QNA
Doha
Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue began on Tuesday.
The conference focuses on the ‘Family structure in light of changing world’ as its main topic, with the theme being ‘Integration of families, faith, values and education’.
In her opening speech, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater said the conference’s theme aligns with Qatar’s strong conviction in the centrality of the family in building societies and the pivotal role of religion and ethics in this endeavour, as stipulated by Article 21 of the Qatari Constitution.
She highlighted Qatar’s international efforts to support families and its continuous pursuit to enhance international advocacy for family issues, utilising platforms for dialogue that engage decision-makers, politicians, academics, international organisations and charities.
She emphasised the significance of having the 15th edition of the conference focus on family issues within the broader context of contemporary global challenges, noting that these challenges affect not only those directly facing them but also undermine the peace and stability of the modern world.
Khater pointed out that family issues are a common factor that can unite all components of societies and significantly influence social, economic and political spheres.
She stressed the collective responsibility to focus on and give significant attention to families, urging countries, individuals, religious scholars and experts to prioritise families as the fundamental building block of any society.
She expressed dismay at the violations of family, women’s, and children’s rights, especially considering the official economic, military, and diplomatic support received by Israeli occupation forces. This support, she noted, has failed to meet the humanitarian standards of freedom, civilization, and human rights that they claim to uphold.
Khater added that despite all these pains and official failure, the collective awareness of people of all religions, races and orientations has transcended the narrative pushed in traditional media spaces to create a new free space that rejects the ideologisation of principles.
She wondered how can someone who rejects the Holocaust and apartheid in former South Africa accept the genocide of the steadfast Palestinian people in Gaza.
The minister also highlighted the ongoing tragedy in Sudan, emphasising that the plight of its people constitutes one of the largest refugee crises currently. She called on the world not to overlook the suffering of the Sudanese people, urging the provision of scientific, educational, economic and charitable resources to support Sudan in its time of need.
She conveyed her confidence that following serious discussions and in-depth studies by all attendees, the conference would yield pragmatic proposals and initiatives. These contributions are anticipated to empower families, foster conditions for their advancement and role, and devise solutions to address contemporary issues they face. She emphasised the importance of examining the optimal approach to monitor the implementation of the recommendations issued during the conference.
