news
2011-11-28
International Conference on the 'Hopefor' Initiative Resumes activities
The International Conference on the 'Hopefor' initiative resumed its activities here on Monday for the second consecutive day to discuss how best to improve effectiveness and coordinating military and civil defence assets in relief operations with a widescale international participation. The participants held a seminar earlier Monday on setting up a global network of civilian and military practitioners from both assisting and affected states alike within the context of the 'Hopefor' initiative.
The panel discussion will engage all participants to discuss and share their experiences and expectations in this concern. Qatar, in collaboration with the Dominican Republic and Turkey will share the outcome of the conference with the United Nations General Assembly with an aim to strengthen the international response to natural disasters. "Natural disasters are predicted to occur more frequently and with increased intensity. This raises the question of how local and international capacities for preparedness and response to natural disasters can be strengthened," said H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Rumaihi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Follow up Affairs, delivering the keynote address here earlier Sunday. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, announced the 'HopeFor' initiative by Qatar in New York in June 2010. It was launched to enhance the effectiveness and co-ordination of military and civil defence machinery while dealing with natural disasters. 'HopeFor' functions with several stakeholders and in collaboration with United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs
QNA