Tribute To The Memory of His Highness The Father Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al‑Thani

Good afternoon, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this tribute to the memory of the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, which is hosted by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar. The Father Amir of the State of Qatar is Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on 12 July 2026. I would like to convey my condolences to the Government and the people of the State of Qatar and to the bereaved family of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. I will now like to deliver a statement. Your Excellency, Ambassador Ali Abdeen bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar. Your Excellency, the Secretary General of United Nations. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. As I've just said, we gather here today to pay solemn tribute to the memory of His Highness, the father, Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who sadly passed away on 12th July 2026. One of the most consequential leaders in Qatar's modern history, His Highness's 18-year reign saw the country undergo a period of momentous economic, social, and cultural transformation, with particular emphasis on education, science, knowledge, and human development. It was during this period that Qatar launched the Al Jazeera News Network and laid out its long-term vision for sustainable development and prosperity for future generations. For the people of Qatar, the late Father Amir will also be remembered for advancing women's political participation, including through the expansion of the right to vote and stand for election. Internationally, His Highness elevated Qatar's voice on the global stage and helped lay the foundations for its emergence as a hub for international dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy. An ardent supporter of dialogue, He championed multilateralism and the role of the United Nations in addressing shared global challenges, as evidenced by the election of Qatari diplomat, Nasser Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, as President of the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Excellencies, Above all, His Highness will be remembered for consistently emphasizing mediation over confrontation, dialogue over division, and development rooted in human dignity, the goals we all strive together in this house. That legacy can be seen in Qatar's contribution to diplomatic and peace efforts across the Middle East and beyond. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the General Assembly, I extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of the state of Qatar, especially to the family of His Highness. As we mourn the passing of the father, Amir, we also honor a legacy of transformation at home and dialogue and diplomacy abroad that will continue to shape Qatar for generations to come. I thank you all. I now invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Thank you. I now have the honor to invite the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Antonio Guterres, to deliver his statement.

Mr. President of the General Assembly, Your Excellency Khalilur Rahman, Your Excellency Sheikh Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. We gather today to honor the life and legacy of His Highness Sheikh Ahmad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the late father Emir of the State of Qatar. On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the Al Thani ruling family, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar. His Highness Sheikh Ahmad was a visionary leader who helped transform Qatar and shape its modern history. His years as Amir were a period of remarkable economic, social, and institutional transformation. His leadership laid the foundations for the country's long-term prosperity and global standing, enabled Qatar to emerge as a global actor in diplomacy, mediation, education, energy, and media. He championed modernization and reform. He helped prepare Qatar for the future while strengthening its national institutions. And during his tenure, Qatar saw its share of the global economy grow many times over, adopted its permanent constitution, invested in higher education and research through the Qatar Foundation and Education City, and launched the Qatar National Vision 2030, a landmark framework that continues to guide the country's sustainable development and long-term prosperity. But Sheikh Ahmad's impact reached far beyond Qatar's borders. He understood that the country's influence is measured not only by its economic achievements, but also by its contributions to peace and dialogue. Under his leadership, Qatar became a trusted partner in mediation and diplomacy, creating opportunities for dialogue and compromise, expanded its humanitarian footprint across the region and beyond, and cemented its role as a constructive partner in regional and international affairs. Excellencies, Sheikh Ahmad dedicated his life to advancing his nation's development, strengthening its institutions, and elevating its place among nations. The United Nations has long valued its partnership with Qatar. We are grateful for its support for humanitarian efforts, mediation initiatives, and multilateral action in the service of peace and human dignity. That partnership remains as important part of Sheikh Ahmad's enduring legacy. Today, we remember a leader who shaped this country's history and whose contributions to dialogue and development were felt around the world. May his memory continue to inspire current and future generations, and I thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary General. May I now give the floor to Her Excellency Alia Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. You have the floor.

