Communicable diseases, such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and other tropical diseases pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in conflict and post-conflict regions. Women and girls are often disproportionately impacted by these diseases due to numerous socio-economic and cultural factors. To raise awareness and accelerate actions, Qatar Fund for Development in collaboration with the Global Fund will host a high-level side event. The event will offer a crucial platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge exchange regarding international support mechanisms for guaranteeing equitable access to high-quality healthcare services for Women and girls in conflict settings. The session will bring participants from various sectors, including government representatives, international organizations, NGOs, and healthcare professionals, to explore and deliberate on strategies and initiatives designed to enhance healthcare delivery to Women and girls facing the challenges of conflict and crisis.

In today's turbulent world, where fault lines can quickly escalate into conflicts with far-reaching consequences, the UN's functions in conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid are paramount. However, the effectiveness of these efforts often hinges on the balance between the UN's mandated role and varying public perceptions of its actions. Our panel of experts will provide diverse insights into these challenges, successes, and areas for improvement, engaging policymakers, influencers, and representatives from governments, the private sector, think tanks, the media, and the UN to foster better understanding of the organization's role in conflict zones.

The panel session will focus on the topic of public debt as a global economic challenge and the importance of finding multilateral solutions. Experts from various fields will discuss the implications of rising public debt levels, the impact on economic stability, and the potential risks it poses to global financial systems. The session will also address the need for collaborative efforts among countries to develop effective strategies and policies to manage and reduce public debt.

This high-level session will present the latest trends, analyses, challenges and opportunities in humanitarian action, and overview of the coordinated humanitarian system plans in 2024. Despite the generosity of donors and partners, the gap between needs and resources continues to grow. A distinguished interactive panel will discuss how the international community can better address the challenges of the future; respond to growing humanitarian needs in a manner appropriate to local populations and communities in response to increasing conflicts, natural disasters, and the growing impact of climate change that is displacing millions of people across the world; and deepen partnerships with a diverse set of actors to strengthen humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy for better access and protection to people most affected.

Palestine – from the horrendous crisis and human suffering on the ground to the risks of a regional implosion; from the politicisation globally of a new generation around equality and against double standards to the political discombobulation in the West – the Palestine-Israel crisis is ever more a global crisis. But at the governmental level, the global institutional architecture for positively impacting the trajectory of developments in Palestine-Israel has been found wanting. Do the events from October 7 onwards create a new opening for greater global engagement, for previously marginalized state actors to be part of navigating a path towards actually addressing core issues and achieving progress towards rights and security for all. This panel will be an opportunity to listen to some of those other voices, especially from the global South and to explore options for breaking the failed status quo.

Ongoing conflicts, wars, natural disasters, and crises are causing widespread devastation in the Arab region. In recent years, we have witnessed unprecedented destruction, attacks, and mass displacement. Concurrently, economic crises and governance challenges have grown significantly. This panel aims to assess the impact of these recent conditions on the human rights of the Arab region's population. We will also explore the roles played by the UN system, civil society, and various stakeholders in responding to these challenges while safeguarding the rights of the people.

Addressing the global challenge of climate change requires coordinated international governance. Off the back of the latest meetings to contain global temperature rise to 1.5°C, we look at how feasible, high impact global governance solutions can help fill the gap of the confronting climate emergency. Is the current model fit for purpose and what enhancements can be made to the global governance architecture to increase better outcomes? We’ll review key takeaways from COP28 and consider far-reaching innovations in global governance to set humanity on the path toward sustainable green growth and climate stability.

Sudan’s devastating civil war started last April, when tensions between rival factions in the Sudanese armed forces turned into open warfare. Fighting thus far has centred mostly in Khartoum and Sudan's western region of Darfur. It has already killed thousands and forced millions from their homes, leaving more Sudanese internally displaced than anyone else in the world. The conflict is engulfing more of the country, and protracted instability in Sudan could reverberate further afield, particularly in the Horn and Sahel regions. Diplomatic efforts with the warring parties have resulted in ceasefire agreements, but none has held for more than a few days. The panel will explore avenues for securing a lasting ceasefire, consider steps necessary to kickstart a meaningful political process, and identify ways to reduce the conflict’s impact in neighbouring states and the wider region.