Mr Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar, extending a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks at the Ramadan Suhoor gathering to all attendees for their presence and commitment to making a difference. ©UNHCR/Abdulla Al-Khuzaei
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s Office in Qatar hosted a traditional Ramadan gathering in Doha on Monday, 18th March 2024. The event aimed to express appreciation for the unwavering support of Qatari partners and philanthropists and highlight the importance of collaboration in addressing the needs of forcibly displaced people.
In his speech, Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR’s Representative to the State of Qatar, welcomed the participants and stated: “Ramadan is a time of reflection, devotion, and renewal of faith. It is a period where the principles of empathy, generosity, and communal harmony are celebrated with great fervour.” He commended Qatari partners’ support and their immense generosity and dedication towards the plight of forcibly displaced people. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our endeavours to make a difference in the lives of many.”
On his part, Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC countries, highlighted the role of Islamic Philanthropy in bridging the funding gap and addressing the growing humanitarian needs of people affected by the new and protracted displacement crises around the world. “In 2023, UNHCR received a record US$ 46 million raised through Islamic Philanthropy, which enabled us to help nearly 2 million refugees and internally displaced people in 23 countries.” He said. He also extended heartfelt wishes on the occasion of Ramadan to all present, while also acknowledging the hardships faced by refugees during this time.
Nader El Nakib, Head of Private Sector Partnerships at UNHCR for the MENA region and Türkiye, highlighted the crucial role of partnerships in supporting UNHCR’s operations. He emphasised their vital contribution to alleviating the suffering of the forcibly displaced and meeting their urgent needs. “Our esteemed partners, you play a crucial role in this endeavour. Tonight, as we break bread together, we remember those who are less fortunate, and reaffirm our commitment to stand in solidarity with them.” He said.
Mr Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC countries, addressing the attendees at the Ramadan Suhoor gathering, shedding light on the vast humanitarian needs of displaced people around the world and illustrating UNHCR's Islamic Philanthropy efforts. ©UNHCR/Abdulla Al-Khuzaei
Mr Nader El Nakib, Head of Private Sector Partnerships at UNHCR for the MENA region and Türkiye, at the Ramadan Suhoor gathering, expressing gratitude to the attendees for their invaluable partnerships and underscoring their significant contribution to supporting UNHCR’s mission. ©UNHCR/Shireen Hourani
The Ramadan Suhoor table, alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi’s quote, inviting guests into a night of unity, reflection, and shared commitment. ©UNHCR/Abdulla Al-Khuzaei
Moreover, the importance of responsible media reporting in raising awareness and fostering empathy and understanding towards refugees was highlighted. It was also brought to light the necessity to direct attention towards regions of conflicts that receive less coverage, reinforcing the principle that compassion and awareness should be universal and inclusive of all suffering, regardless of its global prominence.
The holy month of Ramadan is not only a time for generosity and gratitude but also an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to the welfare of displaced people, extend support, and share blessings. This Ramadan gathering served as a poignant reminder of the values that reflect empathy, solidarity, and the shared responsibility to assist those most in need.
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