New york: The State of Qatar, alongside its international partners, has urged the global community to join the efforts of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC), which was unveiled during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The coalition aims to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for individuals with autism worldwide.
According to Qatar News Agency, the GAAC was announced at an event organized by Qatar Foundation (QF), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Autism Speaks. This represents a significant step for the international community to unite in supporting people with autism and their families. The announcement took place during the UN’s High-Level Meeting focused on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser expressed enthusiasm about the launch, describing it as a milestone that transitions efforts from mere awareness to collective action. She emphasized the international community’s shared responsibility in addressing autism and highlighted the coalition’s role in making autism an international priority.
Sheikha Moza further reiterated Qatar’s dedication to autism causes, emphasizing the need for governments, stakeholders, and development partners to commit to concrete actions and resource allocation beyond awareness. This commitment is deeply rooted in Qatar’s belief in providing opportunities for every individual to thrive.
The coalition underscores the global recognition of autism as a shared social responsibility, with current estimates suggesting around 80 million people worldwide are on the autism spectrum. The GAAC calls for a shift from awareness to action, urging decision-makers to allocate resources, advance autism on the global agenda, and integrate it into policy frameworks.
The GAAC also invites governments, NGOs, charities, and private sector partners to contribute to global cooperation on autism, focusing on social inclusion, economic opportunities, and enhancing the wellbeing of individuals with autism.
HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud stated that the coalition exemplifies the power of united efforts, aiming to improve the lives of millions with autism through collective action that offers hope, dignity, and opportunity.
HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi highlighted Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s vision and leadership in advancing dignity and inclusion for individuals with autism, noting Qatar’s pioneering efforts in supporting autistic children and their families since launching its first national autism strategy in 2017.
Dr. Dena Al-Thani, Associate Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Co-Founder of the Autism Sensing Center of Excellence, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in mobilizing resources and boosting investment in technological innovation for autism diagnosis and intervention.
QF, WHO, UNICEF, and Autism Speaks leveraged networking opportunities during the UN General Assembly to coordinate with stakeholders and invite them to join the coalition.
Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development, and Innovation Advisor to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development, and Innovation at QF, expressed pride in Qatar Foundation’s role in establishing the coalition, emphasizing the global necessity of supporting platforms for individuals with autism.
HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has been a leading advocate for global autism awareness, with her 2007 proposal leading to the UN General Assembly’s adoption of World Autism Awareness Day, aimed at raising awareness and improving lives for individuals with autism.