands as a pioneering model of steadfast commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and international relief efforts, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, which firmly believes that extending aid to those in need is a humanitarian and moral obligation unbounded by political or geographical considerations, highlighted Dr. Marii. Dr. Marii asserted that the State of Qatar pursues a foreign policy that underpins crystal-clear principles, which are predicated upon enhancing international peace and security, as well demonstrated in its diplomatic approach, which is anchored in resolving conflicts through peaceful means and encouraging dialogue as a core vehicle for achieving global stability. One of the foremost priorities of the Qatari foreign policy is mediation in conflicts, strengthening humanitarian aid, and energizing preventive humanitarian efforts, he underlined. In addition, Dr. Marii pointed out that Qatar embodies this commitment through its unwavering support for the efforts of the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations. He stressed that Qatar provides generous support and contributes to enabling an effective response to humanitarian crises worldwide. Qatar's role has not been restricted to providing humanitarian aid, but has gone beyond strengthening humanitarian diplomacy as a tool for peace and stability, positioning itself as a reliable mediator in resolving conflicts and opening humanitarian corridors even in the toughest political and security environments, Dr. Marii noted. Dr. Marii affirmed that Qatar forges strategic partnerships with humanitarian actors such as OCHA to ensure aid is delivered to the most vulnerable groups without any discrimination. He added that, through this approach, Qatar has remained a role model in leveraging diplomatic strength and humanitarian commitment, thereby bolstering its stature as a key international partner in countering global crises and humanitarian challenges. The collaboration between the Doha-based OCHA and the State of Qatar is a truly innovative and enduring partnership and strategy, not circumstantial, representing a role model for effective partnership in the humanitarian field, he said. Dr. Marii underlined that, through its public and humanitarian institutions, Qatar has proved its enduring commitment to backing regional and global humanitarian efforts, thereby promoting its position as a fundamental partner in responding to humanitarian crises worldwide. This collaboration is grounded in the State of Qatar’s strategic vision to bolster humanitarian diplomacy, expand the scope of support extended to humanitarian organizations, and contribute to the development of sustainable financing mechanisms, Dr. Marii highlighted. He affirmed that, since the inauguration of OCHA in Doha, there has been tangible progress across several areas, including the coordination of humanitarian response, the bolstering of humanitarian financing, and the strengthening of partnerships with key Qatari humanitarian actors such as Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Qatar Airways, the International Search and Rescue Group, and so forth. His Excellency elucidated that this partnership is founded upon a multi-layered approach encompassing capacity-building, the exchange of expertise, and the development of innovative solutions to address humanitarian challenges. He noted that Qatar’s support for humanitarian diplomacy has contributed to delivering a concrete positive impact, whether through the provision of assistance or through efforts aimed at protecting civilians in conflict zones. Dr. Marii noted that the launch of the Strategic Dialogue between OCHA and the State of Qatar, whose second edition was convened in February 2025, stands as a reaffirmation of Qatar’s enduring commitment to advancing regional and international humanitarian collaboration. He highlighted that this initiative seeks to develop sustainable mechanisms to bolster humanitarian response efforts, ensuring their continuity and positive impact, with this round of the dialogue culminating in the launch of several humanitarian initiatives devoted to reinforcing rapid and sustainable responses to global crises. Regarding the areas encompassed by the humanitarian partnership between OCHA in Doha and the State of Qatar, primarily the facilitation of aid delivery to its rightful beneficiaries, His Excellency underscored that this partnership spans numerous vital fields that enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian response and contribute to the capacity-building of institutions and personnel operating in this field. His Excellency indicated that the foremost area of focus is the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery, wherein the partnership is anchored in strengthening coordination between Qatari entities and humanitarian organizations to ensure the rapid and efficient delivery of assistance to the most vulnerable populations. This encompasses support for emergency relief operations, crisis response efforts, and the provision of aid through humanitarian coordination and financing mechanisms, such as pooled funds, thereby enhancing the flexibility and responsiveness of humanitarian action, Dr. Marii said. Dr. Marii outlined that these fields encompass humanitarian diplomacy and galvanizing resources, where the State of Qatar performs a pivotal role in boosting humanitarian diplomacy through advocacy and influence in global decision-making in support of humanitarian causes. This role also extends to mobilizing resources for international humanitarian operations, including contributions to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs). He noted