By RAED BADAVVI
Kalo Africa Media Correspondent – Doha, Qatar
Qatar has highlighted Somalia among the countries benefiting from its humanitarian and diplomatic engagement, while calling for stronger international cooperation to protect water infrastructure and essential civilian services during armed conflicts.
Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, made the remarks during a panel discussion at the Global Security Forum 2026 in Doha on Monday.
The session, titled “Bridging Humanitarian Diplomacy to Water Security,” examined how diplomatic engagement and international cooperation can help protect access to essential water services in conflict-affected communities.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Misnad emphasized that humanitarian diplomacy plays an important role in reducing the consequences of armed conflicts for civilian populations.
Somalia Among Countries Supported by Qatar
During her remarks, the minister identified Somalia among several countries where Qatar has contributed to humanitarian responses through assistance, diplomatic engagement, mediation, reconstruction support and assistance to displaced civilians.
She also referred to Qatar’s humanitarian engagement in Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Syria.
The reference to Somalia reaffirmed the country’s place within Qatar’s broader international humanitarian activities.
However, the minister did not announce additional funding or a new water-related project in Somalia during the session.
Protecting Essential Water Services
Al Misnad warned that damage to water infrastructure during armed conflicts can have severe consequences for public health, sanitation and the resilience of affected communities.
She emphasized the importance of protecting desalination facilities, water treatment plants and distribution networks, particularly in areas experiencing instability.
The minister argued that international humanitarian law must be accompanied by effective implementation and international cooperation to ensure the protection of essential civilian infrastructure.
She also highlighted the importance of preventive diplomacy and mediation in reducing the humanitarian impact of conflicts.
Humanitarian Diplomacy and International Law
The Qatari minister stressed that the protection of water resources during armed conflicts is supported by international humanitarian law, human rights law and environmental law.
She called for stronger collective efforts to encourage parties involved in armed conflicts to respect essential civilian infrastructure.
Al Misnad also emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge and experience on strengthening resilience in communities affected by instability.
The session was organized with the participation of the Geneva Water Hub and the Embassy of Switzerland in Qatar.
Qatar’s Humanitarian Engagement
The remarks come as Qatar continues to emphasize humanitarian diplomacy as an important component of its international engagement.
For countries such as Somalia, where humanitarian needs and development challenges remain significant, the protection of essential services is an important element of civilian welfare and long-term resilience.
The minister’s reference to Somalia did not constitute a new bilateral agreement or a specific funding commitment.
It nevertheless highlighted Qatar’s continued recognition of the country’s humanitarian needs within its wider international assistance and diplomatic efforts.
The Global Security Forum 2026 is being held in Doha from October 19 to 21, bringing together government officials, policymakers and security experts to discuss international cooperation and emerging global challenges.
