Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has emphasised the importance of collective action to strengthen Africa’s resilience and capacity to produce life-saving vaccines and medicines.
The Minister was speaking at the Strategic Dialogue on Local Production of Vaccines on Wednesday, an event attended by dignitaries from around the world at Melrose Arch, in Johannesburg.
The dialogue formed part of the strategic partnership between the Biovac Institute (Biovac), the World Health Organisation (WHO), GIZ’s Sustainable African Vaccine Manufacturing (SAVax) Programme, and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, under the Team Europe Manufacturing Africa Vaccine Plus Initiative (MAV+).
Government leaders, international partners, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders focused on the pressing issue of local production of vaccines in South Africa.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that sustainable health security depends on regional self-sufficiency, innovation, and resilience,” said Nzimande.
As a country, the Minister said government recognises that some of the problems facing humanity today can only be solved through collaboration, and particularly the exchange of scientific expertise.
“It is for this reason that we value the collaboration with Gavi and believe that their presence here today underscores our shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and self-sustaining vaccine ecosystem for Africa.”
He highlighted the strategic partnership under the Team Europe Initiative, which plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable vaccine manufacturing across the continent.
The Minister also extended his appreciation to the WHO for their leadership in technology transfer, regulatory strengthening, and global coordination, and thanked GIZ for its ongoing technical cooperation.
“Their work strengthens skills, quality systems, and technology development capabilities across our research and manufacturing institutions,” Nzimande said, underlining the importance of collaborative innovation.
Delving into the strides South Africa has made, the Minister noted key milestones that would shape the country’s vaccine landscape.
“The establishment of Biovac as a public-private partnership has become a cornerstone of our vaccine manufacturing landscape.”
Meanwhile, he noted that the mRNA Vaccine Technology Transfer Hub, hosted by the WHO and supported by the European Union, was particularly noteworthy.
“This is building next-generation vaccine Research and Development (R&D) capacity in Africa,” he added, stressing the commitment to advancing knowledge and capabilities.
Nzimande also took the time to highlight his attention to the challenges that still lie ahead.
“Local producers face limited market access and uncertain demand, which undermines investment confidence,” he said.
He outlined a need for a cohesive approach to regulatory frameworks across the continent and admitted that the existence of fragmented regulatory frameworks increases costs and time to market.
The Minister told the delegates that South Africa is poised to lead a continental charge towards health security and resilience.
The initiatives aimed at building a sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem focus on research, technological innovation, skills development, and effective regulation.
“These initiatives, taken together, are building a foundation for a sustainable vaccine manufacturing ecosystem that spans research, technological innovation, skills development, effective regulation, production, and market access,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Canon Creator Lens event, taking place on 19th November 2025 at the iconic Shamba Café, Nairobi.
‘Creator Lens’ is not just an event; it’s a platform for participation and discovery. The initiative began with an open call to creators across East Africa, inviting both emerging and established voices to be part of a dynamic creative community. Designed as an immersive experience, the event brings together panel discussions, inspirational talks, hands-on “touch & try” product sessions, and live demonstrations by industry experts in real-life creative setups, all aimed at empowering content creators to elevate their craft across genres such as fashion, lifestyle, weddings, wildlife, and podcasting.
LENS: Learn, Explore, Network, and Synergy
The name ‘Creator Lens’ where LENS stands for Learn, Explore, Network, and Synergy, encapsulates the event’s mission to inspire creativity and connection. Participants will learn from top industry experts and develop new creative skills; explore Canon’s latest creator tools and innovations; network with fellow creators and leading professionals; and build synergy through powerful collaborations that enable impactful storytelling.
This event forms part of Canon’s larger strategic initiative “ICE” (Innovation and Customer Experience) which reinforces Canon’s focus on enhancing customer engagement and empowering creators as one of its most important communities.
Through this strategic initiative, Canon continues to shift perceptions beyond being a photo brand, positioning itself as a leading video brand, providing tools that meet the evolving demands of the modern cinema and video content landscape.
