New york: On May 1, Qatar reaffirmed its dedication to achieving a Middle East devoid of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, emphasizing that the only assurance against their use or threat of use is complete elimination. Qatar's statement, delivered before the First Committee on Disarmament at the United Nations headquarters, highlighted nuclear disarmament as a crucial component of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It warned that the persistent presence of military nuclear capabilities beyond international verification frameworks undermines trust, escalates arms races, and creates a precarious security environment.
According to Qatar News Agency, in September, Qatar urged for heightened international efforts to completely eliminate nuclear weapons, underlining this objective as a humanitarian duty and ethical necessity amid rising armed conflicts and a nuclear arms race. This call was articulated by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi at the 70th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.
Dr. Al Hammadi addressed the severe challenges to international peace and security, citing increasing geopolitical disputes and armed conflicts, notably the Israeli occupation's actions against Palestinians, the Arabian Gulf crisis, and the accelerating nuclear arms race. He stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation to tackle these threats and support the international disarmament and arms-control framework, with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as its foundation, while also endorsing the IAEA's role as a safeguard.
Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development, has committed $600,000 to support IAEA projects under the Rays of Hope initiative, focusing on enhancing radiotherapy capabilities in Syria. Qatar remains fully committed to nuclear disarmament goals, preventing nuclear proliferation, and promoting peaceful atomic energy use, viewing the IAEA as a vital partner in advancing nuclear and radiological security.
In 2012, Qatar inaugurated the Qatar Regional Training Center for the Prohibition of Weapons, the first in the Middle East and Asia, reflecting its dedication to disarmament. Qatar is also actively involved with the Chemical Weapons Convention and established the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons to advise on weapon prohibition matters.
Qatar's efforts include launching the Doha Regional Center for Training on Conventions Related to Weapons of Mass Destruction in 2012, in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, to provide verification and compliance training. Qatar consistently participates in disarmament conferences, supporting peace, security, and prosperity globally.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, founded in 1957 and headquartered in Vienna, plays a pivotal role in promoting peaceful nuclear energy uses while preventing military diversion. With around 180 member states, it serves as a "safeguard" against declining nuclear standards.