UNESCO Executive Board Chairperson: Passing of the Father Amir a Loss to the International Community

The Chairperson of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO, Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, has said that the passing of the Late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, represents a loss for the international community and for efforts to advance development and education worldwide.

In his tribute, Dr. Al Hinzab praised the late Father Amir's pivotal role in championing education, knowledge, and human development as cornerstones of Qatar's modern renaissance, noting that his vision extended well beyond Qatar's borders to benefit the wider international community.

A Legacy Built on Education and Knowledge

Sheikh Hamad's commitment to education was among the defining features of his reign. One of his first decisions after taking office in 1995 was the establishment of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, spearheaded by his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, which went on to build Education City — a hub hosting branch campuses of leading international universities and home to institutions such as Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Qatar National Library.

Under his leadership, Qatar positioned investment in human capital and knowledge at the heart of its national development strategy, an approach widely credited with transforming the country into a regional model for education and research. That legacy has underpinned Qatar's deep and sustained engagement with UNESCO across the fields of education, science, and culture.

Qatar's Standing at UNESCO

Dr. Al Hinzab, who has represented Qatar at UNESCO since 2016 and was elected Chairperson of the organization's Executive Board, has played a key role in strengthening Qatar's engagement with the body, particularly in culture, education, and science. His remarks reflect the extent to which Sheikh Hamad's investment in these areas elevated Qatar's international profile within multilateral organizations dedicated to development and human advancement.

Part of a Global Outpouring

The UNESCO tribute joins a vast wave of condolences from international organizations and world leaders. The African Union Commission and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States were among the bodies paying tribute, while heads of state and government across the Gulf, the Arab world, Asia, Africa, and Europe have offered their sympathies. Qatar's Amiri Diwan declared four days of national mourning following Sheikh Hamad's death on July 12, with flags flown at half-mast and government work suspended until employees return on Sunday, July 19.

Sheikh Hamad's Legacy

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until voluntarily handing power to his son Sheikh Tamim in 2013, one of the rare peaceful transfers of leadership in the Gulf. His 18 years in power transformed Qatar into one of the world's leading liquefied natural gas exporters and an influential diplomatic power, and saw the founding of Al Jazeera in 1996, major investment in education and healthcare, and the successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup — achievements that cemented his standing as the architect of modern Qatar.