Immersive Experience Zones
At the heart of the ‘Creator Lens’ event are four immersive experience zones, each led by content creators and industry experts, offering participants hands-on exposure to Canon’s latest technology:
Podcast Zone – Led by Dr. Ofweneke- TV & Radio Host
Showcasing Canon’s range of video solutions for podcasters, from beginners to professionals, featuring the EOS C80, R5 Mark II, C50, EOS R50V and highlighting the Live Switcher Application.
Fashion & Lifestyle Zone – Led by Joy Kendi- Fashion & Lifestyle Content Creator
Demonstrating Canon’s compact video tools for beauty, lifestyle, and social content creation. Key products in focus are PowerShot V10, EOS R50V, and accessories for vertical shooting and live streaming.
Wedding Zone – Led by Gabriel Kasha- Wedding Videographer
Positioning Canon as the top choice for wedding videography, featuring C50, R5 Mark II, and Canon accessories while focusing on 4K Dual Base ISO and Log color grading.
Cinematic Zone – Led by Hans Ngoteya – Wildlife Filmmaker
Highlighting Canon’s cinema solutions for wildlife cinematography with the EOS C50, C80, C400, and Canon cinema lenses.
Community, Competition, and Collaboration
In addition to the interactive zones, the event features a range of activations including panel discussions, inspirational keynotes, and live demos where creators can explore Canon products in real-world shooting environments. A content creation competition will also run during the event, where participants will shoot and edit videos using Canon equipment, with entries judged on creativity and technical mastery. Winners will receive exclusive Canon prizes and mentorship opportunities.
“Through ‘Creator Lens’, we aim to nurture and empower a vibrant community of storytellers who are redefining content creation across Africa. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and enhancing the customer experience through creativity,” said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa.
“Our goal is not only to inspire creators but also to equip them with the tools and skills they need to tell powerful visual stories, moving beyond photography and embracing the limitless possibilities of video.”
A Regional Vision for Creators
While the first edition is being hosted in Kenya, Canon plans to expand the ‘Creator Lens’ experience regionally to Morocco and Nigeria, cultivating a sustainable ecosystem of creators across Africa.
By engaging with macro, micro, and nano influencers, Canon aims to encourage creators to upgrade their content creation journeys, transitioning from smartphones to Canon’s range of entry-level and professional cameras designed for video excellence.
– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/4a4t8kd) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
Flapmax (https://Flapmax.com/), a leading AI infrastructure company, through its research and education hub—FAI Institute—today announced a collaboration with IBM to advance quantum science and AI innovation in Ghana. As part of the initiative, Palm University College will host Ghana’s first quantum-AI summit, held alongside IBM Qiskit Fall Fest, featuring industry keynotes, academic workshops, hands-on quantum computing sessions, and a global virtual hackathon. Participants are invited to attend on Nov 21, 2025, at Palm University College, Accra, Ghana, or join virtually at www.fai.institute/challenge/quantum-computing-ghana.
“Hosting Ghana’s most comprehensive quantum computing summit reflects the momentum building at Palm University College and within Ghana’s broader education landscape,” said Dr. Peter Carlos Okantey, Founder and President of Palm University College. “Through strong collaborations with institutions like IBM, Intel, and Flapmax, our students now have direct access to quantum tools that can shape entire industries. This is an investment in Ghana’s scientific future and an opportunity for our young innovators to compete globally.”
Advancing Quantum Education During the UN International Year of Quantum Science & Technology
Qiskit Fall Fest, part of the FAST AI Summit: Quantum Computing Ghana 2025 organized by FAI Institute, supports the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and advances the Institute’s mission to democratize access to modern scientific tools. Through this initiative, IBM Quantum provides learners with hands-on exposure to quantum programming tools, quantum algorithms, and emerging quantum–AI development workflows.
Palm University College was selected in recognition of Ghana’s historical role in scientific exchange—tracing back to West Africa’s intellectual centers, including the scholarly traditions of Timbuktu—and the University’s growing emphasis on hands-on STEM education, ethical leadership, and innovation. These strengths positioned Palm University College as the natural host for Ghana’s most comprehensive quantum computing summit.
