NAM Ministerial Meeting Opens Today in Doha

Doha, February 12 (QNA) - The third ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on the Advancement of Women began today at Doha Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Qatar's delegation to the three-day conference is headed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah. HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Co-operation Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Jabor Al Thani opened the inaugural session of the senior officials of the NAM countries. About 500 representatives from more than 80 member-countries participated in the conference. At the outset of his speech, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Jabor Al-Thani said that participation in this meeting reflects NAM countries' keenness on the issues of gender equality and the advancement of women, noting to the important role of the previous ministerial meetings, which was a platform to exchange experiences and learn about other countries' experiences of how to deal with the challenges facing women in our world today and propose solutions and appropriate mechanisms. HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for International Co-operation Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Jabor Al Thani emphasized that the State of Qatar hosts the ministerial meeting on the advancement of women within the framework of its ongoing quest to strengthen the protection of women's rights and empower them in all areas, politically, economically and socially. HE also stressed Qatar's keenness to continue dialogue and consultation to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and correct negative stereotypes that have negative impact on women in the society. He also expressed hope that the Doha meeting could achieve the desired goals for which it was held, pointing out that despite the existence of consciousness, progress and achievements in many countries of the world, through the enactment of laws and the development of comprehensive plans to improve the status of women, the phenomenon of violence against women in different parts of the world still exist. As part of reducing this phenomenon, the Assistant Foreign Minister pointed to the significant role played by United Nations entities, saying that the General Assembly announced that November 25 of each year is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to regulate activities in this day to increase public awareness of the problem. In the same context, he added that "Unite to End Violence Against Women" campaign launched by UN Secretary General in 2008 seeks to mobilize efforts in all parts of the United Nations system, and invites all countries to put strong laws and adopt multi-sectoral action plans by 2015, as well as preventive measures to face violence against women.( More)