‘National unity source of our strength’

Tribune News Network Doha His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurated the opening session of the first-ever ele...

Tribune News NetworkDohaHis Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurated the opening session of the first-ever elected Shura Council on Tuesday. Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani also attended the inauguration, along with other dignitaries.Addressing the council, the Amir congratulated the members as he underlined Qatar’s achievements in a comprehensive review of the country’s domestic and foreign policies.He said Qatar has achieved several goals in the past two years, including in food security, economic diversification and self-sufficiency. However, a lot more can be done, he added, highlighting the role the private sector could play to that end. “There is still a lot to do by the state in the field of diversifying the sources of income. But the task is not confined to the state, as the private sector has also a role here as well.”HH the Amir said the rebranding of Qatar Petroleum to QatarEnergy reflected “an actual Qatari adoption of the transition towards clean and renewable energy”. Qatar’s futureHH the Amir also highlighted Qatar’s future plans and ambitions for increased public welfare.“There is no argument about the progress achieved by our country in the field of infrastructure and at the level of educational and health institutions. This can be evidenced by the figures related to the per capita income, the standard of living, the number of graduates, and others.At the same time, he also pointed out the challenges posed by a prestigious welfare state — lack of contentment, wanton consumption and excessive dependence on the state.“[We] … as a society and as a state, have to realize the challenges posed by this, such as the dangers of the dominance of consumer life values and underestimation of the non-material aspects of life, lack of appreciation for productive work, lack of contentment by individuals of what is available to them because they are always preoccupied with asking for more consumption, easy borrowing for transient and unnecessary purposes, and excessive dependence on the state.“These negative aspects could threaten what we have achieved if not addressed by means of deepening the values of citizenship and social responsibility.”The task cannot be accomplished through preaches and speeches, but through cultivation, education and national service, HH the Amir said, highlighting the role of the media, the family and the direct disciplinary and educative connection between parents and their children in achieving this.“Each of us should ask himself what he did and would do from his position to serve his community”? What is his contribution to building this country? Is he doing his job well? Does he value the work of others? Whoever asks himself these questions would not find it easy to be discontent and complain.”Citizenship and tribalismIn his speech, the Amir proposed a plan to promote equal Qatari citizenship through legislative amendments and warned against tribal bigotry.“Nevertheless, it is known that citizenship is not just a legal issue, but a civilizational issue before that and a loyalty and belonging, and a matter of duties and not just rights. “This requires not only a legislative work, but also an intensive social and educational work, especially on encountering the upholding of tribal bigotry vis-a-vis public interest or loyalty to the homeland and national unity.“This negative aspect of tribalism took us all by surprise recently when some of its negative manifestations reminded us of its existence. Although our enlightened society swiftly overcame it, we cannot ignore the disease for mere disappearance of its symptoms.”HH the Amir said Qatar, in its modern history, has gone through difficult experiences and challenges. “Our national unity was the source of our strength after Almighty God’s support and guidance. We will never allow it to be threatened in the future. Hence, when reflecting on and reviewing the experiences we are going through, we must always uphold high our cohesion as Qataris, above any consideration and avoid everything that might pose a threat to it.”World CupWith Qatar all set to host the FIFA World Cup next year, the Amir reminded the people that the 2022 extravaganza is an opportunity to demonstrate the “openness and tolerance” of the hospitable Qatari people.“This World Cup is a major occasion not only for enhancing the country’s global status and the role of sport in enhancing communication and cooperation between peoples and to display Qatar’s organizational potentials, its advanced infrastructure and its capabilities at the security level, but also to demonstrate the openness and tolerance of the hospitable Qatari people.”AfghanistanHH the Amir said Qatar’s adherence to dialogue as an alternative to wars and the option of mediation in resolving conflicts made it accept the request to mediate between the United States and the Taliban.“As we aspire to a welfare society that is productive at the same time, and to a peaceful state, yet capable of defending itself, and a society with a high standard of living, yet also a society distinguished by its morals and authentic values, we also look forward to a foreign policy that contributes to maintaining all these, and in development that is also commensurate with Qatar’s size, geographical location and wealth.Gulf Cooperation CouncilHH the Amir said the brotherhood, history and geography make it incumbent to preserve the Gulf Cooperation Council and improve its institutions to commensurate with the aspirations of the peoples. “We have been keen to leave behind differences through dialogue, we also seek to consolidate and develop the consensus achieved at Al-Ula summit,” he said, referring to the accord signed by Qatar and its neighbours in the Saudi governorate in January this year to end their blockade of Qatar.“We proceed from our well-established principles regarding justice in international relations, and from the standpoint that we are part of the two Arab and Islamic worlds, as we do not deny our identity,” HH the Amir said.