“Flapmax is deeply invested in expanding access to transformative technologies—AI, quantum computing, and high-performance scientific tools—across the continent,” said Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax. “Our collaboration with IBM and Palm University College accelerates the development of quantum-AI talent capable of advancing frontier research. By providing the platforms, mentorship, and real-world tools needed for breakthrough discovery, this summit strengthens Ghana’s role in the global scientific landscape.”
Positioning Ghana as a Contributor to Frontier Science
Ghana’s potential to shape frontier scientific research is already emerging. In a prior initiative supported by Flapmax and Intel, Palm University College students used quantum tools to model cocoa disease resilience, offering early insights into how quantum simulation could help protect one of the nation’s most vital exports. Similar quantum-AI techniques can also enable:
Materials discovery for next-generation batteries
Grid optimization for national energy systems
Predictive diagnostics and epidemiology in healthcare
Crop genetics and climate-resilient agriculture
To sustain this momentum, students have launched the Palm University AI & Quantum Computing Club, a peer-led community advancing collaborative research, mentorship, and broader access to quantum and AI education across Accra and beyond.
Driving Hands-On Quantum Innovation in Ghana
IBM selected FAI Institute and Palm University College from a global applicant pool of more than 600 institutions, placing Ghana among the leading nations represented in the top 150 selections and underscoring the country’s growing relevance in the quantum and AI research landscape. The FAST AI Summit: Quantum Computing Ghana will feature an industry keynote by IBM, instructor-led technical workshops, student engagement labs, and an afro-techno social experience—bringing the spirit of scientific exchange from Timbuktu into a new era of quantum innovation.
The hackathon will run in a hybrid format alongside the summit and features challenge tracks in Agriculture, Energy, and Healthcare. Winners will gain access to Flapmax’s hybrid Quantum–AI compute platform (HQAC). All event attendees will receive an official IBM participation certificate.
The event has received over 100 registered attendees from more than six institutions in Accra.
For more information or to register for the summit or hackathon, visit: https://www.fai.institute/challenge/quantum-computing-ghana.
– on behalf of Flapmax.
Media Contact:
wai@fai.institute
About Palm University College:
Palm University College is a private liberal arts university-college offering Bachelor of Science degree programs in Business Information Technology, Business Administration, and Computer Science, supported by a rigorous liberal arts core. Its mission is to develop ethical, excellent leaders equipped for innovation, service, and sustainability. The University’s vision is to empower graduates to apply knowledge that drives meaningful transformation across the African continent.
About FAI Institute:
FAI Institute is Flapmax’s research and education hub dedicated to advancing AI, quantum science, and emerging technologies globally. Through initiatives such as Women in AI (WAI) and specialized technical training programs, the Institute has supported hundreds of learners and expanded access to high-demand digital skills. FAI Institute is cultivating a future-ready scientific and technology workforce capable of driving innovation worldwide.
About Flapmax:
Flapmax develops sovereign AI infrastructure and advanced computing systems designed to accelerate scientific discovery, industrial innovation, and enterprise transformation. Through collaborations with global technology companies and regional institutions, Flapmax delivers tools and platforms that democratize access to next-generation computational capabilities. The organization is committed to empowering researchers, developers, and institutions worldwide to harness AI and high-performance computing for sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
The State of Qatar participated in the 46th session of the Ministerial Conference of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, held on 19 and 20 November 2025 in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The State of Qatar delegation to the meeting was headed by HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic and the State of Qatar representative to the International Organisation of La Francophonie. The conference, held under the theme: 30 years after Beijing: the contribution of women in the French-speaking world. It focused on highlighting the role of women in development within the Francophone sphere and promoting gender equality. It also discussed prospects for multilateral cooperation, along with administrative and financial issues related to the organization. In this context, HE Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo presented the key efforts undertaken to strengthen political, diplomatic, and economic action within the Francophone space. She expressed appreciation to the State of Qatar for its significant role in resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and for its active contribution to the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace on Nov. 15, 2025 between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the March 23 Movement, under the supervision and follow-up of Qatar, the United States, and the African Union to ensure the agreement implementation in pursuit of lasting peace and stability. Several delegations from Francophone countries also praised the State of Qatar mediation efforts to resolve the conflict. The head of the State of Qatar delegation affirmed the country continued commitment to playing an active role in mediation and the peaceful resolution of disputes internationally. He also reiterated Qatar dedication to the values of La Francophonie and its ongoing cooperation with all partners to promote the participation of Francophone women in development and peace.
