Under the current extraordinary circumstances, when the outbreak of Covid-19 emerged as a “Black Swan” and consequently impacted most of economic activities all over the globe since early 2020, governmental and private sectors have proved to be prudent, trusted and responsible partners in defeating the novel virus threat.
As regards to the State of Qatar, tireless continuous efforts and a comprehensive set of supportive measures undertaken to halt the virus spreading and address the caused economic consequences reflects the extent of support and attention the leadership and the esteemed government attach upon the score.
The absolute transparency adopted by Qatar in conveying facts related to the novel Covid-19 outbreak, is much appreciated and thankfully welcomed by the citizens and residents. The country’s proactive and innovative approach in monitoring new cases, coupled with straightforward awareness campaign on the precautionary and preventive measures ensures the primary safety line which is shaped by the conscience of people and their control over themselves.
The government contributes a lot to providing food and hygiene stuff for citizens and residents through setting price limits for food items. Moreover, as a social responsibility move, the Qatar Charity in co-operation with the authorities concerned, distributes health and awareness kits, food baskets and other materials to the beneficiaries.
Recognising the pandemic immerse exposure, the Doha-based Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) strictly follows the instructions by the wise leadership of the State of Qatar alongside the Supreme Committee’s for Crisis Management recommendations.
Being thankful for the safety and care measures, I offer sincere appreciation to the State of Qatar for consistent and efficient set of measures in combating the Covid-19 in the country, high-quality selfless medical support and treatment for all, and unfaltering devotion to common health.
In turn, the GECF community reaffirms, that the coronavirus is a common challenge and all of us must show greater solidarity so that we could emerge even stronger from the crisis unleashed by the pandemic. We are facing unprecedented time, when common endeavours are much-needed as never before in order to safe lives and speed up return of habitual lifestyle fulfilled with offline communications.
Being in compassionate solidarity with those under medical treatment and quarantine, the Forum’s Secretariat adheres all the WHO’s and local authorities’ guidelines and standards thoroughly to reduce risks for all. Thus, the GECF premises remain operating, but all the staff fully shifted to remote work starting from March 22. Only in case if the work cannot be done remotely from home, it is allowed to attend the office with inevitable adherence of all the precautionary measures. The team keeps up well, despite the fact that they have to work from home. Carrying out professional mandates in the changed working environment has become possible via innovative technologies – there are a diverse array of utilities and digital platforms for immediate communication, information exchange, and files access for employees working on a remote site. Apart from that, it is with comfort that there are no cases among the GECF staff in Qatar. Recalling multinational and multicultural nature of our organisation, we are grateful to the GECF’s Member Countries leadership and relevant authorities for ongoing co-operation, unwavering support, flexibility and readiness to compromise. This is decisive and especially much-appreciated in the times of pressing shocks and global challenges.
* Dr Yury Sentyurin is Secretary General of the GECF.
About Gas Exporting Countries Forum
Gas Exporting Countries Forum is a Doha-based international governmental organisation with 20 Member Countries – Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Norway, Oman, Peru, United Arab Emirates, which jointly control 72% of the proven gas reserves, 46% of its marketed production, 55% of pipeline and 61% of LNG exports across the globe.
Being a foremost energy association, officially established in 2008, the GECF has recorded notable milestones and remains committed to supporting its Member Countries in the pursue to strengthen global energy security and meet the world’s growing energy demand, meanwhile proving to be reliable suppliers of natural gas – a prominent contributor in the global pursuit towards net-zero emissions energy systems and attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Forum provides granular, scientifically based insights into the state of natural gas based on the diverse variety of the instruments and deliverables such as the GECF Global Gas Model – now with elements of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, Global Gas Outlook 2050, Special Envoys on Data and Statistics, Data Exchange Mechanism, the Short-, Medium and Long Term Gas Market Reviews, Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Statistical Bulletins.
GECF increasingly engages with UN agencies, the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and Global Environment for Sustainable growth, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), Opec, OAPEC, APPO, IEF, IEA, IRENA, OLADE, IGU, other peers, and regional entities, as well as maintains strategic multifaceted dialogue amongst natural gas producers and consumers.