Georgetown University in Qatar recently hosted a panel discussion on the importance of maintaining international stability and the role of humanitarian law in times of crisis. The event highlighted Qatar’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian and human rights law, with His Excellency Dr. Turki bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud emphasizing the country’s role as a mediator in restoring and maintaining global security. Qatar’s strong relationships with other countries have allowed it to become a trusted mediator, with a history of involvement in conflict resolution in countries like Bosnia and Lebanon.
During the discussion, Dr. Turki outlined the critical factors for successful mediation, stressing the importance of negotiations, direct communication, and highly experienced negotiators. He expressed hope that Qatar’s mediation efforts could contribute to peace and security in the region. The event was moderated by Dr. Mehran Kamrava, a Professor of Government at GU-Q, who facilitated a thoughtful conversation on the importance of diplomacy and conflict resolution in ensuring lasting peace.
In a separate event, Georgetown University in Qatar also hosted a panel discussion on addressing humanitarian crises, titled “Safeguarding the Laws of War: The Role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).” Panelists, Basma Tabaja and Yara Khawaja from the ICRC, emphasized the crucial role of international organizations in alleviating the suffering of millions of people affected by armed conflicts around the world. They discussed the laws of war and the challenges facing organizations like the ICRC in their humanitarian efforts.
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Noha Aboueldahab, an Assistant Professor of International Law at GU-Q, who facilitated a conversation on the potential and limitations of international organizations in addressing humanitarian crises. Basma Tabaja and Yara Khawaja shared insights from their work at the ICRC, highlighting the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and the need for cooperative efforts to protect the rights and dignity of individuals affected by conflicts.
Overall, the panel discussions at Georgetown University in Qatar shed light on the critical role of mediation and international organizations in maintaining global stability and addressing humanitarian crises. Qatar’s commitment to upholding humanitarian and human rights law, as well as its role as a mediator, demonstrates its dedication to promoting peace and security in the region and beyond. The discussions also highlighted the challenges facing international organizations like the ICRC in their efforts to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by armed conflicts, underscoring the need for continued cooperation and support in addressing humanitarian crises worldwide.