Under a calm morning sky in Doha, the flags of the United Nations and the State of Qatar were raised together on Sunday, marking the lead-up to the Second World Summit for Social Development. This event symbolized the UN's formal takeover of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) as the venue where global leaders will collaborate to strengthen the worldwide social agreement.
The short but meaningful ceremony took place at the expansive conference center, with senior officials from both Qatar and the United Nations present. They were flanked by a formation of UN security officers and Qatar’s Lekhwiya police forces standing beside the two flagpoles.
“This moment formally marks the handover of this landmark facility to the United Nations. The QNCC is now transformed into a space where the global community will gather to advance solutions and renew hope.”
Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasized that the flag-raising reflected a united dedication to cooperation and collective progress.
Ahmad Hassen Al-Hamadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed a warm welcome to the international community. He stressed Qatar’s commitment to supporting the summit by facilitating high-level dialogue and cooperation.
The flag-raising ceremony in Doha symbolized a joint commitment by the United Nations and Qatar to promote global social development through collaboration and renewed hope.