UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a press conference during the United Nations' Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha on November 4, 2025. (Photo by Mahmud Hams / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: United Nations Secretary-General H E António Guterres has praised Qatar as a steadfast friend and partner of the United Nations, commending the country’s consistent support for humanitarian causes and its proactive role in regional and global peacebuilding efforts.
Speaking at the opening press briefing of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), which began yesterday in Doha, Guterres highlighted Qatar’s instrumental contributions across several priority areas of international concern.
“Qatar has long been a committed friend and partner of the United Nations and a generous supporter of humanitarian relief around the world,” said Guterres.
The Secretary-General noted Qatar’s particular leadership in championing education, especially for girls in conflict zones. He referenced Qatar’s financial and technical assistance in Afghanistan, where the country is helping maintain access to education for girls while also hosting the multilateral Doha Process, aimed at strengthening international engagement with Afghanistan.
Guterres also commended Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in fostering peace. “Qatar is a peacemaker in the Middle East and globally — including as a permanent mediator in the Gaza conflict and in brokering a peace agreement between the government of the DRC and the M23 armed group,” he said.
Turning to the WSSD2, Guterres emphasized Qatar’s role as a global convener. “As host of WSSD2, Qatar is once again playing a decisive global role. This Summit represents a renewed commitment to place people, dignity, and social justice at the heart of sustainable development,” he said, adding that the anticipated Doha Declaration will signal a strong global pledge to accelerate social progress and equality.
Addressing ongoing global crises, the UN chief called for urgent action in Gaza, where ceasefire violations persist, and reiterated the need for a credible political path leading to a two-state solution.
He said that there were continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza that must stop and all parties must abide by the decisions of the first phase of the peace agreement.
He also voiced grave concern over the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly in North Darfur’s El Fasher region, calling for an immediate cessation of violence, unrestricted humanitarian access, and an end to external arms flows.