HE Thabo Mbeki, former President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairman of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation Thabo Mbeki, met Wednesday with HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, during her current visit to South Africa. Discussions during the meeting dealt with ways to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of development, research, and knowledge exchange, as well as partnership opportunities to support initiatives aimed at empowering communities in the African continent. Both sides underlined the importance of joint action to strengthen regional and international efforts in the areas of peace and sustainable development.
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, on Wednesday visited an orphan care center in Johannesburg, as part of her official trip to South Africa. Her Excellency reviewed the Ratang Bana Center’s services for orphaned children, including education, psychosocial support and welfare programs. Center staff briefed her on ongoing challenges and priorities for expanding care provision. Discussions also focused on potential future cooperation, such as support for core programs, capacity building, and development initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable children. HE Al Misnad said Qatar is committed to exploring sustainable support for child protection and empowerment programs, highlighting Doha’s interest in long-term partnerships with community organizations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Thursday, 20 November 2025, lead South Africa’s delegation at the South Africa–European Union Trilateral Leaders’ Meeting at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
The meeting forms part of the long-standing Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union, founded on shared values of democracy, multilateralism, human rights, equality, peace, and security.
The trilateral engagement will advance cooperation on a broad range of priorities, including trade and investment, macro-economic policy, climate change, energy security, research and innovation, digital transformation, peacebuilding, and global governance reform.
South Africa and the European Union continue to enjoy a robust economic partnership.
The EU remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and leading source of foreign direct investment, representing 41% of total FDI into South Africa, while South Africa is the EU’s most significant trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
More than 2 000 EU companies operate in South Africa, creating more than 500 000 direct and indirect jobs.
The Leaders’ Meeting will therefore provide an important platform to deepen economic ties, expand market access, and explore new opportunities for mutually beneficial growth.
The trilateral discussions will also reflect on global geopolitical developments, the reform of the international financial architecture, and the strengthening of Africa-EU cooperation in support of sustainable development, just energy transitions, and peace and stability on the continent.
This includes advancing the beneficiation of critical raw materials, the launch of the Bilateral Energy Dialogue, and EU-supported initiatives through the Team Europe Global Gateway Investment Package covering energy, connectivity infrastructure, green logistics, transport, and electricity.
The discussions will include the South African pharmaceutical value chain.
Members of the media wishing to cover the ceremony will be required to produce their G20 Summit accreditation. Media to RSVP to Ndivhuwo@presidency.gov.za this evening before 22h00.
Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025 Time: 16h00 (media to arrive at 14h30) Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President: media@presidency.gov.za
Wingu Africa (www.Wingu.Africa) today launches Wingu Cloud Exchange (WCX), a locally hosted private cloud platform designed for the wider East African region. WCX gives organisations a secure, compliant, cost-effective, and easy-to-use alternative to offshore cloud services. With transparent local-currency pricing, rapid deployment, and instant scalability, it enables businesses to grow workloads without complexity or unpredictable costs. Launching first in Tanzania, the platform will gradually roll out across all Wingu markets, including Ethiopia and Djibouti.
WCX includes Wingu Compute, Wingu Kubernetes, Wingu Drive, and Wingu Security, allowing organisations to deploy and manage applications while keeping data within regional borders. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing on-premise environments and complements global cloud services such as Azure and AWS, giving customers flexible, practical options that fit their current operations.
