Prime Minister Opens 4th Civil Defence Exhibition and Conference

Doha: HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the activities of the 4th Civil Defence Exhibition and Conference, organized by the General Directorate of Civil Defence in cooperation with Dar Al Sharq on Monday, 11/11/2013 morning at Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha. 

H.E the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Staff Maj. Gen. Hamad Bin Ali Al Athiyya, H.E the Minister of Municipality and Planning Development Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al Thani, H.E the Minister of Sports and Youth, Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali, H.E the Minister of Transport, Jassim Saif Al Sulaiti, H.E the Director General of Public Security, Staff Brig. Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi and a number of prominent  personalities  from Qatar attended the opening ceremony.  

Guests of the State from sisterly and friendly countries, such as the Minister of Emergency from the Republic of Belarus H.E Vladimir Vashchenko,  Secretary General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers H.E. Dr. Muhammed bin Ali Kooman, Secretary General of the International Civil Defence Organization, Vladimir Kuvshinov,  representative of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), Terry  Scavdal and directors of several Civil Defense departments from the  GCC countries were among those attended the inauguration ceremony.

In the beginning of the opening ceremony, the chairman of the Organizing Committee and the Director General of the General Directorate of Civil Defense Staff Brig. Abdullah Muhammed Al Suwaidi delivered a speech, representing the State of Qatar in which he welcomed the audience to the 4th Civil Defense Exhibition and Conference, which is held under the auspices of H.E the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and he wished that the expo and the conference will  be a new experience for all participants, especially as  it comprises a number of activities through which we try to strengthen the mechanism of coordination between Civil Defense and Search and Rescue teams in the field of disaster and calamities response regionally and internationally.

'We wish that the association of International Civil Defence Organization and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) with us will not be ended by patronizing this exhibition and conference, but will continue with us in order to implement studied plans and programs according to international norms and standards', added Brig. Al Suwaidi.   
 
This year, we are also happy in the participation of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), which will deliver a presentation on a holistic view of the International strategy for disaster risk reduction, and its importance in building the capacity of civil defense and search and rescue teams. In addition to this, a significant number of experts also join us in this event, where we were keen to select who they have the field experience in disaster rescue operations, said the Director General of Civil Defence.

Brig. Al Suwaidi then added that the technical development in various fields may be the most important data of this century,  so, we try through this gathering to share experiences and good practices in various areas of the work of civil defense and  search and rescue and promote international cooperation between them at regional and international levels, as well as benefitting from the international experience and working on developing the system of civil defense and search and rescue operations in accordance with best international practices.

From this point, we must refer to the role of the State of Qatar under the patronage of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in launching and promoting many international humanitarian initiatives and classification of search and rescue team as well as establishment of Armed Forces Center for Rescue, which was founded this week, said Al Suwaidi.

This international event  is an occasion  as well to announce the launch of Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College, which will , undoubtedly, become an international educational monument that serves the region and the conference comprises practical exercises for civil defense as well as international exercise for Qatari search and rescue team, with the participation of teams from the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait , Oman, Jordan , France , Spain, Russia , New Zealand and Singapore  and we seek through this exercise  to strengthen cooperation between the search and rescue teams and exchange of experience and good practices in the field of search and rescue.

The diversity and increasing the frequency of crises and disasters and its disastrous effects on local communities and our region makes us always think of innovative mechanisms for rapid response , which requires to look at the establishment of a mechanism for coordination between civil defense and search and rescue teams at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League countries.

The Search & Rescue teams in our region are enjoying vast expertise and high competency qualifying them for being basic partners in global humanitarian and relief system by contributing in international humanitarian policy and decision making.

Lastly, I hope that the conference will bring out effective recommendations that will contribute in developing capabilities in field of civil defence and search & rescue. As well I express my gratitude for you all for your participation and wish a successful Conference.

Dr. Vladimir Kuvshinov, Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and HE Sheikh  Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for good organization of this Exhibition and Conference, wishing for Qatar to play an important role in promoting cooperation between the ICDO and the General Directorate of civil Defense in Qatar. He thanked Qatar for the warm reception and hospitality.

He added that this conference is one of the most important conferences in the field of civil defense and the protection of life and property. There is no doubt that this international conference gives opportunity for all participants exchange their views and share their experience thus contributing to build a secure future for our communities. He commended the large volume of cooperation between Qatar and other countries in the field of civil protection and appreciated the country for its keenness in hosting international events related to civil defense.

The ICDO Secretary General also admired the dramatic development made by the country specially in the field of modern equipment and technology and remarkable professionalism of its personnel. “Today Civil Defence of Qatar has become an example for all nations that really care for protection of people from natural and man-made disasters”, he said. 

Dr. Vladimir urged Qatar to transfer the expertise it possess in this field to other countries that are in need of assistance. He added that the inauguration of Ras Laffan Emergency & Safety College (RLESC) will be an important contribution of Qatar to enhance joint efforts in the field of strengthening civil defence in all levels. He hoped that RLESC will hold advanced courses for those working in civil protection field from all over the world.

The Secretary of International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Terje Skavdal thanked the State of Qatar for organizing this conference and inviting his group to attend it. He pointed that INASARAG was established in 1991  after occurrence of several floods in eighties and it has 80 countries as members. The Group aims at facilitating coordination between international teams and local teams working in the field of civil defence to ensure highly competent, quick and professional work with immediate response to preserve lives and properties. He stressed on the importance of training civil defence personnel for developing their performance in case of large earthquakes and other disasters to help the victims.

After the inaugural session of the conference, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the exhibition that is participated by more than hundred global and local companies. HE the Prime Minister and other dignitaries toured the pavilions of the exhibition that displayed latest equipment and apparatus of civil protection.

The Minister of State for Defence HE Staff Maj. Gen Hamad bin Ali Attiya said that the exhibition was graced by the opening of the HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior stressing that the fourth edition of the exhibition and conference has reached to a distinct level of development surpassing all previous editions showing the great expertise gained by organizing committee in this regard. He pointed that there is remarkable growth in the number of exhibiting companies which shows great trust and reputation, Qatar enjoys. As well, there is diversification in the exhibited equipment and devices for greater benefit.

HE Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning thanked His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for his presence at the event pointing that the exhibition has been evolved considerably , especially in recent times, keeping pace with the comprehensive development witnessed by the State of Qatar. The Minister stressed that the organization of this exhibition reinforces the role of civil defense and its readiness to protect lives and properties from natural disasters and man-made accidents. He further added that the events accompanying the exhibition lead undoubtedly to promote safety and security procedures for members of the community by educating them through publications that are distributed within the exhibition .