Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for an exclusive event that promises enlightening discussions and sights in the relationship between Qatar and the United States when we host H.E. Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani on October 17, 2024, as part of the WACC’s Ambassadors Circle Series program.
Since gaining independence in 1971, Qatar experienced remarkable growth driven by its oil and gas boom. Smaller than the state of Connecticut, this tiny Gulf state boasts an economy far exceeding its size (GDP 236.3 billion USD: 2022). Historically, Qatar’s rapid GDP growth has been fueled by its vast oil and natural gas reserves. However, the country is now focusing on diversifying its economy. Since 2008, Qatar’s development has been guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030. This ambitious plan aims to transform Qatar into an advanced nation by 2030, ensuring sustainable development and a high standard of living for its people for generations to come.
Qatar has a strong relationship with the United States and hosts a major U.S. military presence at Al Udeid Air Base. Since 1972, their ties have focused on regional security, energy, and education. Qatar collaborates closely with the U.S. military on counterterrorism and countering violent extremism, extending operations as far as the Horn of Africa. After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Qatar played a crucial role in evacuating tens of thousands of people, including U.S. citizens. Nearly 40% of evacuees were taken out via Qatar. Before the takeover, Qatar hosted key meetings between U.S. officials and the Taliban in Doha, led by U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. Despite the talks’ failure, they showed the U.S.’s reliance on Qatar as a mediator.
Today, Qatar is a crucial negotiator in the conflict between Hamas and Israel, balancing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Qatar’s leaders have been instrumental in securing the release of Israeli hostages, including two Israeli women and the mother-daughter pair Judith and Natalie Raanan.
Through the Ambassador’s expert perspective, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of the delicate balance of diplomacy, the ongoing efforts to foster cooperation and mutual understanding between Qatar and the United States, and Qatar‘s critical role in the Middle East.
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Program Information:
Date:
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Check-In and Pre-Lunch Networking:
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch & Presentation:
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location:
Charlotte City Club
Directions to the parking garage (set your GPS to 116 W. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202). Parking will be validated.
Cost:
$70 (WACC Member Rate) | $90 (Non-Member Rate) | $40 (Young Professionals of the WACC Member) |$40 (WACC Student Member / Teacher Member)
Includes entrée, dessert, and coffee service
Biography:
His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatarto the United States, assumed his post in Washington D.C. in December 2016.
Prior to serving as the lead Qatari diplomat in the U.S., Ambassador Al-Thani was the Qatari Ambassador to France from November 2013 to October 2016. For three years, he dedicated his expertise and efforts to strengthening the Qatari-French bilateral relations and EU-Qatari relations at large.
Previously, Ambassador Al-Thani served as the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations from July 2011 to October 2013. During his time at the UN, Ambassador Al-Thani spared no effort in intertwining Qatar’s 2030 National Vision with the goals of the various UN agencies.
Before joining the UN Mission in NY, H.E. Al-Thani served as Ambassador of Qatar to Brussels from October 2007 to July 2011. During his time as Ambassador to Brussels, H.E. Al-Thani chaired the Qatari Mission to the EU. He previously acted as the Qatari Liaison with NATO, as member of the Qatari diplomatic mission in the Belgian capital from November 2004 to July 2007.
His Excellency Meshal Al-Thani is not new to the United States. He served as member of the Qatari diplomatic mission in Washington D.C. from October 2000 to October 2004. He also joined the Qatari Mission to the UN in New York from August 1998 to September 2000.
Ambassador Al-Thani debuted his diplomatic career at the Department of European and American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from May 1997 to August 1998. He has been a career member of the Senior Foreign Service since March 2009.
Ambassador Al-Thani received his Master’s in international relations from the American University, Washington D.C. in 2004. He is married with three children.