tag

The State of Qatar, represented by the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, participated in the 12th meeting of the Anti-Corruption Ministerial Committee of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Excellency the President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) Hamad bin Nasser al-Misnad headed Qatar’s delegation to the meeting. The meeting reviewed key issues of mutual interest and discussed ways to strengthen GCC co-operation in promoting integrity and transparency.

Excessive use of artificial intelligence (AI) to solve practice papers could give students a false sense of preparedness and prevent them from identifying their actual weaknesses, a number of education experts, academics, students and parents have said. The experts said that AI can be a valuable educational tool when used after students have attempted questions independently. It can help explain difficult concepts, identify mistakes and provide additional learning resources, they added, but should not replace revision, practice and independent thinking. Educational consultant Rashid al-Fadli said that AI has made learning easier by providing quick access to information, explanations and educational assistance. However, excessive reliance on ready-made answers could encourage dependency, weaken students’ ability to remember and understand information, and create what he described as “blind confidence” in AI-generated content. Al-Fadli called for schools to organise training for teachers on identifying inappropriate AI use in assignments and projects, while educating students on responsible use and avoiding copying or cheating. Educator Wahib al-Wahibi said that AI can simplify complex subjects, particularly mathematics and physics, and offer explanations suited to different levels of understanding. However, he warned that excessive dependence could produce students who lack the willingness to research, analyse and question information independently. “AI should provide additional explanations and diverse sources, not simply transfer information or provide ready-made answers,” al-Wahibi said, stressing that teachers can also demonstrate responsible use of the technology in the classroom. At university level, associate professor Dr Boumediene Ramdani stressed the importance of academic integrity. He said that submitting AI-generated content as a student’s own work conflicts with academic conduct rules. At the same time, Dr Ramdani said that students should not be isolated from AI, but taught to use it responsibly to support analysis, creativity and learning while remaining accountable for their own work. Cybersecurity student Shafi al-Qahtani said students should first complete practice examinations independently so they can accurately assess their performance. AI can then be used to explain mistakes and clarify difficult concepts. He also highlighted the importance of protecting personal and sensitive information when using AI platforms. Parent Mishal al-Sulaiti said that relying on AI to complete practice papers could prevent students from discovering their genuine level of preparation. He called for greater parental follow-up and teacher training to identify inappropriate use while promoting productive applications of AI in education. Fellow parent Hamad al-Marri similarly stressed that solving practice papers independently is essential for identifying weaknesses and developing problem-solving skills. He warned that AI could become harmful if it shifts from being a support tool to a substitute for study and personal effort. Computer science student Abdulaziz al-Haidous said the key issue is not AI itself but how it is used, noting that students can benefit from it for research and explanations. Student Salman Mahmoud urged users to treat AI as a “private tutor” or “teaching assistant” and verify its answers through books, teachers and other reliable sources rather than accepting its output as absolute fact.

Pakistan's ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Aamer has hailed His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly as "timely, courageous and squarely on message", saying it charted a clear diplomatic course out of the crisis gripping the region.The envoy said His Highness the Amir had placed dialogue, negotiation and mediation at the heart of his address at a moment when the Gulf could least afford miscalculation."His Highness reminded the world that time does not heal conflicts left without a just settlement, it only compounds their costs. The region has learnt that truth at great price," the ambassador said.He singled out His Highness' call to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations, and to build a regional collective security system based on sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference."Qatar's credentials as a trusted mediator are beyond question. When His Highness says a diplomatic solution is both possible and realistic, the world should listen, because Doha has repeatedly turned that conviction into results," he said.On Palestine, the envoy praised the Amir's categorical description of events in Gaza as "genocide in every sense of the word"."It takes moral clarity to say it plainly from that podium. His Highness spoke for the conscience of the Muslim world and for millions beyond it," he said.The envoy said Qatar's and Pakistan's views converged on many of the issues His Highness raised. Both countries back an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital. Both also insist that Israel honour its ceasefire commitments in full, withdraw from Gaza, lift the blockade and allow unhindered humanitarian access.Islamabad, he noted, shares Doha's position that disputes must be settled through dialogue grounded in international law. It also agrees that the sovereignty of states must be respected, among them Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.He also stressed a shared concern over the economic fallout of the Gulf crisis. "As His Highness observed, when energy lifelines become instruments of pressure, ordinary people far from the conflict pay through the price of food and medicine. Pakistan feels that acutely," he said."His Highness's warning that the law must apply equally to all, or lose its meaning, is one Pakistan wholeheartedly endorses. On the fundamentals of peace, justice and respect for international law, Qatar and Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder."The envoy hailed the Amir's closing message. "His Highness showed that steadfastness and flexibility can go hand in hand, and he ended on the most enduring truth of all: that dialogue is the only path that leaves neither victor nor vanquished. That is statesmanship of the highest order, and it is the message this troubled region most needed to hear." 

