Qatar Charity to host annual gathering of “Start Network” on October 1-2

Qatar Charity is all set to hold the Start Network Assembly Meeting 2019 on October 1-2, 2019, an annual gathering being organized for the first time in the Middle East, with the participation of more than 87 dignitaries representing 42 organizations, which are among the major international and regional humanitarian NGOs.

The two-day annual meeting, chaired by Ms. Christina Bennett, CEO of Start Network, will discuss the network strategy and the proposed action plan, as well as many issues related to its effectiveness, capabilities and cooperation among its members on humanitarian issues.

Mr. Yousuf bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, said, “The hosting of this significant event by our organization affirms its humanitarian role worldwide, the importance its global presence, and its major humanitarian interventions”, pointing out that it has presence on the ground in more than 50 countries through 28 field offices in 24 countries.

He also underlined the importance of Qatar Charity as an organization playing a vital role in addressing issues affecting humanitarian work globally, and noting that Qatar Charity was welcomed into the membership of Start Network in 2017.

Considering this membership a significant milestone, he also pointed out that Qatar Charity has the observer membership of the International Organization For Migration (IOM), and is in a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in addition to joining CHS Alliance.

Joining such humanitarian alliances by Qatar Charity constitutes a significant recognition of the vital role that it plays, and the capabilities and expertise it has regionally and globally, Al Kuwari further said.

Joining international humanitarian networks falls within its keenness to coordinate and collaborate with humanitarian organizations worldwide to ensure a more effective and impactful humanitarian interventions to support humanitarian efforts around the globe.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Qatar Charity will organize a dinner party in cooperation with a number of bodies in the country at the Qatar National Museum, where the guests can learn about the Qatari identity, heritage, and history, in addition to providing them the opportunity to know about Qatar Charity’s humanitarian efforts across the world.

The Start Network is made up of 42 aid agencies across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to national NGOs. It aims to change the current international system of humanitarian aid and deliver more effective aid to support people affected by crises.

It develops innovative ways for aid agencies to work together, with new forms of financing and methods to give local organisations greater decision-making power and funding. Start Network’s impartial approach is grounded in its commitment to universally shared humanitarian ideals, such as those enshrined in international humanitarian law.

 Qatar Charity joined Start Network in February 2016 as observers, and in November 2017, it was granted full membership by the Start Network Board of Directors on the basis that all membership conditions are met.