On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the University of Bucharest hosted a roundtable discussion titled „From Mediation to Resolution: Qatar’s Role in Global Peace Building“, an event that brought together high-ranking Qatari officials and members of the UB academic community. The meeting highlighted Qatar’s active involvement in mediating international conflicts and promoting peace through diplomacy.
The event took place in the Council Hall of the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work (Panduri Street, no. 90) and provided a suitable setting for debates on current issues in foreign policy. Students, professors, and researchers from the University of Bucharest had the opportunity to engage directly with Qatari officials and explore Qatar’s perspectives on international mediation.
Representing the State of Qatar at the event were: H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, H.E. Osama Yousef A.A. Alqaradawi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Romania, Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Nuaimi, Secretary I of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Thamer Al-Thani, and Mr. Fawaz Al-Yafie, Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.
The University of Bucharest was represented by: Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest, Professor Romiță Iucu, PhD, of the University’s Board of Trustees, UB Representative in the Steering Committee and CIVIS Educational Council, and faculty member at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences. Associate Professor Laura Sitaru, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Associate Professor Matei Gheboianu, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of History, Professor Lucian Ciolan, PhD, and Professor Răzvan Mihail Papuc, PhD, Vice-Rectors of UB, and Professor Virgil Băran, PhD, Director of the Doctoral Studies Council.
Qatar’s Role in International Mediation
During the event, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi delivered a lecture titled “From Mediation to Resolution: Qatar’s Role in Global Peace Building”, emphasizing the importance of mediation in Qatar’s foreign policy and the country’s strong commitment to the peaceful resolution of international conflicts. Qatar promotes preventive diplomacy and maintains balanced relationships with various parties, allowing it to act as a trusted mediator in regional and international conflicts.
The Minister of State explained that Qatar’s efforts align with the principles of the United Nations Charter, which advocates for the peaceful resolution of disputes through negotiation and conciliation. An effective mediator, he noted, must understand the deep-rooted causes of a conflict and adopt appropriate strategies, whether by facilitating dialogue, organizing the negotiation process, or directly engaging in mediation. Essential factors such as building trust between parties, selecting a neutral negotiation venue, and collaborating with international partners were highlighted as key elements in the success of the mediation process.
In his concluding remarks, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi pointed out the current challenges in mediation, including geopolitical instability, the complexity of conflicts, and the influence of various international actors. He emphasized that while major powers are often involved in resolving global disputes, smaller states like Qatar can play a crucial role due to their neutrality and diplomatic flexibility.
The second part of the event was dedicated to a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. Students, professors, and researchers from the University of Bucharest asked questions about Qatar’s foreign policy and the role of diplomacy in preventing and resolving international conflicts. In his responses, the Qatari official stressed the need to strengthen mediation efforts as a strategic tool for maintaining global peace and stability.
The event organized at the University of Bucharest provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and deepening discussions on international diplomacy and conflict mediation. Through his speech, H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi reaffirmed Qatar’s active role in promoting peaceful solutions worldwide, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and international collaboration. The debates and the Q&A session demonstrated the academic community’s strong interest in global diplomacy and the mediation mechanisms that can contribute to a more stable and peaceful future.
SECŢIUNE ACCESIBILIZATĂ PENTRU PERSOANELE CU DIZABILITĂŢI DE VEDERE
Postări asemănătoare:
The University of Bucharest, Present in Chișinău as a Partner of the “Culture and Academic Dialogue: Openings Towards the Common European Future” Series, Organized by the State University of Moldova
The International Conference “Conceptualizing and understanding the role of the African Diaspora(s) in Europe and in Africa”, organized by the University of Bucharest under the auspices of CIVIS
The University of Bucharest, present at the Global CIVIS Days 2024 event, hosted by Paris Lodron University of Salzburg
