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HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser delivers the opening address at WISH. (AR al-Baker/HHOPL) By Joseph Varghese Staff Reporter HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation and founder of World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), has exhorted global healthcare experts and the community to look for innovations to meet complex challenges in the health sector. HH Sheikha Moza was addressing a gathering of more than 1,000 healthcare experts from around the world at the opening ceremony of the second edition of WISH, which started at the Qatar National Convention Centre on Tuesday. A number of dignitaries, including HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, several Qatari ministers, a number of ministers from different countries, royals, ambassadors and a number of dignitaries took part in the opening session of the summit. HH Sheikha Moza explained, “Conventional solutions will not work to address our current global health challenges. So, perhaps the ultimate goal of our coming together at WISH is the need for innovative solutions to these challenges. Be at the forefront of innovation. We will be with you, at the forefront of supporters. “Innovation does not spur out of a political decision; it can only do so if it is embedded within the social and cultural fabric, as a natural outcome of development. “Statistics indicate that there are at least a billion people each year who have no access to the health services they need; 250mn of them are devastated by the financial consequences resulting from the fees they pay for such services. “We cannot overcome our healthcare challenges unless we begin to invest in solutions that link health and education, as they are intrinsically connected. And innovation in education leads us to innovation in health. It is our wish to promote the cause of both access to basic primary education and universal health coverage.” Further, HH Sheikha Moza said: "It is our belief that the people of Qatar deserve excellent care here at home. That is why we are investing in excellence in patient care and clinical research at Sidra, which will be a world-leading medical centre. Through Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care, we are constantly striving to improve the quality of care available to all." Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, executive chair of WISH, pointed out that the summit would address some of the pressing healthcare challenges of today. He said, “We face a rising tide of non-communicable diseases – chief among them cancer, diabetes and dementia - which we address this year. It is one of the defining challenges we face. The scientific challenge has become a financial one, how to afford the rising cost of care. “The global bill for cancer treatment alone stands at $290bn; 350mn people around the world suffer from diabetes and in 20 years, that will double to one in 10. Forty-four million people around the world suffer from dementia. We urge all governments to act with resolve to improve prevention and care and open up innovations in treatment.” After the opening plenary session, there were panel discussions at the WISH Forums. Each of the forums unveiled new research and shared workable solutions to some of the world’s greatest healthcare threats. During the forenoon session, the topics of diabetes, mental health and well-being in children and universal health coverage were discussed. The afternoon sessions discussed the topics of patient safety, dementia and healthcare and ethics: genomics.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met today with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan Semaya Kumba, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently taking place in Doha. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to support and strengthen it, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.

The Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority as part of efforts to enhance cross-border investment, innovation and financial co-operation.The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently underway here in Qatar. It was signed by Daniel Mainda, chief executive officer of NIFC Authority, and Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer of QFCA.Through this agreement, the NIFC and QFC reaffirm their commitment to global best practices and to fostering sustainable, inclusive growth across Africa and the Middle East.This renewed collaboration aims to enhance cross-border investment, innovation and financial co-operation through the respective international financial centres.This partnership builds on a decade-long relationship that began when the Ministry of Finance of Qatar through Kenya’s National Treasury, provided technical support in establishing the NIFC, making Qatar a key partner present at the very inception of the NIFC’s story.The NIFC is a transformative project designed by the Kenyan government to position Nairobi as a premier financial hub in Africa. It is a key initiative under the economic pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030 project.The NIFC aims to attract global investment by providing an efficient, conducive environment for financial services and innovation. With a focus on modern infrastructure, regulatory transparency, and strategic partnerships, the NIFC will foster economic growth and facilitate capital flow across the region through its business-friendly environment.

