Images of Doha from Sheraton Suite

Images of Doha from Sheraton Suite

Images of Doha from Sheraton Suite

Images of Doha from Sheraton Suite

6th Doha Democracy and Development Conference

Doha hosted the 6th Qatar Conference on Democracy, Development and Free Trade from 11 to 13 April 2006, organised by the Planning Council in collaboration with the Qatar Businessmen’s Association (QBA) and the Gulf Studies Centre.

This year, the conference discussed future challenges faced by various establishments in the Arab world, challenges faced by civil societies and ways and means to overcome them, various types of reforms in the Middle East, media freedom, dialogue between various civilisations, democratic moves and how to combat terrorism, among others. The closing session of the conference was addressed by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani.

The first session of the conference focused on the various challenges faced by regional establishments and their future. The conference also discussed the impact of the World Trade Organisation on the international economy, north-south relations, south-south ties, new regulations, European-Mediterranean partnerships and cooperation and other issues of importance to the Arab region and the world.

The second session featured power and opposition in the Arab states, the third on reform in the Arab World, the fourth on issues of building dialogue of civilisations in lieu of clash of civilisations, the fifth on the age of great immigrations which investigated the conception of immigration and its real motives in politics, ideology, economy, agriculture and environment, as well as shaping the features of the future in the light of such immigrations. The sixth session focused on the conception of human rights in the light of international transformations.

His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani payed special attention to the annual activities of the Qatar Conference on Democracy, Development and Free Trade, which emanates from his deep belief that democracy is the key towards a society of individual initiatives, responsible freedom and social justice.

The Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his consort Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Misnad honored the opening ceremony of the Doha 6th Forum On Democracy, Development and Free Trade in the evening of Tuesday 11 April 2006.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by their Excellencies sheikhs, the ministers, the advisory council deputy speaker, the heads of the diplomatic corps accredited to Qatar, senior officials, the distinguished guests of the Forum and a number of businessmen.

His Highness the Emir delivered a speech to the inaugural session of the Doha 6th Forum in which he stressed that democracy, development and free trade complement each other and none could be implemented separate from the other.

Democracy, H H the Emir said, could not be attained without effective development in all economic and social fields. Likewise sustainable development could not be achieved unless the citizen is allowed to participate in decision making and to protect his economic interests, His Highness explained.

In his speech, H H the Emir said in order to achieve the desired benefits from democracy, development, free trade and the consolidation of the new world order there is an urgency to carry out a comprehensive political economic and social reform in developing countries to help them accelerate development that will be beneficial to all categories of the people.

It is also imperative that advanced countries understand the problems of the developing countries and translate that practically into the agreements to be concluded in the frame of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to assist those countries develop their own capacities, His Highness emphasised.

H H the Emir further said that in the history of this region, exchange was not a mere profession but an integrated culture which recognised the other, reflected self confidence and the desire of co-existence and acceptance of diversity and differences, which are fundamental human values in democratic societies.

His Highness also noted that the success of the democratic project is essential for addressing the manifestations of tyranny and corruption that still devour the peoples’ fortunes, deprive them of their rights and push some of their citizens to extremism and alienation.

H H the Emir made clear that the challenges facing the change towards democracy in the region have not prevented lately the birth of a unique experience in practicing democracy, referring to the insistence of the Palestinian people on exercising their legitimate right to choose their government with the due keen of their national authority on providing guarantees for exercising this fundamental right, the matter which contributed to hold the parliamentary elections in a complete atmosphere of transparency and fairness.

Elaborating, H H the Emir said this calls upon advocates of democracy all over the world to respect the decision of the Palestinian people and support and encourage rather than putting pressure on it or interfering with the right of the people to choose their leaders or threaten to withhold aid to them.

His Highness has warned that challenging the choices of peoples will only result in fulfilling the feelings of despair and generate waves of wrath. Moreover, opposing the popular will contradicts the spirit of democratic option that calls for compliance with what the majority decides, H H the Emir added.

Touching on the regional security, H H the Emir said establishing such a security could not be completed unless democratic practice makes progress, because security is not just military arrangements agreed upon by states. It rather requires internal political measures which enable the citizen to participate in the affairs of his country and shoulder his responsibilities, His Highness pointed out.

His Highness went on to say that the region is in a pressing need to finalize a major project which it has already launched and has to carry on with it for its own interest and the interest of the world as well.

At the forefront of this project is democracy, not only as a mechanism for decision making but as a way of life that is directly involved with the essence of its peoples’ aspirations for development, progress and building a better future, His Highness the Emir said in conclusion.

The Doha 6th Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade concluded its works on Thursday 13 April 2006 by holding three sessions dealing with the concept of human rights, the role of the youth and civil society organisations in political reform, in addition to the reform process in the Arab World.

Participants in these sessions, comprising scholars, scientists, academics and experts from Qatar and several countries across the world, discussed the concept of human rights under the light of current changes in the world, with a focus on the necessary steps to achieve political reform needed in the Arab World, as well as the important role of the youth and non-governmental and civil society organisations in this vital process.

His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, the First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister, stressed that fundamental basics of democracy that aim to attain social justice are achieved through building a state of institutions, human rights, effective citizen participation in management and ruling, transparency and accounting for acts, which guarantee all the respect of the people’s choices.

In a speech delivered to the Doha 6th Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade on Wednesday 12 April 2006, H E the Deputy Premier noted democracy cannot be an act of formality and that a comprehensive development plan that encompasses economic and social sectors is mandatory to succeed in implanting a democratic environment in any country.

Concerning the definition of terrorism, His Excellency explained that the most common definition used by the United Nations relates to international terrorism which puts in danger innocent lives and threatens fundamental freedoms. He went on to say that the international community has not yet reached a consensus on a unified definition of terrorism, even if there is joint concord on the fact that terrorism derives its strength from ideological thoughts and relies on inciting violence and terror among the public.

He warned that terrorism finds roots in poverty, oppression and despair, which enhances chances for sacrifice and “martyrdom” trends, making the loss of lives, including those of perpetrators, an easy and justifiable task in their eyes in order to make fundamental changes. The issue of terrorism is primarily political, psychological, moral and first of all legal, His Excellency added.

The Qatari First Deputy Premier also drew attention to the importance of implementing in the field of international relations, because the feeling of oppression and hopelessness from a just stance of powerful states and internationally-active organisations disappoints many people in the world, leading to a fertile environment for terror ideologies. Dissemination and practice of democracy is a mandatory duty to all members of society, and cannot be limited to a slogan that is raised solely in official ceremonies, lest we face international terrorism, His Excellency concluded.

Opening Ceremony with the Emir of Qatar

Opening Ceremony with the Emir of Qatar

Opening Ceremony with the Emir of Qatar

Opening Ceremony with the Emir of Qatar

Arabian Tent

Arabian Tent

Arabian Tent

Arabian Tent

Arabian Tent

Arabian Tent

Arabian Tent, Fatina Salaheddine Holding Bird

Arabian Tent, Fatina Salaheddine Holding Bird

Tea & Coffee in Lobby Lounge

Tea & Coffee in Lobby Lounge

Tea & Coffee in Lobby Lounge

Tea & Coffee in Lobby Lounge

Closing Session with the Foreign Minister of Qatar

Closing Session with the Foreign Minister of Qatar

Closing Session with the Foreign Minister of Qatar

Closing Session with the Foreign Minister of Qatar

Closing Session with the Foreign Minister of Qatar

Closing Session with the Foreign Minister of Qatar