HH The Amir implores his fellow Muslims to ‘embrace forgiveness and turn away from the ignorant’
HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani headed Qatar’s delegation during the opening session of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday.
HH The Amir also met with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters. They discussed a range of regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.
Sheikh Tamim, delivering a speech during the UN’s opening session, addressed several key issues happening around the globe. He expressed his condolences for recent natural calamities — the earthquake in Morocco and floods in Libya — and emphasised Qatar’s solidarity with both nations in their times of tragedy.
One of Sheikh Tamim’s most powerful arguments was addressed to his fellow Muslims, regarding recent incidents related to the burning of the Holy Qu’ran in different parts of Europe.
“Allow me to pinpoint the necessity for combating racism and campaigns of incitement against entire peoples, religions, and civilizations. On this occasion, I’d say to my Muslim brethren that it’s implausible for us to get distracted by an idiot or a biased person whenever it occurs to him to provoke us by burning the Holy Qur’an or by other forms of triviality.
“The Qur’an is too Holy to be desecrated by a witless person. God Almighty said: Embrace forgiveness and enjoin what’s right and turn away from the ignorant. At the same time, I would say to all those who seek to justify these hideous acts as freedom of expression: compromising the sanctity of others deliberately should not be seen as an example of the freedom of expression,” he said.
مستقبل الشعوب والأجيال القادمة مرهونٌ بالقضاء على مآسي الحاضر، وينبغي توحيد جهود مجتمعنا الدولي لمجابهة المعوّقات التي تواجه الإنسانية جمعاء كالفقر والظلم الصّارخ المتمثل بالاحتلال والعنصرية وجرائم الحرب، من خلال التعاون في تنفيذ القانون الدولي. pic.twitter.com/148LwCIakb
— تميم بن حمد (@TamimBinHamad) September 19, 2023
Earlier, he touched upon a wide range of global issues — technological advancements to regional conflicts — thereby highlighting the need for responsible development, international cooperation, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts for the betterment of humanity.
He drew the audience’s attention to the current global context.
“Humanity is experiencing an era of rapid technological advancement and unprecedented progress. It has brought about significant improvements in medicine, technology, and science, leading to longer life expectancy and higher living standards for many. However, there is also increasing poverty rates, unemployment, and wealth inequality. There are also environmental consequences for the rapid development,” he said.
While recognising the potential of technologies like genetics and artificial intelligence to improve human well-being, Sheikh Tamim cautioned against the misuse of these tools.
He stressed the importance of responsible development and the need to address issues like misinformation, privacy invasion, and educational disruption resulting from technological advances.
HH the Amir While Chairing #Qatar's Delegation in 78th UNGA Opening Session, and Delivering a Speech at the session. #QNA#HH_The_Amir_Speech #United_Nations #Qatar_In_United_Nations pic.twitter.com/AbdjohUKhr
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) September 19, 2023
He called for international cooperation and regulation in cyberspace based on the principles of international law. In this context, he highlighted the importance of the upcoming ‘Web Summit 2024’ in Doha, which is an opportunity to review technological advancements and foster global cooperation in the field.
HH The Amir also emphasised the duty of the international community to address the suffering of people in conflict-ridden regions.
Reaffirming Qatar’s support for the Palestinian people, he expressed concern about the lack of progress towards a just political solution. Sheikh Tamim also condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements and the worsening humanitarian situation.
He stressed on the need for a comprehensive political settlement in Syria in accordance with the Geneva Declaration and Security Council Resolution 2254, respecting the country’s integrity, sovereignty, and independence.
Sheikh Tamim, who expressed regret over the violence in Sudan and condemned crimes against civilians, also called for a ceasefire and peaceful dialogue among Sudanese political forces.
HH the Amir Meets Several Participants in 78th UNGA. #QNA#Qatar#Qatar_In_United_Nationshttps://t.co/tGdm8qNSax pic.twitter.com/SFVpfCNNAy
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) September 19, 2023
HH The Amir also reiterated his support for finding amicable solutions to the political crises in Lebanon, Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan.
Talking about the region, the Amir reiterated Qatar’s appreciation of the detente witnessed this year, as represented by constructive dialogue and re-establishment of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as between Egypt and Turkiye.
HH The Amir also emphasised the potential and opportunities in the Middle East, the importance of combating stereotypes, and Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development, peace, and cooperation.
The Amir pointed to the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar as an opportunity for the world to see the nation’s true culture and values while promoting sports as a means of bridging cultural gaps and fostering communication.
Recognising the responsibilities that come with energy exports, the Amir said Qatar is committed to diversifying its income sources, including clean energy investments. Qatar is actively pursuing environmentally friendly policies and supporting projects focused on environmental protection, exemplified by the upcoming Qatar Horticultural Expo 2023.
Sheikh Tamim emphasised Qatar’s role in providing humanitarian aid, mediating in conflicts, and facilitating peace in the region.
He also expressed pride in Qatar’s partnership with the UN, highlighting the opening of the ‘United Nations House’ in Doha, which houses 12 UN offices. Qatar also hosted the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, showing its active participation in global efforts to address the needs of these nations.
The Amir stressed the importance of cooperation in addressing the refugee crisis and combating racism and incitement against entire peoples, religions, and civilizations.
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