Coinciding with Qatar's hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development, and as part of national measures to support public safety and security, the Ministry of Transport calls upon maritime vessel owners, be they individuals or companies, to suspend all forms of maritime navigation as well as maritime vessel leasing (pleasure, tourism, fishing, scooters, and the like) from Hamad International Airport to the waterfront of Fairmont Hotel in Lusail City.This circular is effective from 06:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 04, through 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 07, 2025. The Ministry urges all to abide by this circular and cooperate for the success of national and international events taking place in Qatar.**media[376864]**

Qatar Charity (QC), in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), organised a high-level panel discussion titled ‘Building a Shared Vision for Humanitarian Accountability’ on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from November 4-6. The session underscored the critical importance of enhancing accountability in humanitarian work. Discussions focused on resource-conscious humanitarian response, ensuring that limited aid reaches the most vulnerable through transparent, people-centred approaches that uphold dignity and address real needs. The panel also emphasised the centrality of localisation, empowering local actors and communities to lead humanitarian action, as a cornerstone for trust, relevance, and sustainability. It further explored ways to integrate development efforts into humanitarian response to support recovery and resilience, paving the way for a dignified life through principled humanitarian action. This session took place at a pivotal moment, as the Humanitarian Impact Forum prepares for its first high-level meeting in 2026, which will be co-organised by Qatar Charity and OCHA. The forum seeks to redefine, measure, and achieve impact in humanitarian response. Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity, and Joyce Msuya, assistant secretary general for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, United Nations opened the session. Al-Kuwari emphasised the urgency of the topic, stating: “We gather at a time when the humanitarian landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. Crises are growing in number and complexity, while resources and trust are under increasing strain. In such circumstances, humanitarian accountability is no longer a principle, it is a collective responsibility that gives our work meaning and integrity.”

Graduating from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), AlDana Ahmad Al-Sulaiti reflects on a journey shaped by leadership, policy engagement, and global exposure within Qatar Foundation (QF). As she prepares to graduate from Georgetown University in Qatar, Al-Sulaiti represents a new generation of young leaders shaped by the multidisciplinary ecosystem of Qatar Foundation, combining academic excellence with real-world impact. “My experience was all-encompassing, it went far beyond academics.” Q: As you graduate from Georgetown University in Qatar, how would you describe your journey at Qatar Foundation?First and foremost, my experience at Georgetown was all-encompassing. It wasn’t just academic, I had opportunities for leadership, internships, and volunteer experiences. It was a very well-rounded journey.I was able not only to strengthen my academic skills but also to develop technical and professional competencies through internships facilitated by Georgetown.“I wanted to study policy from within the region I hope to serve.” Q: Why did you choose Georgetown University in Qatar and Education City for your studies?I chose Georgetown because I aim to work in policy, specifically within Qatar. I believed the best way to do that was to study within the region I want to serve and influence.Qatar Foundation institutions offer more than academics. They provide opportunities that foster both professional and personal growth, making Georgetown the ideal choice for my future goals.“Research and mentorship shaped my academic path.” Q: How did Qatar Foundation help shape your academic and personal growth?Academically, I pursued two major research projects. For my honours thesis in international politics, I examined Qatar’s strategic relationships with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) and the US, particularly in defence and Major Non-Nato Ally (MNNA) status.My second research project explored Al Jazeera’s formative years and its role in shaping narratives in the region.I was supported by faculty mentors, including Prof Gerd Nonneman and Prof Rory Miller, reflecting the strong academic support system at Georgetown.“Interdisciplinary learning gave me a broader worldview.” Q: How valuable was the interdisciplinary model at the QF, including cross-registration with other universities?The interdisciplinary model at Qatar Foundation is extremely valuable.Through cross-registration, I pursued a certificate in media and politics in collaboration with Northwestern University in Qatar, a partner university of Qatar Foundation.This exposed me to students from different academic backgrounds, allowing me to engage with diverse perspectives and better prepare for the workforce.“Leadership opportunities confirmed my path in foreign affairs.” Q: In what ways did leadership and volunteer opportunities at QF prepare you for life beyond university?Through Georgetown, I applied to join the Qatar Youth Delegation to the AFS Youth Assembly in New York in 2025.After being selected, I grew significantly as a leader and confirmed my interest in foreign affairs.I was later appointed as Qatar’s ambassador to the AFS Youth Assembly and will lead the delegation to Geneva in 2026.This is an opportunity I would not have encountered outside Qatar Foundation.“Media and politics together shape how we understand the world.” Q: You pursued media and politics, why are these fields important in today’s regional context?While my primary focus is politics, I also have a strong interest in media and how it shapes narratives.News is inherently political, but it also influences how people perceive the world.Understanding both fields allows for a more comprehensive view of regional and global dynamics.“I was exposed to global platforms at the highest level.” Q: How did your international experiences reflect the values and opportunities offered by Qatar Foundation?One of my most defining experiences was my internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where I worked in the Office of the Minister of International Co-operation.I contributed to briefing files, post-meeting notes, and attended bilateral meetings.I also participated in major international events such as the Doha Forum 2025, the UN Second World Summit for Social Development, and the Qatar-Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg.These opportunities reflect the global exposure enabled by Georgetown University in Qatar and Qatar Foundation.“Qatar Foundation prepares leaders, not just graduates.” Q: What role do you believe the QF plays in preparing young leaders for Qatar and the world?Qatar Foundation provides an ecosystem that goes beyond academics.It equips students with leadership skills, global exposure, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to Qatar and the wider world.“I aspire to contribute to Qatar’s foreign policy.” Q: What are your aspirations after graduation?My goal is to work in policy, particularly in foreign affairs within Qatar.Through my academic background and professional experiences, I hope to contribute to shaping Qatar’s foreign policy and strengthening its global role.“Take every opportunity, this is a platform for growth.” Q: What message would you share with future Qatar Foundation students?Take full advantage of every opportunity available to you.Qatar Foundation is more than an academic institution, it is a platform for growth, exploration, and leadership. The more you engage, the more you will gain. 

