The State of Qatar emphasized the need to address the causes of extremism, not only its manifestations, stressing that human and economic development is the key to eradicate terrorism at its roots.
This came in a speech delivered by Qatar's Ambassador to the United States, HE Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, before the three-day Summit on Countering Violent Extremism, which was inaugurated by President Barack Obama and brought together more than 60 countries along with US Secretary of State John Kerry, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon.
The most prominent aspects of human development is education, educated young people are capable to fight extremist ideology, HE Al Kuwari said, noting the efforts being exerted by Qatar in the education sector, especially in terms of building the Education City in Doha and the initiatives launched by the Qatar Foundation. He also pointed to the role of Qatar in hosting conferences and discussion forums, in particular the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue.
The Ambassador highlighted the role of economic development in warding off the dangers of extremism and the importance of providing job opportunities for youth.
Poverty promotes terrorism. The inability of young people to secure a dignified existence pushes them to the clutches of extremism, HE Al Kuwari said.
The success of economic development efforts needs good governance, he said, pointing out that the thriving communities enjoy a civil society able to hold the government accountable.
Ambassador Al-Kuwari, in conclusion, said that peace requires to lift the peoples of the region out of injustice and find a comprehensive and just solution in the Middle East.