United Nations/ UN Official to QNA: Qatar Is a Key Partner in Peacebuilding, Anti-Corruption Efforts
Doha, September 23 (QNA) - HE Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions at the United Nations, praised the distinguished role played by the State of Qatar, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in the fields of mediation, peacebuilding, anti-corruption, support for the rule of law, and countering terrorism.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Zouev said that the United Nations cooperates and works very closely with the State of Qatar in these important and diverse fields, noting that the two sides are also deeply involved in strengthening police institutions, not only within peacekeeping operations, but also through building their national capacities.
Zouev commended the State of Qatar's launch of a special anti-corruption award, the "His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award," which clearly confirms His Highness's commitment to combating and confronting this scourge and contributing effectively to anti-corruption efforts, which hinders development, progress, and advancement at all levels. He also noted that the award is an annual event that attracts widespread global attention and represents an opportunity for the United Nations and the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) to support HH the Amir's global vision and initiatives, expressing their personal appreciation for His Highness on these occasions and for launching such important initiatives.
He noted that he had previously participated in the award ceremony for several editions of the award, expressing his deep appreciation for the State of Qatar's positive and significant contributions in anti-corruption. He emphasized that corruption is a serious challenge that is addressed through global anti-corruption initiatives, both through the United Nations and through partnerships with key regional actors. He stated that among their active partnerships is the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center in the State of Qatar, as it is a key regional partner and plays an important role in these efforts.
In a related context, Zouev noted that the State of Qatar regularly hosts numerous international forums and supports training programs for thousands of law enforcement officers, border control personnel, and customs officials. He highlighted in particular the Doha Global Security Forum, a special event focused on international security challenges.
Regarding the strikes on Doha on 9 September, Zouev referred to the condemnation by the Secretary-General and the Security Council and expressed his deep regret for the loss ofcivilian life. He added, "The Security Council expressed its unanimous solidarity with Qatar. I was personally shocked by these strikes. I have visited Doha many times and am impressed not only by this country but also by its capital, which is a beautiful and very peaceful city."
Zouev expressed his great appreciation for the State of Qatar’s role in mediation and conflict resolution through diplomacy and negotiation, not only regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip but also in Afghanistan and other countries. He expressed his hope that further escalation or worsening of the situation in the region will not occur and that the State of Qatar, along with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, would continue their joint mediation efforts.
Turning to the State of Qatar’s support of the United Nations’ capacity building efforts, Zouev explained that he met with a number of Qatari officials during his recent visit to Doha and discussed with them ways to expand cooperation. He noted that the State of Qatar had signed a significant financial contribution in June 2025 to support the work of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). He stressed that this generous support would enable UNOCT to implement important programmes and initiatives in this field.
He also reviewed potential areas of cooperation between partners and stakeholders in the State of Qatar and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations to support capacity-building for law enforcement institutions in conflict-affected areas internationally. He noted that both sides are interested, in this context, in working together on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs for former combatants.
Zouev highlighted that the initiative of the Republic of Iraq to organize on 26 September in the United Nations Headquarters in New York, with the technical support of UNOCT, a High-Level International Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al-Hol, Surrounding Camps and Places of Detention. The event will include discussions focused on reintegration efforts, particularly of former terrorist fighters and their families.
He noted that addressing this challenge requires broad and committed international cooperation, and that the United Nations must work closely with countries in the region in this regard, particularly those with influence and strong diplomatic relations in the Middle East. He went on to say, "Qatar, in particular, enjoys excellent relations with many Arab and regional partners, and we hope to work collaboratively with the Qatari authorities in this area as well. Their support could be crucial in facilitating the prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of these individuals and help prevent future cycles of radicalization to terrorism and instability."
Zouev outlined the current priorities of UNOCT highlighting that the Office leads the U.N. Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, which brings together 46 entities under a unified framework. He noted that the main work priorities include providing strategic leadership and political coordination across the UN system, as well as capacity building for Member States, including technical assistance and training, along with horizontal coordination to ensure consistency among UN entities in supporting the rule of law, border management, countering terrorist access to funding and weapons, and preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism.
He continued, "We also manage several pioneering programs, including the U.N. Countering Terrorist Travel Programme, which currently supports 67 Member States in improving border security systems to track the movements of suspected terrorists."
In response to a question, he emphasized that enhancing international cooperation is an essential part of the United Nations' mandate. He said this includes encouraging the exchange of intelligence information among Member States, building joint capacities at the regional and subregional levels, and strengthening partnerships, including in the Gulf region where the State of Qatar plays a key role. He also emphasized that UNOCT organized 17 regional conferences to date for governments, experts, and other stakeholders, many of which were actively supported by the State of Qatar.
He added, "We try to leverage the UN's convening power, especially during events such as the UN General Assembly, which brings together heads of state and government, ministers, and senior officials from around the world. This is in addition to our strong geographic presence through Programme Offices in Doha, Budapest, Madrid, Nairobi and Rabat, enabling us to deliver more effectively, closer to our partners and beneficiaries on the ground."
Regarding the Department of Peace Operations' main priorities for promoting the rule of law and protecting civilians in conflict zones, Zouev explained that they are the protection of civilians in all types of conflicts and post-conflict situations. "Currently, we face such challenges in many regions, where our work encompasses multiple activities, but we pay particular attention to protecting civilians, and women and girls from exploitation and various violations, which often occur in war zones. We have several peacekeeping missions actively operating on the ground.
He addressed the current threats facing post-conflict societies and ways to address them, noting that the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, particularly the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, is working to build the capacity of national institutions in post-conflict societies.
He said that the primary focus now is on strengthening national police forces, in addition to engaging with a wide range of security sector actors, providing support in various forms, and working closely with judicial authorities in those countries to combat impunity.
At the end of his interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Zouev also addressed the challenges facing UN peacekeeping missions and broader cooperation with all 193 Member States, both at the policy and funding levels. The most prominent of these challenges currently is the reduction or withdrawal of funding by some major contributing countries, which directly impacts the ability to maintain and expand operations. In this context, he praised the strong and generous support of the State of Qatar. (QNA)
