Qatar has stressed that extremism in all its aspects and manifestations has become a major challenge for the societies of the world, as young people and children have become the most prominent victims, reiterating its commitment to combating all forms of extremism and terrorism.
This came in a statement delivered by ambassador Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to United Nations (UN) Organisations in Vienna, before the Sub-Regional Workshop on the Prevention of Violent Extremism organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Venice, Italy.
The ambassador stressed the importance of education in facing extremism and achieving justice within the framework of the global programme for the implementation of the Doha Declaration.
He pointed out that Qatar has decided to generously support the efforts of the international community to root out the phenomenon of extremism in line with its commitment to combating all forms of violent extremism.
He stressed that protecting youth from extremism requires the international community to develop a long-term strategy and action plans adapted to different regions, with full respect for cultural diversity and the principles of state sovereignty as well as territorial integrity.
The ambassador added that prevention is always better than cure, and the role of education is crucial in this respect. Education programmes must be supported by policymakers, civil society organisations, intellectuals, academics, religious leaders and the media, as building awareness among young people is a must, as Unesco’s slogan (building peace in the minds of men and women) says.