The State of Qatar recently participated in a three-day workshop on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. Nasser Al Hanzab represented the Permanent Delegation of Qatar at the workshop, which was organized by the arms control and disarmament department of the Arab League in cooperation with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Folke Bernadotte Academy. This workshop aimed to enhance cooperation between regional and international organizations on disarmament issues and to build the capacities of Arab countries and Arab League employees.
The Arab League emphasized the importance of coordination and synergy of efforts between regional and international organizations in addressing disarmament issues in a statement released about the workshop. This event is part of the ongoing cooperation between the Arab League and the UN on peace and security matters. The workshop follows a similar event held in December 2022 at the Arab League’s General Secretariat, demonstrating the commitment of both organizations to tackling disarmament challenges in the region.
The workshop in Cairo was attended by 70 experts from 15 Arab countries, as well as representatives from the Arab League’s General Secretariat, the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the African Union Center for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD), and various UN bodies working on disarmament issues. The participation of a diverse group of experts and organizations highlights the collective effort to address the complex challenges of DDR in the Arab region. By sharing knowledge and best practices, participants aim to improve strategies for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration initiatives.
The workshop provided a platform for discussing key issues related to DDR, such as the importance of coordination among stakeholders, the role of international organizations in supporting disarmament efforts, and the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and development. Participants engaged in interactive sessions and shared experiences from their respective countries to promote learning and collaboration. By fostering dialogue and exchanging insights, the workshop sought to enhance the effectiveness of DDR programs and contribute to lasting peace and security in the Arab region.
Overall, the workshop on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Cairo highlighted the shared commitment of Arab countries, the Arab League, and international organizations to addressing disarmament challenges in the region. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing, participants worked towards enhancing the capacity of Arab countries to implement effective DDR initiatives and promote peace and security. The event served as a testament to the importance of coordination and cooperation in addressing complex issues such as disarmament and reconstruction in post-conflict settings.