that this role has significantly strengthened the effectiveness of crisis response efforts and yielded a tangible impact at the global level. Strengthening the capacities of institutions and personnel operating in the humanitarian field is likewise a cornerstone of the partnership between the office and the State of Qatar. These efforts include specialized training programs aimed at fostering crisis management, humanitarian response, and coordination among humanitarian actors to ensure greater effectiveness in field operations, Dr. Marii highlighted. Dr. Marii stressed that the partnership between OCHA and Qatar also includes strengthening the capabilities of search and rescue and disaster preparedness efforts, with the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group (QISRG), which was reclassified in November as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team, playing a leading role in disaster response efforts at both the regional and international levels. This reclassification, His Excellency said, has enabled the team to take on a more prominent role in humanitarian missions, alongside enhancing the capabilities of other international teams, reflecting Qatar's commitment to preparedness and rapid, effective response during crises. It has also enhanced the region’s ability to handle disasters and respond effectively, reflecting Qatar's leadership in building an advanced regional disaster response system. This includes implementing specialized training programs in partnership with OCHA to enhance the capabilities of both Qatari and international personnel, thereby bolstering national capacities and preparing teams capable of leading and executing leading humanitarian responses, he said. He emphasized that, regarding the field of supporting innovation in humanitarian work, the partnership aims to develop innovative solutions to humanitarian challenges, such as leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence in managing humanitarian data, analyzing needs, and improving mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, and the precise and effective identification of humanitarian needs. This is in addition to integrating digital solutions to enhance transparency in aid distribution and ensure its delivery to the most vulnerable beneficiaries, Dr. Marii pointed out, highlighting that the collaboration with Qatar Airways has beefed up the efficiency of logistics supply chains and served as an innovative model in humanitarian logistics. This has enabled a faster and more efficient response to crises, accelerating the airlift of humanitarian assistance. Dr. Marii added that with regard to boosting cooperation with Qatari humanitarian organizations, OCHA collaborates with leading Qatari institutions in the humanitarian field to strengthen humanitarian response and coordinate efforts in areas affected by crises. He further noted that this cooperation has resulted in effective programs and initiatives that have contributed to improving aid delivery mechanisms and ensuring the sustainability of humanitarian support. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Doha, Dr. Ahmed Marii described the partnership between the State of Qatar and the Office as innovative, strategic, multidimensional, and globally pioneering. He noted that the partnership is not limited to funding alone, but extends to humanitarian diplomacy, capacity building, innovation, facilitating aid delivery, and emergency response. He emphasized that the State of Qatar has established an integrated model to be emulated globally in the field of humanitarian partnerships, combining humanitarian diplomacy, support, strategic planning, and effective field work. Dr. Marii stressed that the partnership is a sustainable institutional partnership, not a circumstantial one. He stated that, unlike some traditional partnerships that rely solely on emergency responses, the cooperation between Qatar and OCHA is based on a long-term strategic vision, embodied in the distinctiveness of this partnership and its sustainable institutional structure, which ensures the continuity of humanitarian support according to a strategic approach, not merely as a reaction to crises. HE Dr. Marii emphasized that Qatar is a pioneer in integrating political mediation with practical humanitarian response, reflecting an advanced vision of the importance of humanitarian diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting stability. He noted that Qatar's designation by OCHA as a "Humanitarian Diplomacy Champion" is a testament to its global leadership role in this field and its commitment to effective humanitarian advocacy. His Excellency considers the State of Qatar to be one of the world's leading countries today in the field of humanitarian action and humanitarian diplomacy, having established itself as a major supporter of international humanitarian efforts and a trusted strategic partner for the UN and humanitarian organizations. He attributed this pioneering role to Doha's adoption of an integrated approach that combines support, effective diplomacy, and innovation in humanitarian response, along with strengthening the capacities of regional and international partners. Qatar has always played a vital role in harnessing its diplomacy to serve humanitarian causes. Its efforts have not been limited to providing aid alone, but have also extended to mediating conflicts to facilitate relief access to affected communities and promote peace efforts at the international level, Dr. Marii added. He pointed out that by hosting the Strategic Dialogue with the UNOCHA, Qatar has strengthened its position as a global center for humanitarian diplomacy. Doha has become a platform