The 6th Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians, organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Doha-based UN Program Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism, has commenced in Doha. The two-day conference aims to enhance the role of women parliamentarians in formulating policies, exchanging experiences, and promoting awareness about the importance of women in combating terrorism. The conference also aims to develop sustainable strategies, encourage research, and provide recommendations for national and international legislation to combat terrorism effectively.
Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti emphasized the crucial role women parliamentarians play in developing, implementing, and monitoring legislation to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism. She highlighted Qatar’s hosting of the UN Program Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism and praised the cooperation between the office and the Shura Council. Dr. Al Sulaiti also commended Qatar’s preventive diplomacy efforts in resolving regional conflicts and urged international organizations to play an active role in maintaining global peace and security.
The conference theme focuses on the role of women parliamentarians in promoting peace and security globally. Dr. Al Sulaiti stressed the need for frameworks and strategies to implement recommendations from previous women parliamentarians conferences and called for reforms within the UN Security Council to achieve justice and prevent conflicts. She highlighted the detrimental effects of terrorism and violent extremism, especially on women and children, and urged women parliamentarians to use the media to combat hate speech and social media platforms spreading extremism.
Dr. Al Sulaiti addressed the ongoing violations of human rights in Gaza by the Israeli entity and underscored the importance of preventing the radicalization of young people. She emphasized the role of parliamentarians in prevention and control by enacting legislation, monitoring implementation, and influencing resource allocations to combat terrorism effectively. Dr. Al Sulaiti called for a recommendation to end aggression and human rights violations in Gaza and emphasized the need for international organizations to take decisive action in achieving peace and security.
Participants in the conference will discuss the definitions of combating terrorism, the conditions facilitating its spread, the motives behind violent extremism, and the roles of men and women in extremist groups. The sessions will focus on the necessary legislation, policies, and strategies to combat terrorism, ensure alignment with legal frameworks, and increase women parliamentarians’ representation in security and defense committees. The conference aims to develop recommendations, outcomes, and executive strategies to strengthen international efforts in combating terrorism, preventing extremism, and safeguarding global peace and security.
