Shura Council Participates in Events Accompanying IPU-150 in Tashkent

150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Shura Council participated in the parliamentary meetings and sessions accompanying the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-150) held in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, on Sunday.

Held under the theme "Parliamentary Action for Development and Social Justice," the Assembly's agenda features many accompanying meetings and sessions, including standing committee meetings, specialized conferences, workshops, parliamentary forums, and other parliamentary activities that address current global issues.

Represented by its Member, HE Yousef bin Ali Al Khater, the Shura Council participated in the meeting of the IPU's Standing Committee on Sustainable Development.

The meeting discussed a number of topics, most notably the draft resolution on parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development.

During the meeting, HE Yousef bin Ali Al Khater stressed the State of Qatar's firm commitment to supporting peace and sustainable development, pointing to the role of conflicts in exacerbating humanitarian crises and hindering the achievement of development goals.

Al Khater underlined the important role that parliaments play in promoting stability through supporting dialogue and development initiatives and called for the respect of international law and ending violations against civilians.

His Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar's continued efforts in supporting education, empowering communities, and investing in long-term solutions to ensure a more just and sustainable future.

Moreover, the Shura Council partook in the meeting of the Committee on Democracy and Human Rights held on the margin of IPU-150.

HE Shura Council Member, Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dosari, represented the Council at the meeting, which discussed several topics, including the committee's IPU-150 work program and holding a briefing on the latest IPU data and publications regarding women's representation in parliaments.

During the meeting, HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dosari expressed the State of Qatar's appreciation for the efforts made to enhance freedoms and human rights, emphasizing the state's firm belief that human dignity is the foundation of sustainable development.

Al Dosari said that the State of Qatar's foreign policy reflects a clear constitutional direction towards supporting international peace and security through mediation and dialogue and maintaining balanced relations with various parties, as to increase the chances of peaceful conflict resolution and respect for human rights.

His Excellency also highlighted the State of Qatar's role in reaching many successful mediation and humanitarian efforts, including ones in the Gaza Strip, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Syria. He stressed that these efforts aim to alleviate civilian suffering, support just solutions, and maintain the unity of populations and the integrity of their territories.

HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dosari concluded his statement by reaffirming the State of Qatar's conviction that human dignity can only be realized in a peaceful environment, where sovereignty is preserved, justice is upheld, and peoples are empowered to freely choose their destiny, without exclusion or interference. 

The Shura Council took part in the fourth conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network (NAM PN), held alongside the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. HE Shura Council Member Eng. Ahmad bin Hitmi Al Hitmi represented the council at the conference.

The conference discussed several topics related to international peace and security, sustainable development, and global challenges.

In his address, HE Eng. Ahmad bin Hitmi Al Hitmi praised the principles of the movement for promoting peace, justice, and solidarity, emphasizing its role as an important platform for countries seeking to enhance cooperation and peace. He highlighted Qatar's commitment to strengthening collaboration among member states to achieve shared goals and promote solidarity among developing nations in addressing development and social justice issues.

He reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to bolstering international cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement framework, noting its significant role in supporting stability and sustainable development through political dialogue and coordination among member states. He also pointed to Qatar's ongoing support for economic and social causes, particularly in education, health, and development.

HE Eng. Al Hitmi stressed that the Palestinian cause remains a top priority for Qatar's foreign policy, reiterating Qatar's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He underscored the importance of ending double standards in addressing international issues.

He noted that the Non-Aligned Movement serves as a vital platform for developing nations to unite efforts and tackle common challenges. Additionally, he described it as an effective tool for fostering intercultural dialogue and resolving conflicts, affirming Qatar's commitment to working within the movement to achieve a fairer and more stable future.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants issued the "Tashkent Declaration," commemorating the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference and reaffirming the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement, including sovereignty, self-determination, and peaceful coexistence.

The declaration emphasized the need to strengthen the role of parliaments in upholding the founding principles of the movement and called for increased solidarity among member states to address challenges such as climate change, economic crises, and pandemics. It also advocated for fair and lasting solutions to the Palestinian issue and an end to the Israeli occupation in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

The declaration further highlighted the importance of supporting sustainable energy policies, achieving climate justice, enhancing the role of women and youth in decision-making, and developing the institutional framework of the NAM PN to ensure greater effectiveness in its future activities.

Separately, HE Eng. Ahmad bin Hitmi Al Hitmi participated in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security of the IPU. The committee discussed various topics on its agenda, including a draft resolution on the role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Additionally, during the current assembly session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Shura Council's General Secretariat, represented by HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mohammed, participated in the meeting of the Association of Secretaries-General of National Parliaments.

The meeting addressed several topics related to the work of secretariats in parliaments and legislative councils, ways to strengthen relations and exchange experiences, along with other agenda items. (QNA)