Doha: Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar's emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the success reflects increasing international confidence in Qatar and its strong global reputation. The emergency item, titled "The urgent need for coordinated parliamentary efforts to uphold ceasefire agreements and support the achievement of peace in the Middle East and other regions," received 1,316 votes in favour, three against, and 51 abstentions, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. It marks the first time an Arab-proposed emergency item has secured the required votes since the mechanism was introduced in 1976.
The State of Qatar presented the initiative jointly with Australia, Turkiye, France, Brazil, Zambia, Poland, Portugal, Italy, and Ireland, with broad backing from Arab, Latin American and Caribbean, and African groups within the union. HE Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council and Vice-Chair of the IPU Arab Group, emphasized the importance of coordinated parliamentary action to sustain ceasefires, protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and advance peace negotiations.
HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dossari, Member of the Shura Council, noted that the success of the Qatar-led initiative represents a collective Arab achievement, enhancing Arab parliamentary influence within international institutions. HE Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Malki highlighted that the emergency item addresses pressing global issues affecting humanity, emphasizing the need for urgent coordinated efforts and swift parliamentary action.
HE Eng. Ahmed bin Hitmi Al Hitmi stressed the moral and political responsibility of parliaments to push for dialogue over conflict and activate parliamentary diplomacy mechanisms. HE Yousuf bin Ali Al Khater added that the initiative reflects Qatar's ability to build broad alliances and coordinate effectively, reinforcing the country's growing diplomatic influence.
HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council, Naif bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud, expressed appreciation for growing international confidence in Qatar, commending the professional efforts that secured overwhelming support for the proposal. A well-structured plan guided the initiative from its early stages, executed with high efficiency, with the General Secretariat playing a key role in providing administrative and technical support.
The Qatari emergency item was approved by a large majority for inclusion in the agenda of the 152nd IPU Assembly in Istanbul. The proposal focuses on mobilizing parliamentary efforts to support ceasefires, advance peaceful solutions, protect civilians, ensure maritime security, and maintain international shipping routes amid escalating global crises. Parliamentary diplomacy remains a vital tool in supporting state policies, complementing official diplomacy, and strengthening international partnerships.