12/15/2025
Qatar Charity extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Barham Salih, former President of the Republic of Iraq, on his nomination as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. While his appointment remains subject to formal approval by the UN General Assembly, QC welcomes this important step and looks forward to supporting Dr. Salih’s vision of placing refugees at the center of global humanitarian action.
QC also conveys its sincere appreciation to Mr. Filippo Grandi for his dedicated leadership as UN High Commissioner for Refugees since 2016. His tenure has been marked by unwavering commitment to refugee rights, strengthened global humanitarian coordination, and tireless advocacy for displaced communities.
Global Displacement at a Record High
The transition in UNHCR leadership comes at a time when more than 117 million people are forcibly displaced from their homes, both within their own countries and across borders, the highest number ever recorded. This reality underscores the urgency of collective action and the importance of strong partnerships in humanitarian response.
Participation in the Global Refugee Forum
Qatar Charity is honored to participate in the Global Refugee Forum (GRF), taking place on 15–17 December in Geneva. QC has been engaged in the Forum since its inaugural edition in 2019, underscoring its commitment to collective action and responsibility-sharing for displaced people.
Over a Decade of Strategic Partnership with UNHCR
Qatar Charity began its strategic partnership with UNHCR in 2012, a collaboration that has since supported and protected millions of refugees and internally displaced persons around the world. Through joint initiatives in countries such as Syria, Yemen, Bangladesh, Somalia, Sudan, and Afghanistan, QC and UNHCR have expanded access to shelter, food, healthcare, education, and essential protection services.
Over the years, this partnership has helped strengthen resilience, restore dignity, and deliver life-saving assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Speaking about this partnership and the incoming leadership, Mr. Yousuf Al Kuwari, the CEO of Qatar Charity said:
“We warmly welcome Dr. Barham Salih’s nomination and support his vision to broaden funding sources and place refugees at the center of humanitarian action. Qatar Charity believes it can play a vital role in expanding resources and strengthening protection for displaced communities. We stand ready to work with UNHCR to advance this vision and look forward to making a dedicated pledge at the Global Refugee Forum in support of these efforts.”
Looking Ahead
As QC engages in this year’s Global Refugee Forum, it reaffirms its commitment to global humanitarian cooperation and to deepening its collaboration with UNHCR under incoming leadership. QC remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rights, safety, and wellbeing of refugees wherever they may be.
Qatar Charity Founded in 1984, and currently working in more than 70 countries, Qatar Charity is at the forefront of global response to emergencies, and on the foreground of development solutions that help vulnerable communities become more resilient and ultimately thrive and prosper.
Held every four years, the Global Refugee Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees. It brings together UN Member States and stakeholders to discuss and find solutions for the challenges faced by refugees and their host communities.
The Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, the next high-level officials' meeting, will take place on 15-17 December 2025. This event will build on stocktaking efforts at the country, regional, and global levels, to maintain momentum and assess progress against the implementation of the pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) towards the advancement of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and outline next steps in the lead up to the GRF in 2027.