Sheikha Moza patronizes 4th UN

HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser today patronized the inaugural session of the 4th Annual Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilization at Qatar National Convention Centre in the Education City.  The three-day Forum is held under the theme "Intercultural Dialogue Boosts Development".  HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani welcomed the participants on his speech delivered on his behalf by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah at the opening session of the forum.  HH the Emir expressed sincere appreciation and pride to participate in the Fourth Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations.  "No surprise that you are aware of the importance of dialogue and alliance, and we are facing two matters at the same time, namely: an opportunity and a challenge. The result is linked to what we would do to establish a better tomorrow," HH the Emir said.  HH the Emir emphasized the special significance earned by this forum. Its theme coincides with the developments of political, social, economic and cultural challenges in the world.  "There is no doubt that the world is in the grip of contradiction that is tantamount in some cases to a collision caused by stereotyping or not knowing the other, even if the worst scenario is the lack of recognition of the other," HH the Emir said.  Hence, HH the Emir added, the message of dialogue and alliance among civilizations becomes the most important prerequisite.  HH the Emir noted that the State of Qatar among the leading countries that attaches attention to dialogue and alliance among civilizations. "In this context, our keenness on education has come at the core of human development strategy out of our conviction on the belief that quality education promotes values of tolerance and openness to other cultures," HH the Emir said.  Also media freedom has been consecrated through maintaining free opinion for all, and bringing together different cultures and religions in an intact way, HH the Emir added.  HH the Emir underlined that Qatar acted and is acting to activate the role of young people to participate vigorously in achieving the principles of the Alliance of Civilizations. "We have attached a great deal of importance to the issue of immigration to achieve convergence between the State of Qatar and all other countries in various fields," HH the Emir said.  "There is no doubt that this forum will enhance our perceptions about the positive trend to adopt new and innovative programs and projects to achieve sustainable development, out of our firm conviction that the human development is a right and a prerequisite for peace and security for all civilizations," HH the Emir underlined.  "We consider that the world's cultural diversity with the values and beliefs it reflects would assist development and lead to stability, understanding and rapprochement among peoples; therefore this cultural diversity should be utilized in combatting poverty, ignorance and illiteracy, and facing the various current challenges to achieve the maximum development goals because culture and development are closely intertwined," HH the Emir said.  HH the Emir highlighted that the evocation of positive joint coexistence with the other can only be achieved through the contribution of all actors in the countries, such as governments, civil society organizations and individuals. No doubt that the youth have the solid potential for alliance, selection, change, creativity and innovation. For us the Arab spring is the best evidence.  HH the Emir expressed confidence that the participation of youth and civil society organizations in this forum will have a positive impact in achieving the desired results.  "Finally, I look forward with you to your active participation to work to correct the negative stereotyped image painted by some to classify this or that civilization, or stigmatizing its people with descriptions that are bare of truth, to make this cultural diversity an asset and a source of strength and progress rather than a cause of weakness and backwardness," HH the Emir said.  "We look forward to draw a road map and to formulate achievable practical and realistic solutions and programs, to be reached by the forum in a manner reflecting the desired goal and the firmness of the will to attain it within the framework of our endeavors to advance our communities and meet the economic, social and cultural challenges to realize development for all peoples," HH the Emir concluded.  The opening ceremony was attended by Their Excellencies Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Ministers, Secretary Generals of the United Nations, Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation besides a number of Sheikhs, members of diplomatic corps, high-ranking officials and guests. (QNA)