Model of Peace

The phenomenon of climate change is undoubtedly one of the most serious challenges of our time. It is a problem that is continuously exacerbating and causing many problems that intertwine in their economic, environmental, and social dimensions and have very serious negative repercussions on all forms of life, including human life, and on both developed and developing countries alike, especially on the tracks of the sustainable development which all peoples aspire to.

All states must fulfil their responsibilities and honor their commitments which international agreements have established to this effect. The State of Qatar has assumed its responsibility as an active partner in the international community to confront the climate change phenomenon.

In 2012, it hosted the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Doha Carbon and Energy Forum, in which international experts participated to develop public policy recommendations for this sector and for governments on climate change and alternative energy, and carbon capture and storage. The State of Qatar has also spared no effort to ensure the success of negotiations of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015.

At the national level, the State of Qatar—in the light of its National Vision 2030—has taken many measures to develop technologies taking into consideration climate change and the adoption of clean energy, through the optimal use of water in order to reduce the loss of desalinated water, encouragement of recycling and reuse of water, improving air quality, promoting the efficiency of using gas and energy, waste recycling, and increasing green spaces.

In the same context, and to achieve our long-term environmental goals, the State of Qatar has prepared a set of fixed goals, the most important of which are those related to renewable energy and generating 200MW from solar energy within the next two years, which will increase to 500MW afterwards, and we are seeking to regulate carbon pricing as a means of reducing emissions and driving investments toward cleaner options.

We, as the host country of FIFA World Cup 2022, are committed to organizing an environment-friendly tournament and the first carbon-neutral tournament through the use of solar-powered stadiums and the use of cooling and lighting technology that is water and energy-saving.

I would also like to point out that the Qatar Sovereign Wealth Fund assumes an active role in combating climate change through Qatar Investment Authority, a founding member of the One Planet Global Sovereign Wealth Fund, which was established in accordance with the initiative of French President Macron to promote green investments and accelerate efforts to take into account climate change issues in the investment sector and management of sovereign wealth funds.

Within the framework of the State of Qatar’s keenness to assume its role as an active partner with the international community, I announce the State of Qatar’s contribution of an amount of USD100 million for the support of small developing island states and the least developed states to deal with climate change, natural hazards, and environmental challenges, and to build the capacity to counter their destructive effects.

The strategic importance of the Gulf region renders the realization of stability therein a regional and international need. We assert our firm position to keep the region away from the risks by resolving differences through dialogue based on common interests and respect for the sovereignty of its states. Stirring up tension and dictating the will by using siege and sanctions are not in the interest of any of them.

I have previously pointed out to the necessity for the work to establish a regional security system that preserves the security and stability of the Middle East and the Gulf region in particular. The overall events confirm the importance of this idea and the need for the work to achieve it. In this context, the unjust, unlawful, and unjustified blockade imposed by some countries on the State of Qatar continues. The Gulf Cooperation Council was its second victim paralyzing and causing it to lose its role.

I am confident of the steadfastness of the Qatari people and their brothers residing in Qatar of surpassing the blockade’s effects and even of taking advantage of the challenge imposed on us despite the cost we paid. I have also been confident since the first day of the campaign of incitement and distortion that preceded the blockade that the Arab, Gulf, and global public opinion will soon realize the concealed objectives of the propaganda campaign against the State of Qatar, which is driven by tendencies of domination, the imposition of tutelage and control over the potentials of other states, and the real objective of making accusations that were quickly proved to be untrue, as this approach had been unveiled repeatedly when other states fell victim to it.

In line with our firm policy of respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes, we, who have sustained aggression, emphasize our position that the unconditional dialogue based on mutual respect and the lifting of the unjust blockade is the only means to end this crisis. We again express our deep appreciation of the sincere efforts of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the sisterly State of Kuwait, and the endeavors of the brotherly and friendly countries to resolve this crisis.

The combination of terrorism and violent extremism has become a major threat to the entire world. The elimination of terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that includes tackling its political, economic, and social roots along with security and military action. We reiterate our condemnation of all forms of terrorism.

The State of Qatar will continue to actively participate in the international efforts to combat violent extremism. And in this respect, I refer to the conclusion of a partnership agreement between the State of Qatar and the UN Counter Terrorism Office and the contribution of USD75 million to strengthen the capability of that office, as well as opening the international center on applying the behavioral vision on preventing and countering violent extremism, and the partnership agreement between Silatech Organization in Qatar and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, with the aim of capacity building and launching projects in the Arab region aimed at terrorism prevention.

Locally, efforts are continuing at the legislative level and the support of national counter-terrorism specialized institutions until they became a role model to be followed at the regional level. Today, Qatar assumes an active role in implementing the counter-terrorism mechanisms adopted by the international community.

Mindful of the growing importance of communication technology, I renew my proposal last year calling for an international conference to address ways of regulating this issue in international law, and I affirm the readiness of the State of Qatar to host this conference under the auspices of the UN and to exert every effort with international partners to make it a success.
Qatar has made significant achievements in terms of workers’ rights and work conditions in coordination with the International Labor Organization.

The success of the UN in countering the common challenges depends on the member states implementation of their commitments and responsibilities.

In this context, the State of Qatar has concluded partnerships with many UN organs, and Doha will soon host the UN House, which comprises offices of various organs of the International Organization concerned with peace, development, human rights, the rule of law, humanitarian action, terrorism combating, and extremism to enable them to perform their tasks ideally.

The State of Qatar has recently announced the support of the core resources of the UN with the allocation of USD500 million to be added to the support that Qatar has already provided, making Qatar one of the biggest partners supporting the UN in various fields.