The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2021) will feature an exchange of experience on educational and scientific tracks in Doha Hall, areas specifically set aside for the Qatari delegation at the forum venue, as a separate line of cross-cultural interaction between Qatari delegates and Russian representatives. "2021 has been declared the Year of Science and Technology in Russia. It is fundamentally important to create a stable space for co-operation and solidarity. That’s why Russian state policy aims as one of its priorities to improve the quality of education and promote science," the Qatari-Russian Centre for Co-operation has said in a press statement, noting that education is one of the central pillars of Qatar's National Vision 2030, which envisages a modern, world-class educational system. HE Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, representatives of Qatar Foundation (QF) and officials from Qatar National Library (QNL) and leading universities in Qatar will engage in the business programme. The delegates and speakers will come from public, scientific and educational organisations such as Qatar University (QU), QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Aeronautical Academy and Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, the statement notes. The 10 best students of HBKU will also attend the forum. “It is a privilege to be invited to the St Petersburg International Economic Forum as a guest country this year, especially as the theme of this year is 'education and science'. Our mission as a representative of one of Qatar's leading universities at the forum is to share our strategic values, which focus on students’ education and research, in order to motivate them to use their talents and encourage them to reach their full potential,” said Dr Hassan al-Derham, president of QU. “Building on the university's strong transformation into a world-class educational institution. We are committed to achieving sustained performance excellence and building on our achievements in the key areas of learning, research, innovation and economic development of Qatar.” “We can no longer simply fill in the cracks in our school systems; Covid-19 has made abundantly clear that the future is here and now is the time to remake our education systems for a brighter, more equitable future for all learners. We need to work towards building systems that produce future-ready leaders who are better prepared for the increasingly uncertain and unpredictable future. The unpredictable future we face means we need to rapidly transform school leadership and rethink leadership programs, so that we allow for adaptive mindsets to better solve problems and navigate ongoing uncertainty,” said Dr Asmaa al-Fadala, director of Research and Content Development at the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), an initiative of QF. “The Qatar Aeronautical Academy has been a leading provider of training for the full spectrum of aviation-related disciplines, with a steadfast commitment to intellectual achievements, the highest levels of ethics, personal growth, globalisation and equal opportunities to all of our students. Our participation in SPIEF strongly demonstrates our aim to showcase our platform to an even larger pool of international students where they can get the chance to receive world-class education, knowledge and expertise,” said HE Sheikh Jabor bin Hamad al-Thani, director-general, Qatar Aeronautical Academy. On June 5, the SPIEF 2021 programme will be dedicated to the youth agenda. On that day, the Qatar National Pavilion will bring together participants from a wide variety of backgrounds to discuss the most prominent topics for today's youth: accessible and high-quality education, leadership in education, engaging the young generation in the global issue solving, transforming education tools in the digital world, changing the role of international educational organisations. The sessions will present the best practices to bring to light ideas in social projects of students, including projects tailored to the national priority goals, social entrepreneurship and new trends: volunteering, charity and environmental protection. The core agenda will include education breakfast "University between Global Challenges and Local Commitments”, WISE special session “Leading for the Future: Education in a Multi-Pandemic World”, panel discussion “Mitigating the education finance challenge” (session partner - EAA Foundation), international dialogue “Engaging the young generation in the global issue solving to pursue a better world” (session partner - HBKU), panel discussion “Transformation of Libraries and Books in the Digital Era: Best Practices (session partner - QNL), and QatarDebate show “Fight or Adapt to Climate Change?” in Arabic. “Qatar has emphasised the importance of youth empowerment for long-term growth. We make great efforts to provide our youth with quality education in order to prepare them for the future and for the country's benefit. We look forward to attend SPIEF-2021 and share the university’s research findings that can benefit different industries and to open the door to new co-operation opportunities with Russian universities,” noted Dr al-Derham.