Qatar and Nauru signed an agreement Wednesday to establish diplomatic relations, pledging to strengthen friendship and co-operation.The agreement was signed at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York by Her Excellency Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani and Nauru’s Permanent Representative to the UN Lara Erab Daniel.Both sides affirmed their commitment to promoting mutual understanding and co-operation, guided by the UN Charter and international law, particularly the principles of international peace and security, equality among states, and respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The State of Qatar participated in the activities of the first Arab Forum for Administrative Justice and Integrity, which was held in Cairo under the title 'Developing Administrative Investigation Skills and Promoting Governance Principles.'As part of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the Arab League, Amna Abdulrahman Al Sulaiti attended the forum's activities.The forum, organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization in cooperation with the Administrative Prosecution Authority of the Arab Republic of Egypt, aims to highlight the role of administrative investigation as a pivotal tool in supporting transparency and accountability, in addition to reviewing the legal frameworks and practical applications related to governance. The forum will also discuss best practices and experiences in developing disciplinary systems and promoting institutional integrity within government agencies.The forum’s themes address the concept of good governance and its dimensions in public administration, administrative investigation as a tool to promote governance in light of the United Nations Convention against Corruption 2003, and technical problems in administrative investigation and their impact on the effectiveness of governance. Additionally, modern judicial principles and trends in disciplinary accountability and governance support will be addressed, as well as disciplinary sanctions and administrative grievances and their role in establishing the principle of accountability and governance in comparative disciplinary systems in Arab countries, in addition to holding simulation sessions and practical applications to link administrative investigation with governance principles.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met Wednesday with French President's Envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is visiting the country.They discussed bilateral co-operation between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen it. They explored the latest developments in Lebanon, in addition to several issues of common concern.The prime minister stressed that Lebanon's stability is a fundamental pillar of regional stability, and underlined the need for all parties to abide by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and to fully respect Lebanon's sovereignty.He also reaffirmed Qatar's condemnation of the Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory, emphasising the need for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities to stop these violations and to preserve Lebanon's stability.The PM further highlighted the pivotal role of the Quintet Group in supporting Lebanon, noting in this context that Qatar will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure coordinated efforts aimed at safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supporting its recovery and development paths.  

Turkiye's president Tuesday called Israel's recognition of so-called Somaliland "illegitimate and unacceptable" as he hosted a visit by his Somali counterpart."Preserving the unity and integrity of Somalia in all circumstances holds special importance in our view. Israel's decision to recognise Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable," Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a press conference alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.Israel sparked criticism last Friday when it said it was officially recognising Somaliland — a breakaway territory in Somalia's north.The declaration was a first for the territory, which in 1991 had unilaterally declared secession from Somalia.Israel's move has drawn widespread criticism from the African Union, Egypt and the European Union, which insist on Somalia's sovereignty.Turkiye, a close ally of Somalia, has frequently clashed with Israel over a range of issues, especially over the conflict in Gaza and Israeli obstruction of aid to the Palestinian territory.Mohamud said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "aggressive position, which also includes Somalia, is unacceptable".He called Netanyahu's Somaliland declaration "a violation of international law" and "the start of insecurity and instability, especially for Somalia and the African region". 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani expressed Qatar's full support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its keen interest in Somalia's security and stability and in the protection of its brotherly people's interests.This came during a phone call received by President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.During the call, the Somali president expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for his role and support in adopting an international stance rejecting the Israeli decision to recognise the so-called Somaliland.The call also discussed bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them, in addition to addressing developments in the Somali arena.A Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) statement Saturday also expressed its firm rejection of a joint declaration between the Israeli occupation and the Somaliland region recognising one another, stressing that the step was a dangerous precedent in contrast with international law. It underlined the move as undermining the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.MOFA emphasised Qatar's firm rejection of any attempts to establish or impose parallel entities that could undermine the unity of Somalia, stressing its full support for legitimate Somali state institutions and its commitment to maintaining the security and stability of Somalia as well as the interests of its people.It also stressed that the Israeli occupation would be better off recognising a Palestinian state, which the international community agreed has a right to be established. The ministry also added that the occupation should work to permanently end the war in Gaza, instead of undermining international legitimacy and maintaining its reckless policies that play a role in intensifying tensions and instability in the region.The ministry renewed Qatar's firm position of supporting the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its unity, and its call to commit to international law and respect international legitimacy resolutions. The ministry also renewed Qatar's call to intensify international efforts to maintain security and stability in the Horn of Africa region. 

