New york: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held a special session to pay tribute to the memory of HH the Late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
According to Qatar News Agency, the session was chaired by HE President of the 81st session of the General Assembly Khalilur Rahman in the presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani. The session was attended by the heads of the regional groups, including HE Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council group; HE Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman Omar Said Al Kathiri, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group; HE Permanent Representative of Republic of Turkiye Ahmet Yildiz, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation group; and a representative of the Republic of Uganda, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
At the opening of the session, the President of the General Assembly delivered an opening statement in which he expressed his sincere condolences to the State of Qatar, its leadership, government, and people. He noted that the 18-year reign of the Father Amir witnessed major economic, social, and cultural transformation in the country, with a strong focus on education, science, knowledge, and human development. He also noted that the Qatari people would remember the late Amir for his role in advancing women's political participation, including expanding their right to vote and stand for election.
For his part, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said HH the Father Amir's "leadership laid the foundations for the country's long-term prosperity and global standing - enabling Qatar to emerge as a global actor in diplomacy, mediation, education, energy and media." He stressed that the impact of the Father Amir extended far beyond the borders of Qatar, explaining that His Highness recognized that the country's influence could not be measured solely by its economic achievements, but also by its contributions to peace and dialogue.
HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani affirmed that the broad participation in the session commemorating the Father Amir's memory reflects the high regard in which he is held by the international community. She pointed out that with the passing of the Father Amir, the State of Qatar had lost an extraordinary leader and the architect of its modern renaissance. During his reign from 1995-2013, he laid the foundations of a modern state through strong institutions and a forward-looking, people-centered vision, investing in human capital and emphasizing education and scientific research as fundamental pillars of the country's development project.
HE Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations Jamal Fares Alrowaiei also delivered a statement on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council group, noting that the Father Amir devoted his life to serving the State of Qatar and its people, and that through his leadership and vision, he contributed to the country's modern renaissance and enhanced its regional and international standing.
HE the Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman delivered a statement on behalf of the Arab Group, extending condolences to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and to the government and people of the State of Qatar. He noted that the passing of the Father Amir represents a loss not only for Qatar but also for the Arab and Islamic nations and the international community.
HE the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Turkiye delivered a statement on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, describing the Father Amir as one of Qatar's historic leaders and the architect of its modern renaissance. He said that the Father Amir led a broad transformation in education, healthcare, infrastructure, culture, media, science, and the economy.
For its part, the Republic of Uganda, in a statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, affirmed that the Father Amir left an important and enduring legacy. His leadership contributed to building a modern state, strengthening its institutions, and advancing education, healthcare, culture, and economic and social development.
The session was attended by a large number of senior United Nations officials, representatives of member states, heads of regional groups, as well as a number of ambassadors and senior diplomats. The broad participation reflected the high regard in which the Father Amir was held and the enduring legacy he left at both the regional and international levels.