Day: 20 April 2024

Doha: The international community celebrates World Creativity and Innovation Day on April 21 each year to promote awareness of their role in achieving sustainable development.

This day is celebrated based on a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly issued on April 27, 2017. It serves as an occasion to highlight best practices and shed light on the use of creative thinking and technology to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , Jawaher Faisal Al Khuzaei, an expert in knowledge economy and Chief Marketing Officer of Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), stated that the concept of creative economy has become a fundamental pillar in the global economy in recent years. She emphasized that creative economy is not only a part of the economy but also a fundamental driver of growth and development in countries and societies.

She explained that this type of economy relies on the production and utilization of knowledge, considering knowledge as a key source of wealth and p
rosperity in society. This is achieved by transforming creative ideas into products and services that can be exchanged, traded, and consumed.

Al Khuzaei pointed out that the creative economy encompasses a wide range of creative and cultural industries, including heritage, arts, multimedia, and functional innovations. She mentioned that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) provided an important definition of the creative economy, describing it as “a pattern of economic activity that relies on the use of creative assets to generate economic growth and achieve economic development.” In this context, she emphasized the importance of creativity and culture as key drivers for enhancing economic progress.

She affirmed that Qatar considers the creative economy as an inspiring model integrated into its national development strategy within the Qatar National Vision 2030. Enhancing creative initiatives is a vital part of its ambitious national vision, where art and culture are essential comp
onents encouraging creative interaction and providing platforms for artists to express themselves and develop their talents.

Furthermore, she explained that one of the driving forces behind Qatar’s creative economy is Qatar Museums, describing it as a “beacon of creativity.” She noted that this institution has not only preserved the country’s heritage but has also been at the forefront of promoting artistic innovation and cultural exchange.

She stated that HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani has launched ambitious initiatives to enhance art and culture within the country and on the global stage.

Al Khuzaei added that establishing world-class museums such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, the Lusail Museum, and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, among others, not only enriches the cultural landscape in Qatar but also attracts international attention, considering it the centers of global creativity.

Jawaher A
l Khuzaei emphasized that development is not merely economic growth, but encompasses environmental, social, and cultural dimensions. Qatar recognizes that culture is a driving force for sustainable development, and this understanding has been integrated into the state’s development strategies. Al Khuzaei affirmed that culture is not static, but dynamic and evolving, fostering an environment conducive to creativity and innovation, which in turn attracts talent, promotes entrepreneurship, and stimulates economic growth. The World Creativity and Innovation Day reminds people to think outside the box and surpass conventional boundaries, encouraging them to embrace calculated risks and explore new opportunities, including women and youth. Furthermore, it aids in finding solutions to critical issues such as poverty and hunger. It’s worth noting that there’s no universally defined understanding of creativity, making it an open concept subject to interpretation, ranging from artistic expression to problem-solving ski
lls within the framework of sustainable economic and social development.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Shura Council participated in the third plenary session of the fourth session of the third legislative term of the Arab Parliament that was held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo today.

The Council was represented at the session by its members: HE Shaikha bint Yousuf Al Jufairi, HE Essa bin Ahmad Al Nassr, HE Salem bin Rashid Al Muraikhi, and HE Hamad bin Abdulla Al Mulla, who are also members of the Arab Parliament.

The session discussed Arab developments and issues, the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the recent aggression against Gaza and the brotherly Palestinian people, as well as a number of topics related to strengthening joint Arab action.

The attendees reviewed the reports of the permanent committees of the Arab Parliament, and the report of the Palestine Committee, which included the actions taken by the Arab Parliament since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, where members of Parliament
condemned the brutal aggression, comprehensive genocidal war, and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians carried out by the Israeli forces.

The session adopted a draft resolution on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, with a number of measures, including: that the Arab Parliament lead a diplomatic and parliamentary action with the aim of mobilizing support for the brothers in Palestine, and calling on the international community to adopt a unified position that is different from the state of silence towards what the Palestinian territories are witnessing.