“Wingu Cloud Exchange is built in direct response to customer demand for a practical, reliable, and locally delivered cloud platform,” said Nicholas Lodge, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Wingu Africa. “WCX makes cloud adoption straightforward, compliant, predictable in cost, scalable on demand, and aligned with how organisations in the region actually operate.”
“The launch of Wingu Cloud Exchange is an important step for the region’s digital maturity,” added Erkan Satik, Director of Cloud Ecosystem & Alliances at Wingu Africa. “WCX is simple to use, quick to deploy, and designed to give customers real choice. They can run applications locally for better performance, integrate with global clouds when needed, and scale instantly.”
Wingu Africa’s investment in local cloud platforms reflects its vision to drive digital growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. By prioritising secure, interconnected, and compliant infrastructure, the company enables African enterprises to adopt cloud technology with confidence, agility, and regional relevance.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wingu Africa.
Contact:
Email: info@wingu.africa Wingu Tanzania Limited
TIN: 153-503-915
VRN: 40-048165-C
Office Address
Wingu Tanzania, ESBC, First Floor, 344 Ghuba Road/Toure Drive
Kimbijo House, Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
P.O. Box 23179
t: +255 22 2296211
About Wingu Africa:
Wingu is East Africa’s first specialist carrier-neutral data centre operator, with strategic locations in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Since 2012, the company has connected African businesses to global digital networks through secure, scalable, and high-performance colocation solutions. Built on technical expertise and regional insight, Wingu ensures carrier neutrality, empowering clients with flexible connectivity options. Committed to excellence in infrastructure, security, and service delivery, Wingu delivers world-class solutions tailored to East Africa’s unique digital landscape.
For more information about Wingu Cloud Exchange, visit www.Wingu.Africa
Thank you, Your Excellency my dear brother Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration and Egyptians Abroad of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt.
At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to you, my dear brother, for the warm reception and generous hospitality, which is by no means unfamiliar from our brothers in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
I was pleasured to meet with my brother, His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, a short while ago, together with several Egyptian ministers and Qatari colleagues.
Our visit today comes within the framework of the sixth session of the Joint Higher Committee, and also as a reflection of the vision of the leadership of both countries, and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to deepen the relationship between the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, which has also witnessed notable progress in recent years. Notably, the visit of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to his second country, Qatar, represented an important milestone in the development of these relations.
As Your Excellency has noted—and without repeating—the foundation of this fraternal relationship lies first and foremost in the strong and enduring bonds, between our two peoples and our two leaderships. At the same time, the new economic foundations and structures currently being built between our countries are paving the way for a new phase of economic cooperation, in addition to, and as Your Excellency mentioned, the investment package announced in Doha, valued at USD 7.5 billion.
In the coming weeks, we look forward, God willing, to finalizing several agreements on agreed upon joint projects. We have also witnessed growth in trade exchange between the two countries, and we aspire, God willing, to see further expansion in this field.
Furthermore, Cooperation is not limited to the economic sphere, but extends across multiple fields, including culture, agriculture, social solidarity, and social insurance. Today, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding that represents an important step toward diversifying the foundation of cooperation between the two countries.
As Your Excellency mentioned, today we had a valuable opportunity for consultation, which has always been continuous, sincerely speaking—not only through formal meetings but also through daily communications.
At this platform, I would like to commend the sincere efforts undertaken by our colleagues, both in the Arab Republic of Egypt through the relevant authorities, and in the State of Qatar, reflecting the commitment of both countries to achieve a ceasefire and to halt the ongoing genocide against our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Regrettably, we are witnessing a distressing continuation of this situation over the past months, without any meaningful action from the international community. We highly appreciate the support of our Arab and Islamic sisterly countries in backing the Qatari and Egyptian efforts, as well as our partnership with the United States.
However, we have now reached a stage where we await a response from the Israeli side, following intensive efforts in recent days to reach common ground, culminating in an agreement for the release of detainees and hostages, a prisoner exchange, and a ceasefire to pave the way for ending the war. Unfortunately, these efforts have so far been met with further disregard.
