Lisbon (UNA/QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, under the slogan "Uniting in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future", which was held in the city of Cascais in the Portuguese Republic.
The State of Qatar was represented at the forum by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations.
In the State of Qatar’s speech before the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed Qatar’s determination and keenness to achieve the goals sought by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, which represent the international community’s endeavor to promote the values of peace, tolerance and understanding among societies and peoples, and to achieve a world of mutual respect, which contributes to building a better future for all.
He pointed out that the convening of the tenth forum is of particular importance, in light of the worsening manifestations of extremism and tension on the global scene, noting that this reality imposes the need to intensify efforts and initiatives to spread the values of tolerance and cooperation, combat extremism and terrorism, and provide the necessary environment for the peace sought by the international community.
He reiterated that the world today is in dire need of initiatives, such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, aimed at laying the foundations for a just and sustainable peace. He said, “The absence of peace and its root causes lead to horrific atrocities, such as those we are witnessing now in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the blatant disregard for the value of human life and human rights, and double standards in establishing justice and enforcing international law.”
He pointed out that the tragic events taking place in Gaza will remain a stain on the conscience of the international community until it takes the necessary steps to stop the bloodshed and unprecedented human suffering, and to provide opportunities for a lasting and just peace that will restore people's dignity and hopes.
He said: “The Alliance of Civilizations has played a very important role in confronting the dangers resulting from the rise of trends and ideas that undermine human values and threaten peace and stability in the world. The State of Qatar was among the first countries to support the Alliance since its establishment, as a mechanism that is consistent with and translates the State of Qatar’s policy of effectively contributing to strengthening international peace and security, preventive diplomacy, encouraging the values of diversity, respect for human rights, mutual respect, understanding and cooperation between religions and cultures, and preventing and settling conflicts by peaceful means.”
He pointed out that the UAE hosted the Fourth Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations and sponsored the Eighth Forum, which was held in New York in 2018, in addition to providing generous financial contributions to support the Alliance over the past years, enabling it to achieve its lofty goals.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stressed the State of Qatar’s interest in these important issues and its keenness to enhance its contribution to the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, through the establishment of the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations in 2010, to advance the goals of the Alliance of Civilizations, through cooperation with all active parties at the international and regional levels.
He added: The message of the State of Qatar is distinguished by its endeavor to highlight the contribution of Islamic civilization, along with other civilizations, to human progress, and its role in promoting dialogue and resolving conflicts and disputes, emphasizing the values of tolerance, solidarity and peace among peoples, and in combating extremism and fanaticism.
In conclusion, he reiterated that there is an urgent need to stand together in unity and solidarity, in order to build just, peaceful and inclusive societies, capable of facing contemporary challenges in all their forms, stressing the State of Qatar’s continued support for the Alliance’s message, initiatives and projects, and continuing coordination with the Group of Friends of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, in order to support the Alliance in achieving its lofty goals, and achieving the common goal of rejecting violence, extremism and terrorism, and promoting harmony between religions, civilizations, cultures and societies.
(is over)