Mr. President, at the outset, please allow me to extend my thanks to Your Excellency for convening this meeting to pay tribute to His Royal Highness. I extend my thanks to the Secretary-General, to Member States, and all regional groups for participating in this tribute. to our great national loss, His Royal Highness, the father, Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may his soul rest in peace. This lofty participation reflects his standing for the international community. Mr. President, With the passing of His Highness, the father Emir, the state of Qatar has lost an exemplary leader who transformed Qatar. During his rule from 1995 to 2013, His Highness laid the foundation for a modern state with established institutions, and he was a visionary leader who focused on people-centered approach. he shaped development and he invested in human beings. During his reign, he attached importance to education and scientific research. He established institutions such as the Qatar Foundation for Science and Education and the Education City that hosted the most important and prominent universities, as well as the Qatar Fund for Scientific Research, which opened up horizons for innovation and knowledge. His Royal His highness elevated the standing of women in Qatar. During his reign, women gained the right to run and to vote in elections. He attached special importance to the youth because he believed in them as shapers of the future. He kept his reign by adopting the permanent constitution of the state through a referendum that entrenched participation and the rule of law. During his rule, the state of Qatar became a model to be followed in development and civilization, bringing together between authenticity and openness and between identity and global ambition. Mr. President, His vision stretched beyond our borders. He turned the state of Qatar into a leading state in mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes. According to our permanent constitution, the foreign policy must be grounded in the peaceful settlement of disputes. Mediation became a fixture of our foreign policy and a permanent identity of our Qatari diplomacy. This was achieved through the Doha Agreement among the Lebanese parties and the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. We also mediated between Djibouti and Eritrea, and we mediated Palestinian reconciliation, among other good offices that helped build bridges of dialogue among parties across the continents. Mr. President, His Highness the Father Emir has long advocated multilateralism and the vital role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. During his rule, we strengthened our partnership with the United Nations. We hosted important UN conferences, including the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the WTO that launched the Doha Round in 2001, and the Conference for the Financing for Development in 2008, the UN Conference on Trade and Development of 2012, and COP 18 in 2012. As a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2006, 2007, under his guidance, We supported the Council's unity and effectiveness. We supported international peace and security and advocated the just causes grounded on the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. At the humanitarian level, His Highness associated Qatar with humanitarian assistance for those affected by humanitarian conflicts and disasters during his rule. We elevated our regional and international role as part of the solution, and we contributed to addressing international global challenges. Mr. President, The approach of peace and development that our Highness has put in place will continue to guide our efforts. We will continue his legacy under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the State of Qatar, thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness has become an influential state on the international scene. We have shaped peace from the east to the west, and we have made national achievements mainly in peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights. In conclusion, Mr. President, we extend our thanks and appreciation to you and to the Secretary-General and to all member states. May God Rest his highness in peace and in Jannah and may he grant him his best reward for his contributions to the nation and to humanity at large. Thank you.

I thank you, Your Excellency. I now give the floor to His Excellency Jamal Fares Al-Ruwaihi, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, who will speak on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council States. You have the floor, sir.

Your Excellency Khalil Rahman, President of the General Assembly; Your Excellency Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres; Your Excellency, Ambassador Alia **** Ahmed Al Saif Al Thani, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council. We gather today with believing hearts in the faith of God, filled with sorrow and loyalty, to pay tribute to the memory of His Highness the father, Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He has dedicated his life to the service of the state of Qatar and the people of Qatar, and he has contributed through his leadership and vision to its modern renaissance and to promoting its status on the regional and international levels. He has left legacy in the areas of development and modern development and renaissance. His leadership was characterized by a forward-looking vision and a strong belief in the importance of the human being, education and development, and the building of state institutions. He has also cared deeply about dialogue and international cooperation and supporting all efforts aimed at security, peace, development, and stability based on his belief in the importance of joint efforts and cooperation to address the modern challenges that face the states of the world. He also had a leading role in support of the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and establishing joint efforts in the region, as well as the coordination between the states of the region out of his belief in the importance of cooperation, integration, and solidarity within the Gulf region to support the area's prosperity and security and to promote the interests of the people of the region. Our states remember with much appreciation the efforts and contributions of His Highness in service of his homeland and his region of the world, and the wisdom of his legacy and his vision based on the importance of cooperation. His legacy will remain present in the journey of Qatar and its neighbor and its neighborhood. His legacy serves his state and we express our sincere condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, as well as to the government and the people of Qatar. And we ask God to shower him with his mercy and allow him to enter his paradise and support everyone who is suffering this great loss. May God shower him with his mercy. and reward him generously for his contribution to his nation. And may God preserve the blessings of security and stability in the state of Qatar. Thank you, Mr. President.

