Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, participated in the opening session of the Geneva Peace Forum on October 12, emphasizing the crucial role of mediation rules and standards in advancing peace efforts.
In his remarks, Dr al-Khulaifi underscored that effective mediation extends beyond simply bringing conflicting parties together. He described it as a process anchored in trust, impartiality, confidentiality, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to achieving peaceful settlements. According to the minister, these elements are essential practical conditions that enable parties to take risks, explore compromise solutions, and stay engaged in negotiations even when immediate agreements seem unattainable.
Highlighting Qatar’s extensive experience in mediation, Dr al-Khulaifi stressed the importance of safeguarding the principles underpinning peaceful dialogue, the space for mediation to occur, and the various ongoing peacebuilding initiatives worldwide. He observed that contemporary conflicts rarely end in decisive military victories or conclusive resolutions, narrowing the prospects for victory and making pathways to agreement increasingly scarce. In this context, he asserted that mediation plays a vital role in keeping dialogue channels open.
The minister further noted that successful mediation requires a secure political and physical environment where parties can negotiate without fear of new threats. He acknowledged that Qatar has faced pressures in its mediation efforts but emphasized that these challenges have only reinforced the country’s dedication to dialogue and peacebuilding. “The more difficult dialogue becomes, the greater the need for mediation,” he said, adding that protecting the fragile rules and standards that govern mediation is a responsibility Qatar embraces.
Dr al-Khulaifi also called on the United Nations to maintain its focus on defending mediation processes, in line with Article 33 of the UN Charter, which mandates negotiation and mediation as means for peaceful dispute resolution. He described peaceful settlement not as an occasional or external aspect but as a fundamental pillar of the international system.
Concluding his address, the minister urged the global community to work toward establishing more rigorous mediation rules, standards, and stronger legal protections for mediators to enhance the effectiveness and longevity of peace efforts worldwide.