The Department of International Affairs at Qatar University (QU)'s College of Arts and Sciences recently hosted a symposium titled “Partnership for Development: The Role of International Organizations in Supporting Sustainable Development in Developing Countries." The event brought together academics, experts, and students to explore the impact of international collaboration on sustainable development efforts.
Dr. Bahaa Eldin Makawy, Head of the Department, started the event by stressing the urgent need for innovative, sustainability-driven partnerships to address the complex challenges facing developing nations. He highlighted the critical role academic institutions play in advancing sustainable solutions and international cooperation.
Her Excellency Sheikha Dr. Hanouf Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Director of the International Organizations Department at Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized that international organizations are no longer just financial contributors—they are vital partners in knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and policy development.
Dr. Hanouf added that achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires a genuine partnership among governments, the private sector, and civil society. She stated that building strong economic systems capable of self-reliance, rather than solely funding projects, is the key to achieving true sustainability.
Dr. Hanouf also highlighted Qatar's global contributions, including over 2.7 billion USD to UN development efforts from 2020–2024, a 500 million USD pledge in 2018, and initiatives such as the “Doha Programme of Action." These efforts reflect Qatar's commitment to inclusive, global progress in education, health, renewable energy, and climate action.
The symposium featured two main contributions from faculty members in the Department of International Affairs at QU, who explored various aspects of the role of international organizations in sustainable development.
Dr. Youcef Bouandel and Dr. Kheir Diabat explored the operational frameworks of international organizations, NGOs, and financial organizations, as well as the multidimensional nature of sustainable development. These discussions included Qatar's own development projects, such as clean energy efforts in Bangladesh, education support in Africa and Asia, and health infrastructure funding in developing nations.
The symposium affirmed QU's dedication to promoting international dialogue and advancing development goals through academic research and strategic partnerships.