We believe that today the international community faces a significant responsibility to uphold its duty and put an end to this famine and blockade affecting our brothers in Gaza.
I would like to reaffirm, at this platform, that the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt remain committed to achieving a resolution and ending this war, despite all attempts to distort and undermine these efforts. Were it not for this partnership and these joint endeavours, we would not have reached the preliminary agreement. God willing, we hope to achieve a full agreement as soon as possible. We call on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to at least halt this famine.
Your Excellency, you mentioned that the bilateral meeting addressed various issues. We remain keen on continuous joint coordination, and we have observed, both from Your Excellency and from the Arab Republic of Egypt, a clear convergence of views on regional issues, as well as a shared commitment to finding solutions and halting the ongoing cycle of escalation in different countries.
Regrettably, today we are witnessing irresponsible Israeli actions in our sister countries Lebanon and Syria, and also in Sudan, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, which undermine regional security and, unfortunately, have not been met with any deterrent measures.
We also discussed the situation and developments regarding the Iranian nuclear file, which constitutes a critical security issue for all countries in the region. We emphasized the importance of reaching a diplomatic solution to achieve regional stability, which cannot be attained through wars but rather through diplomatic measures. It is imperative for all Arab countries and regional states to cooperate, in order to achieve these diplomatic solutions.
I thank Your Excellency, Minister, for your generous hospitality and for your continued cooperation with us. We also extend our gratitude to all the countries supporting these efforts, and we hope, God willing, that through collective action we can achieve stability in the region.
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you,
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to extend my congratulations to you on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and to express my appreciation for the prompt response by the Presidency and the members of the Council to our request to convene this emergency meeting. I wish in particular to acknowledge Algeria, Somalia, Pakistan, France, and the United Kingdom, which requested this meeting on behalf of the State of Qatar.
We also value and commend the efforts of the Presidency and the members of the Council that led to the adoption of today’s press statement. We greatly appreciate the solidarity expressed with the State of Qatar by Council members in their statements during this session, following the treacherous Israeli attack in Doha on 9 September. The press statement condemned this act, noting that it took place on the territory of a principal mediator, expressing solidarity with the State of Qatar, and reaffirming support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
We address your esteemed Council today in the wake of an extremely dangerous escalation that constitutes a threat to regional peace and security and therefore falls squarely within the mandate of the Council under the Charter of the United Nations.
On Tuesday, 9 September, at 3:46 p.m., a treacherous Israeli attack targeted one of the residential quarters allocated by the State of Qatar to house negotiating delegations, as part of the multiple mediation efforts undertaken by my country. These buildings accommodated members and staff of the Hamas negotiating delegation and their families. Their presence there was public, well known to all parties concerned with the mediation process, and even to members of the media and diplomats who held meetings with delegation members at that very location.
Following the technical investigations undertaken by the security authorities and the verification of the identities of those affected by the Israeli bombardment, it was confirmed that the attack resulted in a number of casualties. Among them was the martyr, Qatari national Lance corporal/ Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari, 22 years of age, who martyred while performing his duty. In addition, several civilians and members of the Qatari Internal Security Forces—tasked with safeguarding the compound—were injured, with injuries ranging from moderate to severe. All are currently receiving medical care. Investigations and information-gathering remain ongoing, including efforts to account for those still missing at the site. Beyond the casualties, the attack also terrorized innocent civilians and children in a residential neighborhood filled with schools, nurseries, and diplomatic missions.
What has occurred constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a full Member State of the United Nations, perpetrated by an extremist leadership that stands far removed from the conduct of civilized nations committed to peace.
The violation of the sovereignty of a state that has been exerting tireless efforts to secure a ceasefire and save lives places the entire international system before a true test. Israel, under the leadership of bloodthirsty extremists, has overstepped every boundary set by international norms and laws, and even the most basic ethical principles that govern relations not only between states, but between human beings. It has now become impossible to predict the extent of its actions.
