Beirut: HE the Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, has emphasized Qatar's commitment, under the guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to enhance digital sovereignty and national security. This initiative is being pursued through legislative measures and the launch of the Digital Agenda 2030.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Speaker addressed these issues at the 8th Conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments held in Cairo, Egypt. The conference focused on key topics, including Arab digital sovereignty, security, stability, and the centrality of the Palestinian cause. Al Ghanim highlighted the necessity for Arab nations to adapt to rapid digital changes and advancements in artificial intelligence by updating legislation to protect national privacy, personal data, and cultural identity.
The Speaker elaborated on Qatar's efforts in building an integrated digital system as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, recognized by the United Nations for its governance practices. He advocated for a unified Arab parliamentary vision to develop legislation that supports the Arab digital infrastructure, data localization, and secure cloud technologies while preserving privacy and cultural identity.
Addressing regional security, Al Ghanim reiterated the importance of national sovereignty and the need for Arab solidarity to resist external interventions. He pointed out Qatar's foreign policy successes, which emphasize dialogue and diplomacy, in resolving conflicts, citing Qatari mediation in facilitating negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Al Ghanim also highlighted the need for a cohesive Arab parliamentary stance to promote peaceful conflict resolutions, ensuring regional and global security and energy supply stability. On the Palestinian issue, he urged Arab parliaments to support Palestinian rights, demand the cessation of aggression, and ensure humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
The Speaker concluded by expressing his commitment to advancing the Arab Parliament's operational mechanisms, enhancing performance efficiency, governance, transparency, and accountability. He emphasized that the Arab Parliament should exemplify joint parliamentary action, fostering public trust in Arab institutions.