Doha - Information Office - December 19
In New York, the permanent delegation of the State of Qatar to the United Nations held a ceremony on the occasion of the State's National Day.
The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of members of the diplomatic corps, heads of international, intellectual, and academic organizations, UN officials, representatives of the media accredited to the international organization in New York, and a group of members of the Arab and Islamic community.
The 2021 National Day celebration has acquired a special significance, as it coincides with the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the State of Qatar in various fields, and also coincides with the golden jubilee of the 50th anniversary of the accession of the State of Qatar to the UN and the beginning of the countdown to the launch of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, hosted by Qatar in November 2022, as the first World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world.
HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani and HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in New York Mohammed bin Sultan Al Kuwari welcomed well-wishers from the ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions of Member States, senior UN officials, heads of intellectual institutions, academics, diplomats, journalists, economic and social figures in New York and the Arab and Islamic communities.
In a speech, HE Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani welcomed the attendees and HE President of the 76th UN General Assembly Abdullah Shahid, the guest of honor of the National Day celebration.
Her Excellency pointed out that 2021 is of special importance for the State of Qatar, as the country is witnessing, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a developmental and scientific renaissance in all fields, and the status of the State of Qatar has been strengthened at the international level, in addition, that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Qatar's accession to the UN.
HE the Ambassador touched on Qatar's policy and efforts at the national and international levels, indicating that the State of Qatar has chosen the path of science, culture, development, promoting and protecting human rights and human dignity, and adhering to the principle of resolving conflicts by peaceful means as a fundamental pillar of Qatar's foreign policy, in addition to strengthening partnership with the UN in various fields of concern to the international community. She noted the contributions of the State of Qatar to address the effects of climate change and preserve the environment.
Her Excellency also addressed the great achievements made to implement Qatar National Vision, and the development, prosperity, stability, and promising prospects the State of Qatar is witnessing in all aspects of life.
She pointed out that Qatar will host the first-ever environmentally friendly FIFA World Cup in the Middle East, which reflects the spirit of coexistence and the values of peace and love among human beings.
In his speech on this occasion, HE President of the 76th UN General Assembly Abdullah Shahid extended his congratulations to the State of Qatar, the leadership, and people, noting that the celebration of the National Day of the State of Qatar coincides this year with the 50th anniversary of the accession of the State Qatar to the UN.
His Excellency said that the State of Qatar has emerged as an economic power and a regional and international mediator, hailing Qatar National Vision for Sustainable Development for 2030, and said that it is a bold vision that defines a comprehensive framework that meets the needs of current and future generations. He added that the State of Qatar continues its policy to resolve disputes by peaceful means and adhere to the principles of international relations and respect for the sovereignty of states and good neighborliness.
The State of Qatar, as a distinguished member of the international community, has made invaluable contributions to the international multilateral system, he pointed out. He noted Qatar's support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and its role in the Vaccine Alliance for preventing the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.
HE UNGA President praised the State of Qatar's investment in creativity and innovation to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Also, he praised the role that the State of Qatar plays in the UN and its position in the international organization.
He hailed the leadership role of HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Ambassador Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani and the critical tasks of the international system that she assumed, including her role in facilitating negotiations on the political declaration adopted by leaders of countries and heads of government on the occasion of the 75th UN anniversary, her major role in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform, her presidency of the Legal Committee of the UNGA (Sixth Committee), and other sensitive and important tasks in international multilateral action.