New York, January 24 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has affirmed its steadfast commitment to continue its mediation efforts with its partners to assist parties in reaching a permanent and immediate ceasefire to halt the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip, ensure the protection of civilians, and deliver humanitarian aid to those in need in the Strip.

This came in the statement of the State of Qatar delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani before the Security Council session on building peace and sustaining peace through comprehensive approaches, under the title "Investing in Human Beings, Including Empowering Women," at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN emphasized the importance of not overlooking the volatile situation in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing war conducted by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinian brethren in the Gaza Strip. She reiterated Qatar's call on the Council to fulfill its responsibilities and implement resolutions 2,712 and 2,720, along with relevant General Assembly resolutions.

Her Excellency emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to prevent conflicts, achieve sustainable peace, and build resilient communities to achieve long-term peace and stability by addressing the root causes of conflicts.

Her Excellency highlighted Qatar's commitment to ensuring that its efforts in peace and security are comprehensive, noting that Qatar has consistently invested in preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention by addressing the root causes of conflicts.

In this context, Her Excellency pointed out Qatar's strategic partnerships with UN agencies, especially the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She expressed pride in the efforts of the Education Above All Foundation, which has transformed the lives of over 16 million children and youth through 100 education projects across 59 countries, pointing to the strategic partnership between the Qatar Fund for Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2022, which provides USD200 million to small productive farmers and their communities in African countries.
Her Excellency renewed Qatar's welcome and support for the Secretary-General's "Our Common Agenda" report and the new peace plan, underscoring the importance of considering these initiatives in preparing for the Future Summit in 2024 and the 2025 review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture.

Her Excellency emphasized the central role of the Security Council in adopting comprehensive approaches to fulfill its responsibilities related to conflict prevention and the implementation of peacebuilding and preservation strategies through strengthening coordination within the UN system and activating coordination with regional and non-regional organizations. She added that achieving these goals requires unity within the Council, the necessary political will from its members, and the success of its reform efforts.

Her Excellency stated that the Peacebuilding Commission, of which Qatar is a proud member, can enhance its efforts within its mandates in peacebuilding by assisting member states in conflict or post-conflict situations to implement their national preventive strategies.

Her Excellency reiterated Qatar's commitment to continuing peacebuilding efforts and investing in human capital, particularly empowering women, youth, and other marginalized groups. (QNA)