Oxford:HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized the importance of economically thriving small states in enhancing global peace and security during his address at the Oxford Union.
According to Qatar News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed delivered a speech titled "Prosperity in a Divided World Small States and the Redrawing the Map of Global Influence," highlighting the potential of smaller yet prosperous nations to contribute significantly to global stability. He stressed that these countries, through their collective influence, diplomatic experience, and economic strength, can promote international peace more effectively.
Sheikh Mohammed noted the historic role of the post-World War II international system in establishing rules, institutions, and open markets that fostered cooperation and stability. He pointed out that although smaller nations are not major powers, their investments in infrastructure and economic models have made them crucial players in the global economy. Despite this, decisions about international peace and security often exclude these nations, a discrepancy he believes needs addressing.
He cited Qatar's proactive approach in investing in its people and economy, as well as its efforts in peace facilitation and mediation, as an example of how smaller states can influence global affairs. Sheikh Mohammed warned against narratives and actions that undermine the rules-based international order and underscored the need for thriving states to collaborate, combining their strengths to foster a sustainable framework for international peace and stability.