Excellency, thank you very much for your statement. I will now invite His Excellency Omar Saeed Omar Al-Atthiri Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, who will speak on behalf of the Arab States. You have the floor, sir.

Your Excellency, Dr. Khalil al-Rahman, President of the General Assembly, Your Excellency, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Your Excellency, Ambassador Ali al-Thani, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the member states of the Arab Group at this high-level tribute event held by the General Assembly in memory of His Highness the father, Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of the State of Qatar. I would like to begin by thanking the President of the General Assembly for convening this tribute event, and I would like to express the condolences of our group to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, as well as to the state and people of Qatar. We ask God to shower the Emir with his mercy. His departure is not a loss for Qatar alone, but for the Arab and Muslim nations and the international community as a whole. He was an exceptional leader and one of the most important leaders of Arab cooperation and a symbol of reform and wisdom in the region. This became manifest in the farewell events that were held in his memory. Your Excellency, on the national level, history will record His Highness as the builder of the modern state of Qatar. During his term from 1995 to 2013, His Highness has led a development project that was comprehensive and that was built on investment in the human being and that was based on development and education, and he transformed Qatar in limited years to a development model to be followed and a beacon for development and leadership. His Highness was a supporter of the causes of the region, and the Palestinian cause always remained at the forefront of his concerns. And he continually supported the Palestinian people's inalienable rights. And he supported the conciliation efforts between the Palestinian segments in Palestine. And Lebanon was similarly under his leadership, carried great importance, and he contributed the unity and stability of Lebanon. He has also sponsored the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur in support of Sudan. And within his efforts in the Arab and Muslim regions, he hosted events in 2009 and the Islamic summit in the year 2000, in addition to leadership in the area of interfaith dialogue. And he was a great supporter of the League of Arab States and its role in formulating solutions to common challenges in the Arab world in order to fulfill the aspirations of the Arab people. He believed firmly that Arabs must be active partners in global decision-making and that Arab nations must lead the efforts to address international challenges. His Highness has also opened the State of Qatar to the Arab brethren under his leadership. Multiple wide-ranging projects and initiatives took root in Qatar in his leadership, including the establishment of think tanks and research institutions and other initiatives that have promoted the Arab region in the world. On the regional level, he supported Gulf cooperation among the GCC states. He promoted good neighborliness and dialogue in the region. He believed that the security and stability of the region is all interconnected. He also promoted Arab diplomacy in the world as a force for peace and dialogue. And he created mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes as a firm approach in Qatari diplomacy. His Highness was a strong supporter of multilateral efforts. Under his leadership, Doha hosted high-level events and UN conferences, including the follow-up conference on development and the COP18, among others. And in the humanitarian field, Qatari assistance has reached populations affected by crises and conflicts throughout the world. And his initiative in the area of education in conflict-affected regions was extremely effective and instrumental. He was forward-looking and wise and sincere and direct in addressing challenges, and he firmly believed that dialogue was the ideal means to address differences, and his legacy will remain well remembered throughout the generations to come and a legacy to build on by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. In conclusion, the Arab Group reiterates its condolences to the State of Qatar and we ask God to shower the departed with his mercy and to reward him generously for his service to his people. To God we belong, and to God we return. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank you, Your Excellency, for your rich tribute to the memory of Father Amir on behalf of the Arab states. I now give the floor to His Excellency Ahmet Ildiz, Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations. who will speak on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation States. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the group of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The OIC group received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of His Highness, the father, Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, on 12th July 2026. On this solemn occasion, we extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and to the government and people of Qatar. The Islamic world has lost a wise and visionary leader whose life was marked by service, generosity, and devotion to the just cause of his nation. His Highness, the late father Emir, will be remembered as one of the historic leaders of the State of Qatar and the architect of its modern revival. From the time he assumed the leadership of his country, he pursued an ambitious and comprehensive vision of national development, centred on the dignity, well-being and advancement of the Qatari people. Under his leadership, Qatar witnessed a far-reaching transformation in education, health, infrastructure, culture, media, science, and economic development. The achievements of His Highness were not confined to the borders of his country. His commitment and contribution to joint Islamic action holds particular significance. He was a steadfast supporter of solidarity among the members of our organization and of concerted action in defense of the interest and just causes of Islamic Ummah. Under his chairmanship, Qatar hosted the ninth Islamic Summit Conference in Doha in November 2000. During Qatar's chairmanship, His Highness worked to promote a unified Islamic position in response to the challenges confronting the ummah and addressing urgent developments in Palestine, Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and other parts of the Islamic world. His Highness consistently defended the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and supported their steadfastness. He attached special importance to preserving the Arab and Islamic identity of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and protecting its holy sites. His concern for Palestine was expressed not only through political positions and diplomatic efforts, but also through humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people, including the people of Gaza. The late Father Emir also believed that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful means. During his reign, Qatar contribute to the mediation and reconciliation efforts concerning several OIC member states and peoples. Those efforts included the Doha Agreement that helped end a political crisis in Lebanon, the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, and initiatives aimed at advancing Palestinian reconciliation and resolving disputes through diplomacy. His Highness likewise promoted dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and religions. Under his leadership, Qatar supported educational, cultural, humanitarian, and development initiatives in many parts of the world, including in many OIC member states. Mr. President, the legacy of His Highness, the late father, Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is embodied in the modern state he helped to build in the bridges of cooperation and solidarity he built between Qatar and member states of the Islamic world. We are confident that the state of Qatar, under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will continue to build upon the enduring legacy of the late father Emir and to contribute to the Islamic solidarity and international cooperation. We pray to the Almighty to bestow on the late father Emir his boundless mercy and forgiveness, to reward him for his service to his country and to the Islamic Ummah and to the humanity, and to grant him the highest place in paradise. We also pray the omnipotent and the merciful to grant His Highness the Emir, the ruling family, and the brotherly people of Qatar the patience and solace during this period. Verily, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return. I thank you all.

