[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_margin=”-41px|||||” custom_padding=”33px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, The Emir of the State of Qatar,<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
I am honoured to join you for the 20th edition of the Doha Forum.<\/p>\n
The Forum is just another example of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in positioning Doha and Qatar at the forefront of global policymaking, promoting critical dialogue, and engaging leaders from diverse policy backgrounds and expertise to address current and emerging global challenges and advance pragmatic solutions.<\/p>\n
The success of the Doha Forum and its emergence as the premier forum of choice for the world\u2019s top decision-makers and influencers is also reflective of Qatar\u2019s emergence on the global platform as a key strategic and international partner for conflict resolution, preventive diplomacy, soft power diplomacy, and humanitarian assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I welcome this year\u2019s thematic focus on \u2018transforming for a new era\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We gather at a time of fragility and vulnerability, as we emerge from a generational pandemic, and as conflicts shake the foundations of our multilateral institutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Our world faces multiple armed conflicts, rising extremism, nuclear proliferation, cyber threats, disinformation, and the widening impacts of climate change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Millions of people are suffering the consequences of inequality, regional rivalries, and an erosion of basic freedoms, trends which have been accelerated and amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n 274 million people, including women and children are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and protection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Afghanistan now confronts a grave humanitarian crisis. The economy has tanked. The financial sector is paralyzed. All this comes on top of a punishing drought.<\/p>\n Ethiopia\u2019s crisis continues, and Sudan\u2019s once-promising political transition has veered off course.<\/p>\n The crisis engulfing the Sahel region of North Africa continues to worsen, with inter-ethnic violence increasing and terrorists extending their reach.<\/p>\n Yemen\u2019s war has caused what the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ still deems the world\u2019s worst humanitarian disaster.<\/p>\n Rival military coalitions in Libya are no longer fighting, and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ has restarted negotiations aimed at reunifying the country. But reaching lasting peace will still be an uphill struggle.<\/p>\n Haiti continues to be tormented by political crises, gang warfare, and natural disasters.<\/p>\n The 2021 coup returned Myanmar to military rule and shattered hopes for democratic progress in a country that has been beset by decades of conflict and repressive regimes.<\/p>\n We are all now witnessing the unfolding of a grave humanitarian crises in Ukraine, a victim of Russian military aggression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I take this opportunity to reiterate that these tragedies have no place in our world. They are reminiscent of a bygone, brutal age, that we have tried to put behind us for the past 76 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I repeat my call for an immediate ceasefire and to resolve disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ladies and gentlemen,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For over two years we have struggled to cope with the immense strain of COVID-19. Many of us have experienced the virus directly, and all of us have experienced it indirectly.<\/p>\n Those fortunate enough to live in a country with high vaccine-accessibility are especially hopeful that this could soon be the case. But in countries with low vaccine-accessibility the pandemic continues to leave its tragic marks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The danger of more variants emerging is very real, threatening to undo all that we have achieved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There is only solution: universal vaccination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Among the many casualties of COVID-19 has been the \u2018Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This is evidenced by sharp rises in poverty, increased food insecurity, and the erosion of basic social protections, with detrimental effects on women\u2019s rights and access to education, among others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Yet, we have it in our power the ability to transform the \u2018Decade of Action\u2019 into a \u2018Decade of Recovery\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this regard, I would like to make three recommendations.<\/p>\n Firstly, <\/b>w<\/span>e must put in place a financial system that helps the most vulnerable countries \u2013 LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS \u2013 to better manage the liquidity issues wreaking havoc on their economies and causing their poorest to suffer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The recent adoption of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022-2031 on 17th<\/sup><\/span> March is a welcome development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Programme of Action commits the world to a new generation of renewed and strengthened commitments between the Least Developed Countries and their development partners, as well as the private sector and civil society.<\/p>\n Secondly, <\/b>i<\/span>f we want to accelerate sustainable development, equipping billions of people with the digital tools to excel in the 21st century is a low-hanging fruit.<\/p>\n We must also protect the safety and security of users from cyber threats. And we cannot allow digital platforms to be used to spread disinformation, intolerance and bigotry.<\/p>\n Thirdly,<\/b><\/span> of all the challenges that we confront, none is as broad in scale or as existential in consequences, as the climate crisis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From geopolitics to food-security, from migration to preserving biodiversity, the sheer range of potential spill over effects of climate change is staggering and puts all of our well-being into jeopardy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We cannot be serious about addressing 21st century challenges unless we are serious about addressing climate change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While I am on the topic of climate, as a diehard fan of soccer, it would be remiss on my part not to mention about the exceptional preparations that the State of Qatar has made to\u00a0<\/span>create a lasting legacy for Qatar, the Middle East, Asia, and the world through the FIFA World Cup.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I would like to again applaud the Amir\u2019s leadership in ensuring that the tournament\u2019s planning is based on the idea that generations to come should find our shared planet greener and more equitable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Qatar 2022 will be the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup in history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The design and construction of the stadiums have factored for lower energy consumption, recycling of water and construction materials, highly efficient cooling systems, green transportation, natural lighting, green landscaping and disabled-friendly access systems.<\/p>\n Essentially, Qatar through the FIFA World Cup is harnessing the power of sports to stimulate human, social, economic, and environmental development in communities across Qatar, and the wider region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I wish the government of the State of Qatar and its people all success in hosting a spectacular World Cup. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n The past few years have taught us that much of what we took for granted – peace, prosperity and security – are precious and fleeting without our collective commitment, and without our collective action to maintain them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Our recovery must take account of this and must be infused with the hope that we can act to build a better world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A world that is equipped to withstand future crises with grace, resilience and compassion and whose younger generations have a renewed faith in the values and principles of multilateralism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I believe we have it within us to make those choices and spur those transformations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let us seize the opportunity and make that our legacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I thank you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Doha Forum 20th Edition \u201cTransforming for a New Era\u201d\/ Doha, Qatar<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p> I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p> Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p> A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-262517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n