We are opening our doors to the world to enjoy football without discrimination: Amir

HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Today, September 20, 2022, at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, gave a speech at the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opening session.

This is the first time world leaders from 193 UN member countries have gathered in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's UNGA will focus on "A watershed moment: transformative answers to interlocking challenges," where world leaders will discuss and look for solutions to some of the most critical problems facing the planet.

Here are some excerpts from Amir's speech:

Russian-Ukrainian war

His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine at his address to the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

He called for the immediate pursuit of a peaceful solution to their conflict.

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict continuation would increase the number of victims, and double its severe consequences for Europe, Russia and the global economy in general, he said.

"We are fully aware of the complexities of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its international dimension, nevertheless, we call for a ceasefire and the immediate pursuit of a peaceful solution to the conflict. This is how the matter would eventually end anyway, no matter how long the war lasts."

Current circumstances highlight the significance of wisdom and rationality in leaders' attitudesand adherence to the principles of justice and fairness in inter-state relations, the Amir said.

Palestinian-Israeli conflict

"I do not think that attendeese need be reminded that Palestinian cause still unresolved.. settler occupation pursued fait accompli policy, which may change rules of conflict & global solidarity in the future."

"I reiterate our full solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people in their aspiration for justice."

"I also reiterate need for Security Council to assume responsibility by compelling Israel to end Palestinian territories’ occupation & establish Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital."

Regional crisis

"We hope that national consensus will be achieved in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen."

"The United Nations should not accept that the political track on the Syrian issue can be summed up in the so-called constitutional committee under its auspices."

Libya's political process

"We demand the completion of the political process in Libya and agreement on the constitutional basis for elections."

Afghanistan issues

"As for Afghanistan, we call on all parties to preserve and build on the Doha Peace Agreement achievements, namely, preventing Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorist and radical individuals and groups."

"This will lead the Afghan people to attain the long-awaited stability and prosperity."

"We have repeatedly stressed the need to protect civilians in Afghanistan, women's rights, the right to education, and reconciliation between the parties, and we have warned of the danger of isolating Afghanistan and its counterproductive consequences."

Energy crisis

"We are facing an unprecedented energy crisis, and nearly a billion people in the world are without a reliable primary source of energy."

2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar

"Qatar will welcome the world in November this year when it hosts the 2022 World Cup. We are opening our doors to the teams and the fans from all over the world to enjoy football and the World Cup atmosphere full of enthusiasm and without discrimination."

The Qatari people will receive with open arms football fans from all walks of life. The Almighty says: “And We made you into peoples and tribes that you may know one another”.

On behalf of my people and on my own behalf, I invite you all to come to Qatar and enjoy this unique tournament, you are all welcome.