His Excellency President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), Hamad bin Nasser Al Misnad affirmed that the Arabic language constitutes a fundamental pillar in promoting the values of integrity and transparency and safeguarding cultural identity, adding that ethical values are inseparable from language and culture.In a speech delivered during the celebration of World Arabic Language Day — held in conjunction with the State of Qatar’s hosting of the eleventh session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, His Excellency stated: "The Arabic language is not merely a means of communication; it is a vessel of culture, a repository of values, and a tool for enhancing societal awareness." He explained that "the precision of meaning and the elevated structures embodied in the Arabic language contribute to reinforcing the principles of truthfulness, trustworthiness, and accountability, and to protecting words from distortion and deviation, thereby supporting efforts to build more upright and transparent societies."He noted that the coincidence of World Arabic Language Day with Qatar National Day carries profound symbolism, underscoring the status of the language as a bridge for dialogue, a platform for culture, and a means of upholding human dignity. He said: "The concurrence of World Arabic Language Day with the National Day of the State of Qatar embodies deep symbolism that affirms the language’s role as a bridge for dialogue, a forum for culture, and an instrument for elevating human being and preserving dignity, as well as for renewing national and international commitment to combating corruption."In concluding his remarks, HE Al Misnad commended the efforts of the entities organizing the event, stressing the importance of continuing to strengthen the presence of the Arabic language across various fields, in a manner that contributes to consolidating ethical values and building sustainable societal awareness.

Qatar reaffirmed its firm position in support of the unity of Sudan, the integrity of its territory, and the right of its brotherly people to enjoy security, stability, and a dignified life. This came in Qatar's statement delivered by Her Excellency Permanent Representative of Qatar in Geneva Dr Hend bint Abdulrahman al-Muftah, during the 38th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on human rights situation in and around El-Fasher, Sudan held in Geneva.Her Excellency al-Muftah reiterated Qatar's ongoing commitment to promoting and protecting the human rights of the Sudanese people and rejecting any form of interference in Sudan's internal affairs, particularly those that fuel the ongoing armed conflict and contribute to its prolongation.She expressed Qatar's shock and strong condemnation of the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces in the city of El Fasher following the recent attack, calling for an end to these violations and crimes and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.She also renewed Qatar's call for an end to the war in Sudan and for a peaceful resolution that ensures the country's unity, preserves its institutions, and safeguards its territorial sovereignty.She stressed that the time has come for the world to pay attention to this humanitarian tragedy and work seriously to end it, as each passing day reveals more atrocities that are paid for by innocent civilians, as witnessed in El-Fasher and its surroundings, with fears of recurrence in other areas unless swift action is taken to stop them.Her Excellency al-Muftah reaffirmed Qatar's solidarity with the Sudanese people during this critical humanitarian situation and its continued provision of all forms of support to alleviate the crisis.She called on the international community to intensify its efforts and respond by providing humanitarian aid to meet the growing needs of the Sudanese people.At the conclusion of its special session, the Human Rights Council adopted, without a vote, a resolution calling for an urgent investigation into recent violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law committed in El-Fasher and surrounding areas.