Speaking during the session, HE Essa bin Ahmad Al Nassr condemned the failure of the international community to stop the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip, denouncing the inability of the international system to establish international law and the application of double standards in dealing with the Israeli aggression.

On the other hand, the attendees adopted the vision of the Arab Parliament regarding empowering Arab youth to
contribute effectively to the development process.

Speaking during the discussion of the topic, HE Shaikha bint Yousuf Al Jufairi stressed the importance of this document in addressing unemployment among Arab youth.

Her Excellency pointed to the importance given by the State of Qatar to the human element, based on its belief in the ability of youth to bring about positive change, highlighting the country’s efforts in accordance with the guidance of its wise leadership in supporting and empowering youth and launching initiatives and programs to achieve this, in an effort to fulfill the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Her Excellency pointed out that Qatar’s support for youth extended to include the youth of the entire world, pointing to the initiatives launched by HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Secretary-General of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali said the international human rights system has been unable to stop the unceasing aggression of the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip since October.

Al Jamal called for exploring effective mechanisms to halt the violations and held the perpetrators to account, pointing out that there has been a denial of the international human rights legitimacy during the past six months pertaining to the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, along with the inability of the international human rights system to counter the violations and crimes perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces in Palestine, including the genocide in the Gaza Strip.

This came in His Excellency’s remarks before the first phase of the inaugural session of ‘Anabtawi 34’ held virtually under the theme of future of human rights for universal justice. The second phase of the session is poised to be held in person in collaboration with t
he Doha-based ANNHRI and the Tunisia-based Arab Institute for Human Rights (AIHR).

HE Secretary-General of ANNHRI underscored the importance of implementing the 16 goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 as the key towards executing all SDGs, indicating that the 16 goal addresses peace, justice, and strong institutions. Also, the goal aims to promote societies that respect and uphold individual rights, as well as the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Through urging the states to pursue governance and transparent flow of information, those countries will be able to implement the SDGs to be powerful and enabled countries so as to bolster their independence and sovereignty of decision, as well as interaction with the International Bill of Human Rights and its system, HE Al Jamali pointed out.

Al Jamali added that throughout the past years and within the implementation of the shared memora
ndum of understanding with AIHR, ANNHRI has been engaging the AIHR in organizing the Anabtawi session in recognition of the major contribution the session affords in honing the capabilities of human rights activists in the Arab region.

For the sake of attaining the intended accomplishments through protecting and promoting human rights in the Arab region and the entire world, it behooves all nations to uphold patience, perseverance, and cooperation among them and with the human rights defenders all over the world.

The ‘Anabtawi 34’ intends to broaden the knowledge of male and female actors with the civil society human rights and development organizations, as well as national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to bolster their capabilities in countering the contemporary challenges facing human rights, justice, and sustainable development by critically analyzing current variables, relevant legislation, agreements, and international mechanisms.

This is in addition to shifting the attention to opportunities and
challenges related to social, economic and environmental justice and striving to enhance the ability to think critically and innovate, in addition to developing effective work strategies to achieve change and enhance justice in the Arab region so as to create a clear and strong vision that expresses the Arab regions contribution to global discussions about the future of human rights and justice.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The State of Qatars relationship with its Asian depth has been cemented over the past years through joining the Asian entities and blocs. Also, Qatar has been playing an effective role in lockstep with regional and global organizations in Asia which helped bolstering its standing and influence in the region, as well as the global arena by virtue of an effective bilateral cooperation with some of the most prominent and major Asian blocs and bodies.

The Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), marks the Qatari flagship initiatives directed towards the communities and countries in Asia whose population suffer either from low income levels or live in instable social conditions engendered by crises, wars and climate change.

Since the launch of such an initiative in September 2005, ROTA has provided education and training for over two million children and young people in 20 countries in collaboration with partners, volunteers and local societies
to help build their capacities in the quest for a viable role in a sustainable future. Also, ROTA has bolstered Qatars efforts towards the humanitarian cooperation and development in Asia and the entire region.

