Geneva | 15 August 2026

The Qatar Foundation for Social Work concluded its participation in the 35th Session of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee), held at the United Nations Office at Geneva from 12 to 14 August 2026. The Foundation participated through a delegation representing the Foundation and its specialized centers, as part of its efforts to strengthen civil society engagement in international mechanisms addressing the rights of persons with disabilities, and in its capacity as an organization holding consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The Foundation took an active part in the proceedings, which included the opening session and the Committee’s consideration of Qatar’s report, as well as a statement delivered by the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer during the session dedicated to civil society organizations.

Mr. Rashid Mohammed Al-Naimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, said that the Foundation’s participation reflects the importance of civil society engagement in international forums addressing the rights of persons with disabilities, while creating opportunities for dialogue and the exchange of expertise with relevant international organizations and institutions.

He added that such participation enables the Foundation to expand international cooperation and partnerships and benefit from specialized expertise and best practices, thereby strengthening the role of civil society in advocacy and capacity-building related to the rights of persons with disabilities and United Nations mechanisms.

On the sidelines of the session, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer met with H.E. Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Muftah, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland. The meeting addressed the participation of the Foundation and its affiliated centers in the work of the Human Rights Council, opportunities to organize side events in cooperation with the Permanent Mission, and the Foundation’s role in relevant thematic issues and draft resolutions within its areas of expertise.

The Foundation’s delegation also met with Dr. Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance and President of the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities. Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen civil society engagement in the disability sector, build capacity in advocacy, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and United Nations mechanisms, and enhance cooperation and the exchange of expertise and best practices.

The Qatar Foundation for Social Work continues to strengthen its international partnerships and advance the role of civil society in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities through participation in international forums, expanding cooperation, and developing capacity-building initiatives.