Qatar Highlights Efforts to Safeguard Religious Sites at UNAOC Global Forum.

Cascais: The State of Qatar participated in a significant event focused on 'Safeguarding Religious Sites: A Multistakeholder Approach', which was held on the sidelines of the 10th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal. According to Qatar News Agency, during the event, HE Secretary of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations, Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Sada, underscored Qatar's ongoing efforts to foster a culture of peace and respect for religious diversity. He articulated that these efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030, which supports tolerance, constructive dialogue, and openness on both national and international levels. The vision further emphasizes enhancing cultural exchange, fostering coexistence among different religions and cultures, and promoting the freedom to practice religious rituals. In his address, HE Al Sada stressed the importance of protecting religious facilities and communities from threats and terrorist acts as a vital compon ent of global peace and security efforts. He highlighted the need for a deeper understanding among the followers of Abrahamic religions to achieve these goals. Furthermore, HE Al Sada conveyed that Qatar has progressed beyond convincing the international community of the necessity for laws to safeguard places of worship and prevent religious defamation. Such laws are already established in Qatar, and the focus should now shift towards their practical implementation. He called on all countries to ensure respect for religions, protection of sacred sites and symbols, and the freedom of religious practice, urging them to move from legislation to action.