Qatar participated in the launch of the 14th Arab Cultural Development Report, issued by the Arab Thought Foundation under the title of "Arab Food and Water Security: Accumulated Crises and Promising Initiatives”, at an event held yesterday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo.
Qatar was represented at the event by Amna Abdulrahman al-Sulaiti from the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the Arab League.
Addressing the opening session, Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said that the report reflects the close relationship between culture and development, noting that effective resource management and the rationalisation of consumption require public awareness, policies grounded in knowledge and foresight, and institutions capable of meeting future needs.
He said that water and food security are integral to the broader concept of Arab national security, emphasising that Arab water rights are matters of sovereignty and security, while also offering opportunities for co-operation in pursuit of mutual interests.
Fahmy stressed that water and food must not be used as tools of war or political pressure.
He underscored the need to move from managing crises after they occur to anticipating and preparing for them, adding that the General Secretariat is developing an Arab early warning and foresight system that connects water, food, and climate security indicators with political, economic, social, and security dimensions.
Fahmy also described Arab integration in this field as a practical necessity, calling for the region’s diverse capabilities and expertise to be harnessed in building a joint Arab capacity that is better prepared and more effective in addressing risks and challenges.
He stressed that the initiative should not end with the report’s launch, but should serve as a starting point for turning its ideas and recommendations into practical proposals that strengthen the institutions and mechanisms of joint Arab action.