JOSEPH VARGHESE

DOHA THE United Nations flag was raised at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) for the thirteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad XIII) on Sunday.

The Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani will inaugurate the conference which begins on Saturday with the participation of 194 countries. Qatar has also become the first Arab country to chair Unctad, a position it will hold for the next four years.

The flag-hoisting ceremony took place in the presence of Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage and Head of Unctad XIII National Organising Committee HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al Kuwari, Unctad Chairman Anthony Maruping, Special Advisor to Unctad Secretary-General Kobsak Chutikul and representatives of a number of diplomatic missions and government bodies in Qatar.

The symbolic ceremony marked the beginning of activities for Unctad XIII. During the flag raising ceremony, QNCC was handed over to the United Nations as official UN territory for the duration of Unctad XIII.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kuwari emphasised the efforts of the UN in creating a more inclusive world, with a global economy that works for all. He said “Almost 50 years ago, a group of visionaries made history. They saw a better world, one that was not divided into prosperity and hope, and poverty and want. They sought to make the world more inclusive, to make the global economy work for all. They sought to transform the world as it was, into the world as it should be. We continue our endeavour in international cooperation and collaboration for development. This morning, we make this site the place where great thoughts will be shared, where profound words will be spoken, and where great deeds shall be done.” Regarding Qatar’s active role in world affairs, he said that raising of the UN flag in Doha was a symbol of the confidence of the international community in the country. “The UN flag represents all the nations of the world and their cultures.

We in Qatar - leadership and people - are proud of the leverage that our country has in the international community. Before the end of this year the country will host very important conferences like Unctad.

“As we raise the flag of the United Nations, we tell everyone that Qatar belongs to the world. We signal that the international community meets in Doha, under the banner of humanity, to work collectively and cooperatively to make the world a better place,” he added.

Maruping said that the vibrant, thriving and beautiful city of Doha has become a hub of global development and added that the conference will help the world in surging ahead harnessing the energies of trade and development in a bigger way for the generations to come.

Dr Chutikul applauded Qatar for bringing everyone, from all sections of the society, from all countries around the world, under one roof. “For the first time ever, all events of an Unctad conference will be held in a single building due to Qatar National Convention Centre and its state-of-the-art venues, large enough to accommodate all needs.” Lauding Qatar he said, “The participants from around the world can get a glimpse of the future here in Doha. They will be able to see what the determination and dedication of a people, and the clear direction provided by a government, can achieve.”