Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Public Policy (CPP) hosted a conversation on Qatar’s approach to counterterrorism, which featured His Excellency Dr. Mutlaq Al Qahtani, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Counterterrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution.

Moderated by Dr. Sultan Barakat, Professor, CPP, the discussion saw H.E. share insights on how Qatar’s counterterrorism efforts incorporated a multifaceted and long-term approach, embodied by its ongoing cooperation with international partners and implementation of national initiatives. 

“We are working with our partners and relevant regional and international organizations to address some of the major underlying causes of terrorism through preventing and mediating conflict, alleviating poverty and supporting economic empowerment, as well as providing education for millions of children in poor areas,” said Dr Al Qahtani. He also highlighted the signing of numerous counterterrorism agreements and conventions, including the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the establishment of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, which together symbolize a comprehensive strategy to combating terrorism.   

“H.E. Dr. Al Qahtani’s insights revealed how Qatar’s counterterrorism approach earned the country a global role in this field, leading to the establishment of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism’s Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism in Doha. By hosting such illuminating conversations, the CPP reflects the University’s priority to contribute to effective policy development in the country and internationally. However, effective counter-terrorism policies require a clearly demarcated and agreed upon definition of terrorism, as the phenomenon is not rooted exclusively in one region or faith,” added Dr. Barakat.

H.E. Dr. Al Qahtani also serves as a “Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Value” at CPP, collaborating with HBKU faculty on groundbreaking policy research on conflict mediation and engaging with their students.

HBKU’s CPP is fast becoming one of the leading public policy schools in the region and an international center for teaching and researching responses to policy questions of local and global relevance. The College actively leverages local and transnational synergies and collaborations with distinguished international partners in the government, non-government, corporate, and organizational sectors, transcending borders to facilitate expertise and build capacity in Qatar and beyond.