Qatar Esteems Strong Partnership with IOM

Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani

HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani took part in the 1st session of the International Dialogue on Migration (IDM) 2023, under the theme of "Leveraging Human Mobility in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals", during the 5th panel discussion on "Building Resilient and Peaceful Cities and Communities", at the United Nations Headquarters.

In her intervention during the dialogue, the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations expressed her sincere thanks to the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Antonio Vitorino for his valuable participation and inauguration of the 1st IDM session due to it being an important forum for assessing the progress made and the challenges faced globally, as well as its role in enhancing cooperation in the field of migration and the role it plays towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN Agenda 2030).

She said that building more resilient and peaceful cities and communities is an important factor in promoting the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030, noting that in light of overlapping global crises, communities' participation in all stages of policy-making for development and their meaningful involvement in finding solutions to existing problems, undoubtedly enhance trust and cooperation between the different groups and addresses weaknesses.

Her Excellency added that the State of Qatar attaches great importance to establishing resilient and peaceful societies free of marginalization, in pursuit of sustainable development, social cohesion, community participation, and the integration of marginalized groups.
She noted that the State of Qatar played a pioneering role in establishing the Global Alliance for Reporting Progress on Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, stressing the importance of Goal 16 as an output and as a driver of the UN Agenda 2030, and its close connection to maintaining peace.

In this regard, Her Excellency referred to the State of Qatar's appreciation of the strong and solid partnership with the IOM, as the State of Qatar signed a cooperation agreement with IOM in 2020, providing for the implementation of various migration related programs in the State of Qatar, such as capacity building, providing advisory services, as well as technical cooperation on migration issues.

She stated that the State of Qatar values the essential and pivotal role played by expatriate labor in the State of Qatar, viewing it as a productive energy and an important element in promoting sustainable development, thus, the State of Qatar's interest in promoting and protecting human rights, being a strategic choice for the State, which is in turn reflected clearly in the provisions and principles of the constitution and national legislation, which are consistent with international conventions and instruments related to human rights, to which the State of Qatar has acceded.
Her Excellency added that the State of Qatar has spared no effort in improving and developing labor laws, with legislative and executive measures have been taken to ensure the protection and promotion of expatriate workers' human rights, improving living standard and providing a decent life.

HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani concluded her intervention by saying that building resilient and peaceful cities and communities requires a long-term commitment from governments, organizations and individuals, in addition to a comprehensive and integrated approach: prioritizing social cohesion and inclusion, which creates safer and more prosperous communities for all. (QNA)