I thank you, Excellency. I now give the floor to Mr. Marvin Ikondere of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uganda. to the United Nations, who will speak on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. You have the floor, sir.

Mr. President, I am Godfrey, Ambassador Godfrey Kova, sorry to correct that. I am the Deputy Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations. I have the honor and the sad not to speak on behalf of the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement. on this solemn occasion to pay tribute to the memory of His Highness the father, Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. I extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, to the ruling family, and to the government and people of the State of Qatar. The late father, Amir, left behind an important and enduring legacy. During his leadership of the state of Qatar, we witnessed how the country went through a period of extensive transition. His vision and leadership contributed to the building of a modern state, the strengthening of its national institutions, and significant progress in education, health, culture, economic and social development. At the same time, the State of Qatar strengthened its regional and international standing and assumed an increasingly active role in the promotion of peace, development and international cooperation. His Highness will be remembered as a respected statesman who believed firmly in dialogue, mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Under his leadership, the State of Qatar became a recognized venue for dialogue and reconciliation and contributed to efforts to resolve conflicts and restore stability in several regions and achieved successful outcomes such as the Doha Agreement that helped end the political crisis in Lebanon in 2008 and the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur in 2011. For the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, his commitment to solidarity and cooperation among developing countries holds particular significance. Qatar's hosting of the second South Summit of the G77 and China in 2005 made an important contribution to strengthening South-South cooperation and advancing the common interests and aspirations of developing countries. We recall the late father I made this call before the General Assembly for a positive peace, positive peace founded not merely on the absence of conflict, but also on respect for the political rights of nations and the achievement of economic and social justice. Such conviction that lasting peace, development, and justice are inseparable, inseparably reflects commitment to the principles and objectives of the non-aligned movement. His Highness maintained a steadfast political, humanitarian, and government support for the Palestinian people and advocate for their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination. His commitment to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East will be remembered with appreciation. Mr. President, the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is a great loss not only to the State of Qatar and its people, but also to all those who value peace, dialogue, development and solidarity among nations. His contribution in those fields will long be remembered. In conclusion, the Member States of the Non-Aligned Movement reiterate their deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and to the Government and people of the State of Qatar. We are confident that the State of Qatar will continue on the path of progress and prosperity and will continue to contribute to peace, development and international cooperation. May the soul of His Highness the Father, Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, rest in peace.

I thank you, sir, for your statement. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, today we have mourned the passing of His Highness the Father, Emir of Qatar, and paid tribute to his rich legacy of transformation at home and mediation and dialogue abroad. May his legacy inspire us in pursuing the ideals of the United Nations. This brings us to the end of the proceedings for today. I thank you all for your kind attendance. Thank you.