Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of international conventions aimed at the prohibition and disarmament of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), stressing the importance of safeguarding future generations and protecting the planet. This message was delivered by Ahmed Abdullah al-Obaidly, a member of Qatar’s delegation at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, during his speech at the First Committee’s discussion on “Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.”
Al-Obaidly began by highlighting the severe risks posed by WMDs nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons emphasising their potential to threaten state security, endanger human safety, and violate fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life. He further noted that the danger escalates when non-state actors gain access to such weapons and their delivery systems.
Qatar’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of WMDs at the national level were also outlined. The country continues to refine its domestic legislation to ensure compliance with international treaties it has ratified. At the same time, Qatar remains an active partner with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), working to strengthen global disarmament initiatives. In this regard, Qatar recently hosted the 12th Annual Meeting of Representatives of the Chemical Industry and National Authorities of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention in Doha. This event, which ran from October 21 to 24, aimed to foster cooperation between the chemical industry and national authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the convention.
Qatar has also welcomed the OPCW’s recent resolution on the destruction of remaining chemical weapons in Syria, which was unanimously adopted at the 110th session of the Executive Council. The resolution, co-sponsored by over 50 countries, further supports Qatar’s diplomatic role in advancing international efforts to eliminate chemical weapon stockpiles and encourage cooperation among member states. Qatar, representing Syrian interests within the OPCW, had submitted the resolution as part of its broader efforts to combat the use of chemical weapons globally.
The country’s regional leadership in arms control extends beyond the OPCW. Qatar has played an active role in the Arab Forum on Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation, having hosted three sessions, with the latest held in Doha in June 2024. The forum fosters dialogue and raises awareness of disarmament’s importance across the Arab region.
Furthermore, Qatar has taken concrete steps to strengthen regional cooperation in the field of biological weapons control. In 2024, it hosted a training course at the UN House in Doha for national focal points on the Biological Weapons Convention, focusing on enhancing its implementation and facilitating the exchange of expertise between stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa.
Qatar’s actions demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the global disarmament agenda, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in ensuring a safer world. Through its leadership in regional and international forums, Qatar continues to make significant contributions toward the eradication of WMDs, while promoting the safety and security of future generations.
For further insight into Qatar’s international initiatives, see our coverage on Qatar–Pakistan Joint Ministerial Committee and Qatar Stock Exchange’s latest performance.