Children are not being taught to be "emotionally self-aware" and the world needs to take the opportunity offered by the pandemic to tailor education to individuals, experts have said as Qatar Foundation's global education initiative launched its new e-book detailing experiences from the frontline of learning amid Covid-19. The Education Disrupted, Education Reimagined special edition e-book developed by the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) brings together discussions and shared experiences from the global education community over the course of the five months following the start of the Covid-19 crisis. The panel, held in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar and the Diplomatic Courier, saw six education experts who contributed to the e-book and shared their own views on the fundamental changes that need to take place in order to build better education for everyone. Asef Saleh, executive director of BRAC education programme, which has transformed lives in Bangladesh through education for over 30 years, said, “We are currently dealing with a dire situation for education after the pandemic, which we have never seen since the last World War, where an entire generation might not have an opportunity to resume school. “We are witnessing massive dropout rates, especially among girls in the developing countries, and while we may recover from this health hazard and economic fallout, recovering from the damage to learning and education will take a much longer time unless we think collaboratively.” Panelist Rebecca Telford, chief of education at UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency highlighted the most crucial changes to be addressed in a newly imagined education landscape according to the findings of UN reports on refugees, “Let’s look at how Covid-19 and support from international systems could give us a way to really fast-track the work of inclusion,” she said. “When children around the world are now suffering from the disruption and the developing communities are suffering with poor infrastructure and inaccessibility, this all resonates with the refugees’ situation. “Now is the opportunity to think of how to tailor education in a way that can benefit everybody, without the need to make parallel systems or special programs that could work for a specific group, and to look at what inclusion means in terms of how the international community tailors support in response to crises.” Marc Brackett, director, Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence, said, “At the present time, we don’t have systems that focus on the social and emotional development which is so essential for every human being to be focused and attentive.” “Imagine how the situation is for a child growing up in abuse, in constant struggle. It impairs their immune function and makes it hard to make sound decisions while being continuously on survival mode. And it makes it so hard for this child to have, and maintain, healthy relationships. We are having a tremendous amount of emotional imbalance in societies, and we need to admit that throwing scattered interventions like a workshop here and there will not solve the issue,” he added.

A senior official of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has affirmed Qatar’s willingness to participate in the international efforts for the vaccine development against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). “Qatar will be happy to participate in any international clinical trials for the vaccine development for Covid-19. What is needed is global collaboration and we need to unite on an international level to fight Covid-19 as well as such other diseases that might emerge in the future,” said Dr Salih Ali al-Marri, Assistant Minister of Health Affairs, MoPH, on Wednesday Dr al-Marri was participating in a global panel discussion “Flattening the Curve: Global Responses to COVID-19”, hosted by Qatar Foundation (QF) and the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), the global health initiative of QF, as part of QF’s Education City Speaker Series. The panel included several healthcare experts from around the world. As for the covid-19 situation in Qatar, Dr al-Marri pointed out that the country has a very good percentage of recovery. “As of now, we have 3,298 active cases while 406 cases have been fully recovered. Moreover, the mortality rate is very low and there were none in the past 48 hours,” he explained. According to the official, the country is in a good position to manage the situation. “Over 80% of the cases in the country are mild infections and very less percentage of cases are critical. I think we are really in a good position as we are managing the whole situation effectively. The recent rise in the number of cases reported every day is because of the large number of tests being carried out.” “We also have different pathways for different types of cases and this helps us to test, quarantine, isolate and admit them. We have got very promising outcomes so far from our pandemic fight. Under the very strong governance structure, we are working with our local stakeholders and a very strong leadership of WHO and other international organisations to flatten the curve,” he noted. Dr al-Marri also pointed out to the challenges that the community will face during the holy month of Ramadan. “There is a challenge with Ramadan approaching, and the psychological impact of people having to stay at home and do things they would not usually do. But we have created platforms to support people, and I hope that by encouraging people to approach Ramadan with a different mindset, they can see it as an opportunity to experience it in a different way,” he said. He also maintained that the community is co-operating with the government in adhering to the new norms against Covid-19. “Working together is the key for success and more importantly, our community is ready to adhere to all the measures put in place to fight the pandemic. Our heroes and superheroes are our healthcare workers and the community members who are following all the measures such as social distancing, hand washing among others to fight covid-19,” added Dr al-Marri.

