 |
| Prakash M Swamy |
The hosting of a major annual forum like the UN Alliance for Civilisations, attended by several world leaders has put Qatar on the global map and the country and its capital have become sought after destinations, said Dr Prakash M Swamy, a senior Indian-American journalist in New York and a diplomatic correspondent at the United Nations headquarters.
Speaking to Gulf Times yesterday, the diplomatic columnist said Qatar had once again proved that it could host an international meet.
“The presence of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, German President Christian Wulff and others has proved the role played by Qatar not only in the region but at the global level as well, said Swamy, who was the political editor of a fortnightly magazine more than a decade ago.
“Many in the US and in the UN may not be so familiar with Qatar but its development, attitude to globalisation, tolerance and openness has made the country a truly international player compared to many nations in Asia and even debt-ridden Europe,” pointed out the UN correspondent.
“Credit for the success of the summit goes to HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. I met her during the UN General Assembly in New York. She was very warm and spoke to me then on her challenges in empowering women and her favourite issues such as education, liberty and freedom and eradication of poverty, normally mentioned at UN forums by politicians only to be forgotten the next minute when they step down from the podium,” he said.
“When I first visited Doha in 2002, it was a tiny city. In less than a decade, I am amazed at the growth and focus on infrastructure – hotels, roads, tourist attractions and what have you,” said Swamy.
“Qatar’s growth is phenomenal and stunning and there is enough reason to feel that Doha will attract more tourists in the years to come,” Swamy said.
