HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Acting Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari participated virtually in the Fifteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 15), hosted by Barbados.
This year's edition of the quadrennial conference, held under the theme, ‘From inequality and vulnerability to prosperity for all’, explored ways to bridge the gap between developed, developing, and the least developed countries, as well as highlighting the pivotal role of trade in achieving comprehensive development and prosperity for countries.
The challenges posed by Covid-19 necessitated the consolidation of efforts to combat the pandemic, not only nationally, but also on a cross-national level, al-Kuwari said, further explaining that the crisis underscored the importance of joint and multilateral international action.
The pandemic has affected all countries worldwide, he noted. Its negative impact has been more pronounced among vulnerable peoples who lack access to basic healthcare and medical equipment and the necessary political, economic, and financial tools to overcome the pandemic’s repercussions.
In this regard, the minister emphasised the need to strengthen international collaboration, to develop a co-ordinated and multilateral response to overcome the consequences of the pandemic, referring to the initiatives adopted by Qatar in this regard.
Qatar had provided all means of support to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), Friends of Covax Facility (FOF) group, and the World Health Organisation (WHO), al-Kuwari noted, pointing out that Qatar had also donated thousands of tonnes in medical supplies to some 81 countries.
He called on all countries to unite efforts and work side by side to support and develop the work of UNCTAD, by building on past achievements to move forward towards enhancing international co-operation to establish a comprehensive and fair global economic environment for all countries worldwide.
Al-Kuwari stressed the need to devise a road map that would allow developing countries, especially the least developed, to implement practical policies that would enable them to give their people equal access to development benefits.
Al-Kuwari referred to Qatar’s efforts while presiding over UNCTAD 13.
Qatar has taken important steps towards devising long-term policies to consolidate comprehensive and equitable development nationally, regionally, and internationally, Qatar has provided all means of support for international efforts to address various issues, in all international forums, especially the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
In this context, he reiterated Qatar's commitment to supporting the role of UNCTAD, especially with regard to initiatives aimed at helping developing countries and least developed countries, underlining Qatar's keenness to support all UNCTAD efforts to help the Palestinian people.
He stressed Qatar's unwavering determination to continue supporting and standing by the Palestinian people. In co-operation with the United Nations and several of its partners, Qatar is keen on working to direct development and humanitarian projects and financial assistance to low-income families, and to ensure the Gaza Strip receives power supply.
Al-Kuwari expressed the hope that UNCTAD 15 would contribute to fostering the ideal environment to achieve the desired goals and objectives, thus paving the way for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
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