ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
The State of Qatar, together with a coalition of international partners, has called on the global community to support the newly established Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC), an initiative launched during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The GAAC aims to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for people with autism worldwide.
The coalition was formally announced at a special event organized by Qatar Foundation (QF), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Autism Speaks. It represents a unique opportunity for the international community to unite in championing the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing of individuals with autism and their families. The launch coincided with the UN’s High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health.
In her remarks, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, welcomed the initiative as a “milestone that shifts our efforts beyond awareness to collective action.” She emphasized that the coalition would ensure autism becomes an international priority, urging governments and stakeholders to commit resources and adopt inclusive policies. “The State of Qatar’s commitment to autism extends beyond national borders, rooted in our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
The establishment of GAAC highlights a growing recognition of autism as a shared global responsibility. With an estimated 80 million people—about one percent of the world’s population—on the autism spectrum, the coalition stressed the need for urgent action. Its objectives include embedding autism into policy frameworks, strengthening global cooperation, advancing research, and promoting knowledge-sharing across education, healthcare, and technology.
Qatar’s leadership in autism advocacy is longstanding. In 2007, under the vision of Sheikha Moza, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. A decade later, in 2017, Qatar launched its first national autism strategy, focusing on early diagnosis, inclusive education, and community services. These measures laid the foundation for inclusive policies that continue to guide the country’s efforts today.