The Initiative underscored Qatars ironclad commitment to significantly support bilateral relations and cooperation with the countries in Asia in multiple fields, including education, culture, health, economic development, providing humanitarian assistance in times of disaster and crises and upgrading the infrastructure.

By utilizing this initiative, the State of Qatar has succeeded in forging a robust partnership with the countries in Asia through supporting the shared development projects, essentially enhancing the sustainable development, and optimizing the life quality of population in the region.

Through its membership in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) that was established in Thailand in 2002, the State of Qatar launched its vision to achieve the effective and sustainable development in Asi
a. Also, Doha hosted numerous ministerial meetings of ACD countries, the last one was the 16th ministerial meeting held in 2019 and left a footprint of cooperation that advances the countries in Asia, affirming that Asia possesses all opportunities of forging an eventual integration that ultimately makes the continent a groundbreaking economic zone thanks to the geographical, human and civilizational potential of success and booming development and creates peace and security in the world, announcing from Doha that the inter-Asian partnership is a critical method of achieving the aspirations of the continent nations.

During its hosting of the meeting, per se, the State of Qatar State announced an initiative to teach the Arabic language among member states, since education is the only means that bridges the gaps between cultures of wide diversity of peoples all over the world.

The State of Qatars Hosting of the ACD ministerial meeting in 2019 earned a strong commendation as it was a critical event, because it
witnessed the convention of a first meeting after being postponed for two years and half. Thereafter, the State of Qatar made massive efforts to revive the ACD and rebuild the confidence of the member states, specially that the event was deferred multiple times leading to the confusion and uncertainty on the future of this bloc.

There was a new transition for State of Qatars relationship with the Asian entities and bodies to a new phase after it joined the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), the second largest parliamentary group in the world after the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Qatars admission to the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) came during the first meeting of APA Executive Council held in Turkiye on Oct. 26, 2019. The presence of Qatar in this regional bloc was a qualitative addition to enhance the shared parliamentary action in Asia.

In confirmation of the State of Qatars tremendous role in the field of parliamentary diplomacy, along with its unwavering efforts devoted to bolstering the pa
rliamentary cooperation and contributions to creating interconnection and people to people communication, Qatar has won the position of vice president of the APA for the period of 2024-2025 following the elections that were held within the agendas of the of the APA Executive Council meetings hosted by the city of Antalya, Turkiye last year.

Established in 2006, APA primarily aims to strengthen the parliamentary cooperation and share expertise among the member states in Asia. Its primary objective is to promote democracy and upgrade the legislations in the Asian region.

The assembly holds periodical events to discuss issues of shared interest and encourages exchange of information and experiences among national parliaments in Asia. It plays a significant role in promoting understanding and cooperation among the countries in Asia, in addition to deepening the principles of democracy and human rights in the region.

In its new quest for strengthening the Asian horizons, the State of Qatar has signed the instru
ment of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the margins of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in August 2022.

Qatar’s accession to the treaty stems from the common desire to create a safe and stable area for societies to achieve sustainable economic development and shared prosperity, in addition, to creating a common unity among peoples based on diversity and acceptance of the other.

Qatar’s relationships with the ASEAN countries earn utmost significance to consolidate cooperation in multiple fields, in addition to supporting all efforts to enhance regional and international peace and security, giving foremost priority to upgrading relations and cooperation with the Asian continent in general, and with the ASEAN in particular. The treaty was signed in 1976 among the five ASEAN founding countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, as well as the rest of the
member states.

The treaty was amended in 1987 to allow for accession by states outside Southeast Asia. It primarily aims to accomplish a number of principles that promote peace and cooperation among countries, along with shared respect for independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all countries.

