Under a calm morning sky, the flags of the United Nations and Qatar were raised together in Doha on Sunday, signaling the start of preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development.
The ceremony officially marked the United Nations' assumption of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) as the designated venue where global leaders will gather to strengthen the social contract worldwide.
The brief but meaningful event took place at the large conference facility. It was attended by senior officials from Qatar and the UN, flanked by UN security officers and members of Qatar’s Lekhwiya police force standing beside the flagpoles.
“This moment formally marks the handover of this landmark facility to the United Nations,” stated Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. “The QNCC is now transformed into a space where the global community will gather to advance solutions and renew hope.”
Ahmad Hassen Al-Hamadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the international community, underlining Qatar’s role as host and partner in fostering high-level dialogue and cooperation.
Author’s summary: The flag-raising ceremony in Doha symbolized a strong collaborative commitment as the UN officially took over the Qatar National Convention Centre, preparing the stage for renewed global social development efforts.