HE Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Economic Affairs sector in the Arab League Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Malki said that the Arab League Council at the summit level, in its 33rd regular session in Bahrain, will address a number of significant topics in the economic and social files, most notably support for the Palestinian people in light of the humanitarian crisis they have been living as a result of the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency indicated that the topics presented within the economic and social files of the summit include an emergency response plan to deal with the negative economic and social repercussions of the Israeli aggression against the State of Palestine, in addition to the progress made in completing the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and establishing the Arab Customs Union, in addition to Arab cooperation in the field of financial technology, innovation and digital transformation, the Arab strategy for water security, and the draft statute of the Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity.HE Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League said that the emergency response plan to deal with the negative economic and social repercussions of the Israeli aggression against the State of Palestine comes at the forefront of the agenda of the economic and social file. He indicated that on Feb. 15, the 13th session of the Arab Economic and Social Council issued a decision regarding the preparation of this emergency plan, and assigned the General Secretariat of the Arab League to coordinate with the State of Palestine, specialized Arab organizations, and Arab federations affiliated with the Arab League to prepare it and circulate it to member states, in preparation for presenting it within the economic and social file submitted to the Arab League Council at the summit level in its 33rd regular session in the Kingdom of Bahrain.His Excellency said that this plan included a number of proposals in various social, humanitarian, and economic fields, with an emphasis on providing urgent social, humanitarian, and health assistance as a top priority through a short-term plan and to be followed at a later stage by the necessary economic interventions.HE Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League addressed the stages of preparing this plan, leading to an agreement that the Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the Arab League will present the agreed-upon observations to the committee formed by the ministries and concerned authorities in the State of Palestine to update the plan in light of what was agreed upon in preparation for presenting it in an integrated manner to the Economic and Social Council, in a way that achieves the desired goals aimed at alleviating the difficult humanitarian, social, and economic situation in the State of Palestine. He noted that it was presented to the 56th regular session of the Supreme Coordination Committee for Joint Arab Action at the expert level on April 22, and was recommended.His Excellency said that the efforts of the Arab League to provide economic support to the Palestinian people in light of the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing Israeli war are taking place at various levels as support for the Palestinian people is considered a permanent item on the agenda of the specialized ministerial councils. He pointed out that the Arab League Council at the level of Arab Foreign Ministers issued resolution No. 8997 on March 6, 2024, regarding activating a financial safety net as quickly as possible in the amount of $100 million per month to support the State of Palestine to address the pressures and financial crises it is exposed to. The General Secretariat of the Arab League, in cooperation with specialized Arab organizations and various ministerial councils, provided support for the Palestinian people in the form of medicines and food.Regarding the completion of the GAFTA and the establishment of the Arab Customs Union, HE the Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League indicated that this item is permanently presented to the Arab Summit to learn about the latest developments in this important file, and then take decisions that will advance the process of Arab economic integration. He explained that a number of basic paragraphs will be presented in this regard, including issues related to joining the GAFTA, the Arab Customs Cooperation Agreement, and the amended agreement for regulating transit transportation, as well as discussing the activation of the action plan for implementing the Agreement on the Liberalization of Trade in Services among Arab Countries and presenting the issue of supporting the accession of the General Secretariat of the Arab League to the World Trade Organization as an observer member.Regarding the item related to Arab cooperation in the field of financial technology, innovation, and digital transformation, His Excellency explained that this topic presented within the summits economic file is of particular importance, as most countries and institutions seek to change their method of work to improve the provision of financial services to be more efficient and effective in their designs. They also seek to achieve goals such as increasing transparency and interoperability, and the possibility of digital transformation is gaining importance for all those interested in banking and finance in the world.Regarding the item related to the Arab strategy for water security in the Arab region to meet future challenges and requirements for sustainable development, HE the Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League stressed that this issue is of great importance in light of the financial challenges facing Arab countries in terms of water poverty, and the worsening water crisis in Arab countries year after year, in addition to the increasing threats faced by some Arab countries regarding their rights to the waters of rivers shared with neighboring countries, especially on the Nile and Euphrates rivers.His Excellency also noted that the economic file of the Arab Summit also includes the draft statute of the Council of Arab Ministers of Cybersecurity, pointing out