Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
7 December 2021
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
I am delighted to join you this evening to celebrate three momentous occasions:
- The National Day of the State of Qatar;
- The anniversary of the accession to the throne of its founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani; and
- The 50th Anniversary of Qatar’s membership in the United Nations.
Since achieving independence 50 years ago, the State of Qatar has emerged as an economic powerhouse, a regional mediator, and a global citizen.
I commend the State of Qatar for its bold National Vision 2030, which outlines a comprehensive framework that addresses both the needs of current and future generations.
As a regional mediator, the State of Qatar continues to prioritize peaceful resolution of conflicts through respect for the sovereignty of countries and the “principles of good-neighborliness.”[1]
Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar said it best:
“There is no security, stability, development or decent human life under conflicts.”
As a global citizen and a member of the international community, the State of Qatar has made invaluable contributions to the multilateral system.
From UNRWA and UNHCR, to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization or GAVI, Qatar continues to step up when called up on by the global community.
Qatar’s leadership in the creation of ‘Innovation Labs’, which supports 115 countries, is a tangible solution towards the 2030 Agenda.
Indeed, through the Labs, national partners are able to draw on data in support of achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
As a President of Hope who is continuously inspired and encouraged by human ingenuity, I applaud the State of Qatar for investing in ingenuity and innovation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As it is on the world stage, so too is Qatar’s role evident in the United Nations here in New York across several UN processes.
I congratulate Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Her Excellency, Ambassador Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, for her exemplary leadership and continued commitment to a constructive partnership with the United Nations and its processes.
This includes co-Chairing Intergovernmental negotiations on the UN@75 Declaration, the Intergovernmental Negotiations on reform of the Security Council, chairing the Sixth Committee for the 76th session, and co-chairing the Group of Friends on Gender Parity.
I would also like to thank the State of Qatar for hosting the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries next month.
And as an avid football fan, I look forward to joining millions of Qataris – and billions of people – in celebrating Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup next year.
I wish the State and people of Qatar all success on both LDC5 and the World Cup.
Excellencies,
Tonight, as we celebrate the successes of and possibilities for the State of Qatar, let us be reminded of the power of innovation, of global solidarity, and of collaborative action to achieve more sustainable and inclusive societies.
Thank you.
[2] Source: State of Qatar’s Statement for the UNGA76 General Debate, 21 September 2021)