How is it that Israeli officials come to us for negotiations, hosted on our soil, while their leadership simultaneously plots to bomb that very soil only days later—and then actually carries out the attack? Has the world ever heard of a state that strikes the mediating country with fighter aircraft, and during the negotiation process seeks to eliminate the very members of the delegations with whom it is negotiating, in their designated meeting premises?
And yet, the Prime Minister of Israel emerges with disgraceful justifications and false comparisons, attempting to legitimize an act that has been condemned by the entire international community.
Instead, Mr. prime minister should have recalled the example of the Taliban, which maintained a political office in Doha as a channel of communication with the world. That channel contributed to reaching a peace agreement in Afghanistan, bringing an end to decades of bitter conflict. Over the years, the United States never targeted the negotiators. On the contrary, the world witnessed the success of my country, in partnership with the United States under President Donald Trump, in ending the longest war in U.S. history in 2020.
This is the approach that the Israeli Prime Minister seeks to undermine, attempting to distort it through cheap justifications aimed at emotional manipulation.
These continuous violations of international law, and these actions that disregard even the most basic principles of human conduct, demonstrate only one thing: that the current leaders of Israel are afflicted with arrogance and the intoxication of power, having ensured impunity from accountability and justice.
Beyond the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip, against which the international community has failed to take deterrent action, their destructive hands now reach sovereign states, undermining regional security with complete impunity. Arrogance has reached the point of openly proclaiming not only delusional ambitions to reshape the region by force, but also esoteric and fundamentalist motivations that drive the extremists within the current Israeli government, as they openly declare to their own public, believing that no one else is listening.
It goes without saying that the countries of the region and their peoples cannot accept such conduct or the rhetoric accompanying it.
We have full faith in mediation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and Qatar’s role in this regard enjoys both regional and international recognition. Our experience has demonstrated that Qatari mediation, in partnership with the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, has achieved tangible results, including the release of 148 hostages, comprising Israelis and foreigners, as well as hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. In a context where Israel employs starvation as a weapon, these efforts represent a rare beacon of hope in this bloody conflict.
However, the attack on our soil, carried out while we were fully engaged in mediation, has clearly revealed Israel’s deliberate intentions to undermine any efforts toward peace and to prolong the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people—a suffering of such magnitude that words fail to capture it.
It also reveals that the extremists who govern Israel today show no concern for the lives of hostages, and that their release is not a priority for them. Otherwise, how can one explain the timing and location of the attack, which occurred while negotiations were underway to discuss a ceasefire based on the latest American proposal? The Hamas negotiating delegation had convened to discuss their response to the U.S. paper, and Israel bombed that very meeting.
Mr. President,
I stand before you today, calling upon your esteemed Council to assume its historic responsibility. Silence in the face of the imposition of the law of the jungle and the targeting of a sovereign state in broad daylight undermines the rules of international action and threatens the future of any peace process in our region. The continuation of these attacks does not target Qatar alone; rather, it constitutes an explicit threat to every state working toward peace, eroding confidence in the United Nations system itself.
The State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, affirms its unwavering commitment to continuing its humanitarian and diplomatic role wherever such efforts may serve the cause of bloodshed prevention. At the same time, Qatar will not tolerate any infringement upon its sovereignty or security and reserves its legitimate right to respond through the means guaranteed by international law. We in Qatar are advocates of peace, not of war. We have chosen peace as our guiding principle, and we will not be deterred from it by those who champion war and destruction.
We present these facts before your esteemed Council, and we remind you that, although our discussion today concerns the attack on the State of Qatar, we are in fact addressing an assault on all diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peaceful solutions. The only path to peace runs through negotiations, beginning with a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and prisoners, the unconditional entry of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip, and the lifting of the blockade.
Allow me, on behalf of all advocates of peace around the world, to express optimism. We must not yield to the arrogance of extremists, and we must continue striving toward a lasting peace based on the two-state solution, through the establishment of a fully sovereign Palestinian state on its national territory in accordance with international legitimacy. Two states and two peoples coexisting in peace can only be achieved with partners who uphold these principles.
May peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