that brings together governments and international organizations to discuss and coordinate humanitarian responses to various crises. His Excellency noted that Qatar's influence is not limited to the diplomatic sphere, but has also been evident in its contribution to supporting humanitarian projects in more than 100 countries, covering vital sectors such as health, education, food security, and reconstruction. He also noted that Qatar has provided significant funding to UN organizations and non-governmental organizations, enabling them to implement effective relief operations in crisis and emergency areas. The state of Qatar has also been keen to build national and regional capacities in disaster preparedness and humanitarian response, and has launched specialized training programs in cooperation with the UN to enhance the efficiency of humanitarian personnel. This reflects its commitment to empowering individuals and institutions to ensure a sustainable humanitarian response. He stressed that Qatar's pivotal role in mediation and diplomatic crisis resolution has enhanced its ability to provide humanitarian assistance even in the most complex political environments. Through its approach based on dialogue and negotiation, it has succeeded in achieving peaceful settlements to conflicts and opened humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to affected communities in areas of armed conflict and protracted crises. His Excellency noted that Qatari mediation has enabled the provision of humanitarian relief in environments difficult for international organizations to access, as Qatar has provided guarantees and facilitation for the passage of aid to those in need, even amid complex political and security challenges. He added that this role has been highlighted by Doha's success in mediating multiple crises, starting with Afghanistan, where it played a crucial role in evacuating civilians and ensuring the continuity of humanitarian aid, and extending to its efforts in conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East, most recently in Gaza and the Congo, where it contributed to creating conditions for relief for those affected. He said that, through its foreign policy of dialogue and openness, Qatar has been able to build close relationships with all parties to the conflict, making it a trusted mediator for the international community and contributing to strengthening its negotiating capacity to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations. He emphasized that this was reflected in its active support for the UNOCHA, where it played a key role in enabling aid access to areas suffering from conflict and logistical challenges. In many crises, Qatar's role has not been limited to providing aid alone, but has also included addressing the roots of the humanitarian crisis by investing in long-term development projects, such as support for education, health, and reconstruction, which has helped achieve greater stability for affected communities, Dr. Marii added. He said that combining effective diplomacy with humanitarian action has made Qatar a leading model for employing political mediation to serve humanitarian causes, consolidating its position as an effective country in building peace and alleviating human suffering globally. HE Dr. Marii noted that the partnership between the UNOCHA and charitable and humanitarian institutions in Qatar, such as Qatar Charity and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), is strategic in nature, reflecting the country's unwavering commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts worldwide. He said that the assessment of this partnership is very positive, as Qatari institutions have proven their ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people in need. They also provide a successful model for integrating the efforts of governments and international humanitarian organizations to ensure a more coordinated and effective response to crises. HE Dr. Ahmed Marii touched on the main challenges facing humanitarian action. He noted that humanitarian response efforts are increasingly confronted with complex challenges that demand innovative solutions and a more coordinated and effective approach. Among the most pressing of these, he said, is the escalation and growing complexity of humanitarian crises, which have seen an unprecedented rise in recent years, driven by armed conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change, placing immense pressure on available resources. Dr. Marii stressed that the solution lies in bolstering sustainable support and shifting the focus from emergency responses to resilience building and long-term development initiatives. He further pointed out that a critical challenge is the persistent gap in humanitarian funding amid expanding needs. Despite the generosity of donors, he explained, the disparity between humanitarian requirements and available funding remains wide, often resulting in delays or reductions in aid delivery. Another major hurdle, he added, is the difficulty of humanitarian access, impeded by conflicts and political restrictions. Dr. Ahmed Marii also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on humanitarian conditions and noted the dual-edged role of technology in humanitarian action. While technological advances offer opportunities to enhance humanitarian responses, they also bring challenges related to governance, data protection, and the risk of excluding the most vulnerable groups. Considering this, he emphasized the importance of promoting responsible innovation in the use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve aid delivery while safeguarding the rights of beneficiaries. He added