In a special address at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2022, Amir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani said his country is in the unique position of contributing to conflict resolution and stability in the Middle East and the world. “The Annual Meeting is happening in the midst of political and economic turmoil,” Al Thani said. “But in order to be prosperous, we need to reinforce our framework of peace. Only through unity can we overcome conflicts that divide us.” In the past years, Qatar has played an important role in peace mediation efforts in many parts of the world, including helping with United States efforts to evacuate thousands of people from Afghanistan in 2021 and playing an unofficial mediating role to help revive the Iran nuclear accord between the parties. The Amir also said his country was in touch with both sides in the Ukraine crisis, hoping to find a peaceful solution.
“The only way to solve disputes is through negotiation and dialogue. We [Qatar] have a track record of being honest and bringing people together. Through trust and persistence, we will never give up trying to bring parties together,” Al Thani said. “As long as we believe our efforts could save even a single life, our attempts to mediate will be worth it.” He added that Qatar also enjoys a strong strategic relationship with the US as well as good economic relations with China, which imports natural gas from his country. As one of the world’s largest producers of liquefied natural gas, Qatar is looking to play a role in energy security, especially given the disruption in European countries because of the war in Ukraine. Improved energy security, he said, will lead to market stability.
“Increased LNG production can provide the world with a cleaner, safer, more reliable and flexible energy supply. Achieving global energy security will lead to market stability and reduce the economic effects of the current energy crisis,” he said. We intend to play an active role in encouraging regional and international policy development, focusing both on energy and the environment.” He noted that sustainability will be front and centre, especially when it comes to developing emission-reduction technologies and cleaner energy. At this critical moment in time, we must wisely balance the need to take care of the environment and simultaneously provide energy security for the world, but this will take intense collaboration between companies, government and all stakeholders.”
Qatar is also taking a lead on sport. For the first time, the country will host the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place from 21 November to 18 December 2022. “We are working hard on this major sporting event for the region to host the world,” Al Thani said. “We believe that sport is a tool for positive change, promotes tolerance and respect and inspires unity.”
