Doha: The Shura Council participated in the 10th briefing session for parliamentarians on United Nations Operations, virtually organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) under the theme: ‘The UN Peacebuilding Commission: from underdog to key player for global peace’. HE Shura Council Deputy Speaker and Member of Office of IPU Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs, Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, represented the Shura Council in the session.

According to Qatar News Agency, the session focused on the UN Peacebuilding Commission’s (PBC) role, established in 2005, in supporting efforts for enduring peace by providing counsel to UN bodies and assisting countries affected by conflict. During the session, HE Dr. Al Sulaiti emphasized the PBC’s pivotal role in preventing armed conflicts by addressing root causes like human rights violations, poverty, and social marginalization. She highlighted the need to reinforce PBC’s capabilities, increase resources, and enhance cooperation with regional and inter
national organizations while engaging local communities in peace-building initiatives.

Dr. Al Sulaiti stressed the importance of prevention and early intervention, advocating for early warning systems and rigorous situation analysis. She called for enhanced transparency and accountability in PBC’s operations and proposed reforms in civil peacekeeping missions as effective tools for achieving peace. She underscored coordinated efforts among official and non-official parties to avoid contradictions.

The session also addressed challenges facing peace-building operations amid global conflicts, influenced by climate change and emerging geopolitical and technological advancements. Participants discussed the necessity of fostering the PBC’s role through proposed reforms, including expanding the PBC’s mandate, increasing funding, and boosting cooperation with regional and global entities.