In an international meeting of UNESCO in Venice, the State of Qatar affirms its commitment to combating all forms of violent extremism and terrorism as the biggest challenge facing societies in the world

H.E. Sheikh Ali Bin Jassim Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in Vienna, said that extremism in all its aspects and manifestations has become a major challenge to our societies, where young people and children are the most prominent victims.
In a statement to the regional workshop on prevention of violent extremism organized by UNESCO and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Venice, Italy, he stressed the importance of education in the face of extremism and achieving justice within the framework of the World Program for the Implementation of the Doha Declaration, supported by the State of Qatar.
H.E. said that the State of Qatar has decided to generously support the efforts of the international community to eradicate the scourge of extremism in line with its commitments to combat all forms of violent extremism through its generous contributions to international funds, initiatives and programs aimed at preventing violent extremism.
He went on to say:"We are inspired by the Doha Declaration, which affirms the commitment of Member States (to confront violent extremism that can lead to terrorism and to strengthen our efforts to implement programs to eliminate extremism),and this commitment is consistent with the UN's 16 goals for sustainable development”.
H.E. the Ambassador 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 sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
H.E. also said: "Prevention is always better than treatment, and the role of education is crucial, and education programs need to be supported by policy makers, civil society organizations, intellectuals, academics, religious leaders and the media, considering that youth building is a must, according to UNESCO's slogan (Building Peace in the Minds of Men and Women)”.
H.E. the Ambassador expressed, at the end of the statement, his country's deep appreciation for the efforts of UNESCO, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other United Nations organizations in providing training and tools to Member States, particularly in developing countries for combating extremism, and called for more efforts in this aspect.
H.E. Sheikh / Ali Bin Jassim Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in Vienna, held a series of meetings on the sidelines of the Venice Regional Workshop on Prevention of Extremism with the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Europe, H.E. Mrs. Ana Luisa Thompson - Flores and her assistant for program implementation, Ms. Christina Vatsia, as well as a number of representatives of the countries participating in the workshop.