Nairobi, 14 September 2018 -- UN‐Habitat Executive Director Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif recently held talks with the Qatari Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Mr. Jabor Bin Ali Al-Dosari.

The talks were held at the Qatari Mission offices in Nairobi and focused on the cooperation between UN-Habitat and State of Qatar in areas of mutual interest and to the benefit of UN-Habitat’s work in sustainable urban development.

“We depend on strategic partnership with key countries such as Qatar and I am certain you will open your doors of cooperation for UN-Habitat,” said Ms. Mohd Sharif. She asked the Ambassador to convey her message of goodwill to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to strengthen Qatar’s cooperation with UN-Habitat.

The two also discussed the importance of supporting development projects in Africa, such as those under Kenya’s Big 4 Agenda, with the Ambassador supporting UN-Habitat’s strategy that focuses at both the national and county levels. He further emphasized the need for close cooperation between Qatar and UN-Habitat to achieve safer, resilient and sustainable development for all, including the vulnerable and marginalized communities. “We are here to work with UN-Habitat, other development partners and the Government of Kenya to support the local population to improve their overall well-being,” said the Ambassador.

UN-Habitat has recently presented proposals to the Government of Qatar, through its Embassy in Nairobi, to support its activities in the areas of youth, livelihoods, water and sanitation, housing and infrastructure rehabilitation in Kenya and Somalia.

The Executive Director requested Qatar to consider strengthening UN-Habitat to deliver on its mandate as the lead UN agency on the urbanization agenda. “I am looking forward to …. the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and UN-Habitat,” she added.

Ms. Mohd Sharif recognized Qatar as a significant member of the United Nations whose share of development support in the global sphere is admirable.

The Ambassador assured the Executive Director of his Embassy’ unreserved support, adding that, moving forward, the Embassy would facilitate her planned visit to Doha in order to discuss with the Government of Qatar the financial support required by UN-Habitat.