Qatar Foundation for Social Work concluded its participation in the 64th session of the Commission for Social Development, a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The participation came within the framework of following up on the outcomes of the Second World Social Development Summit, implementing the Doha Political Declaration, and advancing international efforts aimed at consolidating social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive policies.

The Foundation’s delegation was headed by Mr. Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Hamadah Al-Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Foundation for Social Work. The delegation included several leaders and specialists in social development, protection, and community work, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to active engagement in international forums and to contributing to the formulation of social policies grounded in field-based experience.

In its consultative capacity with ECOSOC, the Foundation participated in a number of official sessions, forums, and specialized events during the session. It also organized a side event in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, in partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO.

During the session, Mr. Al-Nuaimi delivered a statement emphasizing that one of the most pressing challenges facing social development pathways today lies in ensuring effective coherence between public policies and successful field experiences. Such alignment is essential to ensure that policies reflect the real and diverse needs of different groups and are based on practical models that have demonstrated their capacity to generate sustainable impact. He explained that Qatar Foundation for Social Work, as a civil society organization comprising eight specialized social centers, has developed applied models that illustrate how social policies can shift from a care-based approach to an empowerment-based approach, and from responding to needs to fostering active community participation.

He noted that the Foundation’s programs in the areas of inclusion of persons with disabilities, empowerment of senior citizens, women’s empowerment, support for children and youth, and strengthening the role of the family reflect an integrated vision of social development centered on investing in people, building their capacities, and ensuring their full participation in society. He further stressed the importance of engaging the concerned groups themselves in the formulation of policies and recommendations through institutionalized and sustainable mechanisms to enhance policy relevance, fairness, and responsiveness to actual needs.

As part of its substantive participation, the Foundation organized a side event entitled:
“Empowering Social Workers in a Changing World: New Competencies and Partnerships to Promote Inclusive Social Development.”
The event highlighted the pivotal role of social workers as frontline practitioners and underscored the importance of investing in their professional development, enhancing their occupational well-being, and equipping them with the tools necessary to address rapidly evolving social challenges.

In his opening remarks at the side event, the CEO emphasized that empowering social workers is no longer merely an institutional choice but a strategic necessity to ensure the effectiveness and fairness of social policies. He affirmed that investment in the social workforce represents one of the most impactful investments in building resilient societies capable of translating international principles and commitments into practical and sustainable field interventions. He also underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships as a key gateway to expanding impact, enhancing inclusivity, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

In the same context, Sheikha Najla bint Ahmed Al Thani, Executive Director of Dreama Center for Orphan Care, highlighted that strengthening the alternative care system depends on investing in professional competencies, enhancing the quality of services provided to children, and building effective partnerships that contribute to stability and comprehensive support, thereby ensuring safe and sustainable upbringing and positive social integration for orphaned children.

Mr. Nayef Zamel Al-Shahrani, Director of the Communications and Media Office at Nama Center for Social Development, emphasized that the Center’s role extends to building an integrated social development ecosystem that includes developing sustainable career pathways, enhancing youth readiness for the labor market, empowering them to participate in shaping social policies, and building regional and international partnerships to facilitate knowledge transfer and localize best practices in support of comprehensive and sustainable social development, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Ms. Mashael Al-Mohammed, Social Specialist at Aman Center for Protection and Social Rehabilitation, underscored that empowering social workers and equipping them with specialized professional tools is fundamental to strengthening protection systems and improving responses to the needs of women and affected groups. This contributes to delivering more effective interventions and enhancing prevention and long-term psychosocial support.

On the sidelines of the session, the Foundation’s delegation held a number of high-level bilateral meetings to enhance international cooperation and expand strategic partnerships. The CEO met with H.E. Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. The meeting discussed ways to strengthen coordination and integration between national and international efforts in the field of social development and to support the participation of Qatari civil society organizations in UN platforms, thereby showcasing and internationalizing the national experience.

The delegation also met with Ms. Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Special Representative of the International Labour Organization to the United Nations, to explore avenues of cooperation in the areas of decent work, inclusive employment, and career pathway development for various groups, particularly persons with disabilities and youth. Discussions also covered opportunities to leverage digital innovation and assistive technologies to promote economic and social inclusion.

In addition, the delegation met with Ms. Sheema Sen Gupta, Global Director of Child Protection and Migration Programs at UNICEF, to discuss cooperation in child protection, prevention, early intervention, and capacity building for social workers in the field, contributing to more integrated and responsive protection systems.

A further meeting was held with Dr. Alex Vazquez, Director of International Relations at the International Institute for Family Development, focusing on collaboration in developing family-sensitive policies, promoting work-life balance, and designing joint programs to strengthen family cohesion as a cornerstone of comprehensive social development.

Meetings also included discussions with Ms. Samiha Abdullah Anan, Technical Cooperation Officer at the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), to explore cooperation in data exchange, capacity building, and the development of social studies that support evidence-based policymaking among member states.

During the Civil Society Forum held as part of the session, Ms. Ghada Khalifa Al-Subaie, Director of Advocacy and International Relations at Qatar Foundation for Social Work, presented the experiences and models of the Foundation’s affiliated centers in the areas of disability inclusion, empowerment of senior citizens, and the role of social entrepreneurship in developing practical solutions to societal challenges. She emphasized the importance of transferring field-based expertise and strengthening partnerships as key pillars for advancing inclusive social development.

In concluding the participation, Mr. Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Hamadah Al-Nuaimi reaffirmed that Qatar Foundation for Social Work will continue to strengthen its international partnerships and consolidate its presence in UN forums, in alignment with the State of Qatar’s vision and international commitments in the fields of social development and human rights. He noted that participation in the Commission for Social Development represents an important platform for exchanging expertise, transferring national field-based experience to the international level, and contributing to the formulation of more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable social policies. He further emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to working with national and international partners to translate the Doha Declaration into practical action, enhance the impact of social work, build cohesive communities, empower individuals, and ensure that no group is left behind in the development process.