Qatar 1st Arab country to host UN Day event, concert in New York; prominent Qatari names attend

Nabeela

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For the first time in history, an Arab country hosted the United Nations (UN) Day celebrations in New York yesterday. His Excellency (H.E.) Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani (Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs) H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani (Managing Director of the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy), H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani (Chairperson Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, Reach Out to Asia) were part of this historic event under the theme "Building Prosperity for All Through Culture, Education, Gender Equality, Sports and Sustainability". The event was a great gathering of art, culture, sport, and education for sustainable development and prosperity demonstrating Qatar’s strong support for the UN and global goals.

Marking the 74^th anniversary of the UN Charter entering into force, the UN Day 2019 featured keynote addresses from Qatari and UN officials, including:

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
Melissa Fleming, Under Secretary General & Communications and Chief Spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Tijjani Muhammad-Bande of Nigeria, President of the UN General Assembly
António Guterres, Secretary General of UN

The UN Day event witnessed many of Qatar’s inspiring women speak and showcase their achievements on a global stage. This empowerment of women and gender equality are integral to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 and building prosperity.

UN Day Concert

The biggest names in Qatar's music industry were also in New York last night bringing their beautiful music to the UN general Assembly on the occasion of UN day. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Dana Al Fardan (composer, musician, singer/vocalist), Fahad Al Kubaisi (singer/vocalist), Mansour Almohannadi (singer/vocalist), Aisha (singer/vocalist), Hala Al Emadi (pianist), Maias Alyamani (violin), Hassan Moataz (rababa) and Eimear Noone (conductor) were part of the ensemble from Qatar and their music mesmerised the audience that were in attendee at the UN Day Concert, curated by the Doha Film Institute.

The aim of the concert was to highlight the Sustainable Development Goals and the urgent need to fully implement the 2030 Agenda to bring long-lasting benefits to communities, regions and countries. It specifically focused on the role of culture, sports, quality education and gender equality by showcasing women in leadership roles in the Middle East, especially in the arts. The concert celebrated women who shattered classical music’s glass ceiling and defied social norms to compose, perform, teach and conduct classical music.

Qatar and the UN

A member of the UN since 1971, Qatar is firmly committed to the UN's work in building peace and stability, and is honoured to have been chosen to host the UN Day in New York. Qatar values its strategic partnership with the United Nations and has always worked towards achieving its goals, including maintaining international peace and security, supporting international development, promoting human rights, providing humanitarian assistance, and participating in collective action to address existing and emerging challenges facing the world. Qatar has and continues to make generous financial contributions to various UN bodies and entities, aimed at supporting projects in the areas of development and humanitarian aid.