In the context of the State of Qatar’s relations with the ASEAN group and under the umbrella of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated last year with his brothers, Their Majesties and Highnesses, leaders of the GCC countries, and Their Excellencies heads of state of the Asian countries and heads of delegations, at the maiden summit of the GCC countries and the ASEAN, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The participation of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in this event reflected the foremost priority the State of Qatar gives to strengthening the interconnection between the GCC countries a
nd the ASEAN member states in variety of fields, along with the Qatar’s ironclad commitment to strengthening and deepening its partnership with the Gulf countries and other ASEAN member countries.

The relationships between the GCC countries and the ASEAN member states have been thriving in various fields, especially in the economic and trade areas, which made the ASEAN one of the most vital trade partners of the GCC countries in areas of shared interest, such as cooperation in the maritime field, communications, sustainable development goals, the economic field, as well as other possible and appropriate areas of cooperation.

In 2014, State of Qatar joined the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and became member of the conference after it had an observer status.

Additionally, CICA is an international forum aimed at promoting understanding and building confidence among countries in Asia. The idea of organizing the conference came as an initiative put forward, for the fi
rst time, by the first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on Oct. 5, 1992, during the 47th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and officially remained operational in March 1993.

CICA includes 27 countries as permanent members, representing nearly 90 percent of Asia’s territory and population, as well as 13 observers from countries and international organizations. Also, its name reflects its philosophy of operation, as it primarily focuses on interaction between member states, in addition to sharing confidence-building measures to strengthen security and stability in the region and strives to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas, such as combating terrorism and organized crime, in addition to de-escalating regional conflicts.

Being an important platform for dialogue and cooperation in the region, CICA seeks to achieve balance, stability, and constructive cooperation among countries in Asia.

Since joining the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures
in Asia during the fourth CICA Summit held in Shanghai, China in 2014, the State of Qatar has regularly participated in all CICA activities and strives to strengthen cooperative relationships with the member states.

On September 14, 2022, the State of Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the margins of the organization’s summit held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The MoU was a new step towards boosting the Qatari-Asian cooperation regarding its accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a dialogue partner.

SCO is considered an intergovernmental organization founded on Jun. 15, 2001, and currently includes China, Russia, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan as members, with Iran being accepted as a permanent member, after it was an observer member.

The countries that hold observer status in the organization are namely, Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia, with the list of countries with the status of dialogue partner including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turk
iye, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Nepal, before the State of Qatar was accepted to join the organization. Also, the countries’ admission to SCO requires obtaining the consent of all member states, as does the transition from one status to another.

Stemming from the State of Qatar’s conviction of the tremendous goals for which SCO was established, along with the SCO’s leading role in resolving urgent and pivotal issues considering the major evolutions happening in the world, the State of Qatar shares the SCO countries’ endeavors to strengthen stability and security in the territories of its members, in addition to combating terrorism, extremism and crime, drug trafficking, and advancing cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, culture and science.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HE Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani affirmed that the tour of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Nepal comes within the framework of Qatar’s openness to all global markets, including those of the aforementioned countries.

HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani said in a statement to Qatar News Agency on this occasion that the three stated countries represent more than 300 million people, making it imperative to cooperate and strengthen relations with them, especially since these relations date back four decades of bilateral cooperation.

He explained that trade exchanges with these three countries reached an average of QR 9 billion over the past five years, with Bangladesh accounting for the lion’s share of the trade volume due to its signing of long-term contracts with Qatar for the supply of natural gas, followed by the Philippines with about QR 1 billion.

The Qatari Businessmen Association Chairman concluded his s
tatement to QNA by saying that the majority of Qatar’s exports to these countries relate to energy products in general, in addition to iron and aluminum. Nearly all imports from these countries are handled by the private sector, where clothing of various kinds is supplied from Bangladesh, agricultural products such as bananas, pineapples, and food items from the Philippines, and carpets are imported from Nepal.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s visit to the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Nepal is key to economic cooperation and trade exchange, said In Charge of Managing Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , Al Hajri said that Qatar Airways operates direct flights to the three countries under air services agreements.

