New York: Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General HE Stephane Dujarric affirmed that the State of Qatar is a very important component of international cooperation for the United Nations, both in terms of diplomacy in its mediation efforts and in terms of humanitarian work.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dujarric stated that Qatar is one of the largest supporters of the UN agencies working in the humanitarian and relief field, stressing that "Qatar should be an example to other member states at a time where humanitarian donations have gone down. He noted that Qatar's signing of a multi-year funding mechanism with the United Nations is much appreciated, given the growing global humanitarian needs.
He added that Qatar has played an extremely important role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, not only through funding but also by ensuring that assistance reaches those in need. " On that sense, Qatar has been very useful." he said.
In this context, the UN spokesperson also said that they look forward to the State of Qatar hosting World Summit for Social Development later in November, adding that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres will participate in the summit.
Regarding the recent Israeli attack targeting the State of Qatar, Stephane Dujarric said, "it is obvious to all the esteem in which Qatar's role as a mediator is held because there was uniformity in condemnation, uniformity in expressing solidarity with Qatar," recalling that the UN Secretary-General was quick to condemn this violation of Qatar's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and that the Security Council also held a meeting and unanimously approved a press statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with Qatar, noting that this a rare occurrence in this era.
On the main issues to be discussed at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Spokesperson explained that this year is particularly significant as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the organization’s establishment following World War II. He pointed out that the Secretary-General has put forward a reform agenda aimed at making the UN more effective, flexible, and responsive to the needs of peoples.
He added that the Secretary-General's speech to the General Assembly will emphasize that this is a time for choice, and that member states must choose diplomacy, human rights, and climate justice, and choose for humanity to control technology rather than technology controlling humanity.
He emphasized the need to reform the organization to empower member states to effectively pursue these priorities, anticipating that hundreds of bilateral meetings will take place between various delegations during the United Nations General Assembly sessions, representing a valuable opportunity for peace and advancing development goals.
Regarding the New York Declaration, which was adopted with a majority of 120 votes in favor of establishing a Palestinian state, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General affirmed that the declaration shows that the world has not lost hope in the two-state solution, noting that the alternative to this solution is unsustainable and involves violations of international law.
HE Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric concluded his interview with QNA by saying, "We were pleased to see this recommitment by a vast majority of member states. The Secretary-General will continue to work towards doing whatever he can to find a two-state solution."
