Qatar Affirms Importance of International Coordination in Facing Terrorism. The State of Qatar continues to demonstrate its dedication to combating global terrorism, as evidenced by its participation in the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF).
Held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, this roundtable meeting focused on addressing the key challenges in counterterrorism in Africa. Qatar delegation, led by HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforced Qatar strategic role in global efforts to tackle violent extremism and terrorism.
Qatar Affirms Importance of International Coordination in Facing Terrorism
During his speech at the GCTF meeting, HE Dr. Al Khulaifi stressed the importance of adopting a long-term strategic approach to counterterrorism, underlining the forum’s progress in developing frameworks and best practices for tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
He highlighted the significance of these frameworks in strengthening national capacities, strategies, and counterterrorism plans. Qatar has actively participated in these initiatives, playing a critical role in shaping the global counterterrorism agenda.
His Excellency commended the GCTF‘s progress in advancing the fight against terrorism over the years, particularly in the development of good practices and guidelines across various critical sectors.
This includes the enhancement of national capabilities in addressing security threats, the prevention of violent extremism, and the implementation of counterterrorism strategies. By participating in these global efforts, Qatar demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fostering peace and security, not only within its borders but also on a global scale.
Qatar Support for Africa Counterterrorism Challenges
In addressing Africa counterterrorism challenges, HE Dr. Al Khulaifi highlighted Qatar’s role as a founding member and financial contributor to the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). The fund aims to support global initiatives that target the root causes of violent extremism and terrorism. Through this platform, Qatar has provided significant financial contributions to help countries in Africa and other regions enhance their resilience to extremist threats.
Recognizing the evolving nature of terrorism, HE Dr. Al Khulaifi called for international coordination in addressing the complex and multifaceted threats that terrorism poses.
His Excellency stressed the need for aligning counterterrorism efforts with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, urging closer cooperation between the GCTF and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, which includes the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).
Strengthening International Collaboration in the Fight Against Terrorism
The State of Qatar continues to strengthen its partnerships with global counterterrorism bodies, renewing its strategic partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism this year. Qatar is the largest financial supporter of the UNOCT strategic initiatives and successful programs aimed at combating terrorism worldwide.
This renewed partnership is a testament to Qatar ongoing commitment to counterterrorism, particularly through capacity-building and technical assistance programs that improve the ability of African countries to combat terrorist threats effectively.
His Excellency also highlighted Qatar active participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Qatar remains a key player in international coalitions that seek to eliminate terrorist organizations such as ISIS, further contributing to regional and global stability through both bilateral and multilateral security cooperation.
Addressing Root Causes of Terrorism and Extremism
In his remarks, HE Dr. Al Khulaifi emphasized the need to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism, which often arise from conflict, instability, and poverty. Studies have shown that terrorist groups exploit these conditions, particularly in regions where political and social instability is prevalent. In this context, Africa has become a focal point for some of the world’s most lethal terrorist organizations.
Qatar recognizes the importance of promoting peace, stability, and conflict resolution as a means of combating terrorism. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar commitment to supporting African nations in their fight against extremism.
This support includes initiatives aimed at improving education, employment, and living conditions in conflict-affected regions. By addressing these underlying factors, Qatar is helping to create an environment that reduces the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Qatari organizations such as Education Above All and Silatech have played an instrumental role in these efforts, particularly in Africa. These organizations focus on providing education, job opportunities, and humanitarian aid to those in need, contributing to the long-term prevention of extremism by fostering stability and hope in vulnerable communities.
Qatar Participation in High-Level African Counterterrorism Meetings
Qatar involvement in Africa counterterrorism efforts extends beyond financial contributions and development initiatives. HE Dr. Al Khulaifi highlighted Qatar participation in the high-level African meeting on counterterrorism, which took place in Abuja earlier this year. Qatar presence at such forums reflects its active role in promoting multilateral cooperation and integrated responses to Africa’s complex security challenges.
Through its ongoing partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, Qatar has supported numerous programs and initiatives that focus on building the capacity of African countries to address the various aspects of terrorism. This includes providing technical assistance to improve national security capabilities, preventing radicalization, and enhancing resilience to extremist ideologies.
Qatar Condemnation of Terrorism
Throughout his speech, HE Dr. Al Khulaifi reiterated Qatar firm stance against terrorism in all its forms. Qatar condemns any act of terrorism, regardless of the motive, perpetrator, or location. His Excellency emphasized that the State of Qatar remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under international and regional agreements aimed at combating terrorism.
As an active member of global counterterrorism forums, Qatar continues to contribute to the development of strategies, frameworks, and initiatives that can effectively eliminate the threat of terrorism. His Excellency stressed the need for comprehensive approaches that address not only security measures but also the root causes of extremism.
Conclusion
The State of Qatar plays an integral role in global counterterrorism efforts, particularly through its contributions to Africa security challenges. Through strategic partnerships, financial contributions, and active participation in international forums, Qatar continues to champion a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism.
By aligning with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and providing support for initiatives such as the GCERF, Qatar underscores its commitment to addressing both the symptoms and root causes of terrorism. The state’s involvement in global counterterrorism coalitions, combined with its emphasis on education, employment, and peacebuilding, showcases Qatar’s dedication to fostering a safer, more stable world.
As terrorism remains a threat to nations across the globe, Qatar proactive efforts in counterterrorism stand as a beacon of its responsibility in promoting peace, security, and stability—not just for itself, but for the international community at large.