that, despite these obstacles, Qatari diplomacy plays a vital role in facilitating the delivery of aid to regions isolated by political or security constraints. Turning to the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, Dr. Marii remarked that the region remains heavily burdened by armed conflicts, political unrest, and economic crises. Citing recent United Nations reports, he stated that nearly 100 million people in the region are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, with a sharp rise in the numbers of both internally displaced persons and refugees due to ongoing conflicts. On the global scale, he revealed that more than 350 million people worldwide are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to reports from OCHA and other humanitarian organizations. This figure includes millions affected across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, as well as in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Somalia. Regarding funding needs, His Excellency stated that OCHA estimates approximately USD 50 billion will be required in 2024 to meet global humanitarian needs. He explained that this amount covers a range of sectors, including food security, healthcare, water and sanitation, education, protection, and logistics. These estimates, he noted, are based on comprehensive analyses of conditions in crisis-affected areas and reflect the urgent necessity for a rapid and effective response to prevent further deterioration. Dr. Marii emphasized that the partnership between the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the State of Qatar represents a unique and integrated model in humanitarian work. Built on a strategic vision, this collaboration aims to achieve a sustainable impact that goes beyond emergency aid to strengthen community resilience and humanitarian diplomacy. With the escalating nature of global challenges, he added, the future of this partnership holds great promise for enhancing humanitarian responses, particularly in fragile and crisis-affected contexts. Looking ahead, Dr. Marii predicted that Qatar will play an increasingly important role in promoting humanitarian diplomacy by supporting conflict mediation efforts, thereby creating the necessary conditions for humanitarian aid to reach the most vulnerable populations. He emphasized that effective humanitarian action cannot be limited to the provision of aid alone; it must be accompanied by efforts to create a favorable political environment, a goal Qatar is actively pursuing through its diplomatic initiatives in conflict zones. He added that as humanitarian crises become more protracted, there is a growing focus on supporting sustainable solutions that strengthen community resilience and facilitate early recovery. Through its partnership with Qatar, he explained, development projects can be designed to empower local populations, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and local economic development, ultimately reducing reliance on emergency aid and promoting greater stability for affected communities. Dr. Marii noted that the future of joint work between OCHA and Qatar offers promising prospects for enhancing the global humanitarian impact by combining political commitment, technological innovation, and effective crisis response. Through this shared vision, he asserted, Qatar's role can be further consolidated as a pivotal strategic partner in advancing humanitarian action and delivering innovative, effective solutions to communities in need worldwide. Despite mounting challenges, Dr. Marii stressed that OCHA continues to evolve its working methods by strengthening regional and international partnerships to provide faster, more accurate responses and by seeking innovative financing mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of humanitarian efforts. Collaboration with leading humanitarian actors like Qatar, he said, remains essential in reinforcing OCHA's capacity to respond effectively to crises, whether through humanitarian diplomacy or by supporting development initiatives that diminish long-term reliance on emergency aid. His Excellency also elaborated on the connection between relief and development work, explaining that relief efforts aim to address immediate humanitarian needs, providing food, water, shelter, and healthcare during crises. While vital for saving lives and alleviating suffering, relief interventions are typically temporary and focused on short-term needs without addressing the underlying causes of crises. In contrast, he said, development work seeks to address these root causes, promote inclusive and sustainable growth, and strengthen communities' resilience to future shocks. He emphasized that careful planning is essential to ensure that humanitarian responses complement, rather than conflict with, long-term development goals. Dr. Marii highlighted that focusing on sustainability, ensuring continued funding and support, and fostering effective partnerships between humanitarian and development organizations are all crucial elements of an integrated response. He concluded by outlining the key components necessary for an urgent and effective humanitarian response, particularly amid growing constraints and challenges. These include speed and flexibility in operations, strong coordination among actors, adaptability to political and security challenges, the empowerment of local partnerships, and the strategic use of technology and innovation. Ultimately, Dr. Marii emphasized, a successful humanitarian response hinges on effective coordination, innovation, adaptability, and a strategic vision grounded in transparency and rapid responsiveness to the needs of affected communities. (QNA)