He added that a robust economic cooperation directly reflects on the tourism and air transport industries.

The State of Qatar closely cooperates and develops outstanding air transport relations with the three countries, he said.

Highlighting an air transport recovery after grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic repercussions, Al Hajri cited the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s global air transport outlook which forecasts the industry will return to normal in 2025.

He added that the flag carrier of Qatar operates flights to about 90 percent of Asian countries, which reflects positively on its growth.

HH the Amir’s
tour, which seeks to increase the volume of trade exchange in general, will bolster the trade and economic sectors, including air transport, he added.

On July 8, 2002, the State of Qatar sealed an air service agreement with Nepal, which took effect on July 21, 2002.

The State of Qatar inked an air services agreement with the Republic of the Philippines on Jan. 10, 1993, which entered into force on May 19, 1994.

Moreover, the State of Qatar and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh initialed an air service agreement on Dec. 31, 1979. (QNA

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The CEO of Education Above All Foundation (EAA) Fahd bin Hamad Al Sulaiti stated that EAA is currently carrying out a number of educational projects in Asia supported by Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), alongside a group of global partners.

He added that EAA is laser-focused on optimizing access to education opportunities for the marginalized groups and out-of-school children and operates in 33 projects in 21 Asian countries.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , Al Sulaiti highlighted that QFFD joint projects offer the possibility of access to good education for 7, 441, 256 beneficiaries in all Asian countries. In Nepal QFFD succeeded in achieving tangible results through 13 projects, such as establishing and optimizing the educational infrastructure by building 105 new schools and upgrading 145 others which had a profound and positive impact on local communities with the abundance of opportunities for 188,554 beneficiaries from the primary education.

QFFD launched the ‘Reach Mindanao’ project in Philip
pines which helped young people complete their secondary education and achieve self-sufficiency, either through decent works, or initiating their private businesses which profoundly advanced the community and supported local peace efforts from which 5,296 people had benefited, Al Sulaiti added.

Al Sulaiti stated that in Bangladesh QFFD provided a large-scale support through 12 projects that included supporting out-of-school children, refugees, and displaced people with a total target of enrolling 974,700 out-of-school children. Also, QFFD succeeded in achieving a concrete impact with the total number of beneficiaries reaching roughly 989,946 individuals.

CEO of EAA described the footprint left by EAA on the targeted communities in Asia as profound and inclusive which achieved a paradigm shift in education and supporting the sustainable development goals in Nepal, Philippines and Bangladesh. He pointed out that the projects have demonstrated the institutions’ capability of making concrete changes that transc
ended the provision of education to encompass the promotion of stability, as well as community and economic development.

Education in Nepal witnessed a major transformation following the construction of new schools and improving educational infrastructure, offering opportunities for good education for thousands of children, with educational initiatives empowering young people and upgrading their capabilities, he pointed out.

Al Sulaiti emphasized that these initiatives have supported peace and local development, and these programs have enhanced the provision of primary education for children, refugees, and displaced people in Bangladesh with a remarkable impact on improving life quality and opening new horizons for the future.

He stated that the same initiatives have effectively empowered young people through strengthening their leadership and development skills, in addition to encouraging their active engagement in the sustainable development initiatives, addressing climate issues, and building local and
global advocacy networks.

Additionally, QFFD intends to provide educational opportunities for children, in the conviction that education is the best way out of the scourge of poverty and the basis of establishing communities that enjoy justice and peace, in addition to unlocking the full potential of all young people and children, Al Sulaiti outlined.

He pointed out that Asia is plagued with varying social and economic challenges, hence, QFFD role is accentuated as a pivotal actor in achieving development through empowering young people utilizing a flexible qualitative education, building skills, strengthening educational environment, and helping out-of-school children, displaced communities, marginalized and vulnerable groups flourish their hope.

Source: Qatar News Agency