New York, September 25 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has called for greater emphasis on national ownership and inclusive institutions in international peacebuilding efforts, saying sustainable peace depends on institutions that are accountable, resilient and representative.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi made the remarks at a UN Peacebuilding Commission ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Al Khulaifi said women, young people, civil society and marginalized communities should have opportunities to participate in decisions affecting peace, recovery and development.

He said international assistance should respond to national priorities and strengthen state institutions rather than replace them, with greater coordination among the UN system, international financial institutions and regional organizations.

Qatar's peacebuilding efforts, he said, are guided by its National Vision 2030 and Third National Development Strategy for 2024-2030, with a focus on social cohesion and women's participation.

Al Khulaifi also highlighted Qatar's mediation efforts and said its foreign policy prioritizes preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He cited the Doha Framework for Peace between the Democratic Republic of the Congo government and the Congo River Alliance (M23) as a recent example.

He said Qatar had provided more than $7 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to more than 100 countries in recent years, particularly countries affected by conflict.

Addressing the situation in the Gulf, Al Khulaifi said freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was a fundamental principle and called for the restoration of navigation in accordance with international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).

He also called for any future arrangements concerning the strait to be based on regional consensus and full respect for international law.

Al Khulaifi stressed the need for predictable and sustainable financing for national institutions, including through the UN Peacebuilding Fund. Qatar has contributed $1 million to the fund since its establishment, including contributions to its 2023 and 2024 budgets.

He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to working with international partners to support nationally owned peacebuilding efforts, strengthen inclusive state institutions and promote sustainable peace. (QNA)