that this draft was approved by the Arab Economic and Social Council at its 113th session.Regarding the efforts of the Arab League to achieve Arab food security in light of the current global economic crisis and successive developments in the region, HE the Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League indicated that the General Secretariat of the Arab League plays a vital role in achieving food security in the Arab world by holding several workshops and meetings with Arab organizations specialized in the field of agriculture as they contribute to developing strategies and policies aimed at increasing agricultural production and enhancing access to safe and nutritious food for the population, in addition to working to enhance cooperation and coordination between member states of the Arab League to exchange experiences and knowledge and support research and development programs in the field of agriculture.His Excellency noted that the Arab Summit in Algeria 2022 recognized the importance of food security and commissioned the General Secretariat of the Arab League to prepare an integrated strategy to ensure the provision of safe and available food to all residents in the Arab world, which includes supporting sustainable agriculture, improving the work environment for farmers, and promoting international trade in food products, in addition to encouraging investment in agricultural infrastructure and providing modern technology to increase the productivity of the agricultural sector.His Excellency said that it is expected that this strategy will be adopted at the Economic and Social Development Summit in Mauritania in its next session, which reflects the commitment of the Arab countries to achieving stable food supplies and achieving food security for their citizens. In this regard, he emphasized that achieving food security requires joint efforts and international cooperation, and therefore the Arab countries must work together to implement this strategy and ensure a decent life for all the peoples of the region.Regarding the most prominent efforts to support Sudan and save the agricultural season in the country, HE the Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League indicated that the agricultural sector is the backbone of the Sudanese economy and a major source of income and food resources. Therefore, it must be supported immediately and effectively to maintain its sustainability and improve its production. He pointed out that agriculture in Sudan faces many challenges, including harsh weather conditions, lack of funding, and traditional methods of agriculture, where it is important to provide financial and technical support and improve the soil to farmers, which will contribute to increasing productivity, improving crop quality, and diversifying agricultural production.In this regard, His Excellency also explained that supporting the agricultural sector is one of the most important factors for achieving food security and strengthening the local economy. Therefore, the government and international and regional organizations must work together to implement the "initiative to save the agricultural season in Sudan," ensure its success, and achieve economic and social stability in the country. He noted that the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) launched this initiative under the auspices of Secretary-General of the Arab League of Ahmed Aboul Gheit to strengthen agriculture in Sudan and increase agricultural productivity by providing support and assistance to farmers.His Excellency noted that the Secretary-General of the Arab League directed the formation of a committee that includes the Department of Housing, Water Resources and Disaster Reduction, the Department of the Horn of Africa in the General Secretariat of the Arab League, the AOAD, and the Sudanese Ministry of Agriculture to follow up on the implementation of the initiative by reviewing agricultural strategies in Sudan, identifying urgent needs to enhance agricultural production, and searching for a mechanism to provide financial and technical support to farmers to improve agricultural techniques and increase productivity. He pointed out that the arable land in Sudan is huge and that the countrys capabilities to increase agricultural production are great, but the agricultural infrastructure must be improved, and training and support must be provided for farmers to make the most of these opportunities.Regarding the most prominent developments of the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction, His Excellency indicated that the General Secretariat of the Arab League held five meetings for this mechanism and a meeting at the level of ministers concerned with disaster risk reduction. He pointed out that the sixth meeting of the mechanism and the second meeting of ministers are scheduled to be held during 2024, to discuss a number of topics, the most important of which is the establishment of an Arab Ministerial Council for disaster risk reduction.His Excellency noted that the Arab Summit held in Algeria in 2005 approved the establishment of an Arab mechanism concerned with reducing the effects of natural disasters and the field of relief and rescue, and that the mechanism was changed in 2018 at the Dhahran Summit to become the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction, considering it the Arab Mechanism concerned with cooperation and coordination with Arab countries to implement the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2030. He noted that the technical secretariat of the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction is working on several projects and programs and building regional and international partnerships, in addition to its main work tasks in Arab coordination for disaster risk reduction, and following up on the implementation of relevant Arab strategy.

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad Tuesday inaugurated the Qatar CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Summit 2023 hosted by Qatar University (QU).Running until Thursday, the event is being held in the Student Affairs Building at the university.HE the Minister participated in the opening event along with QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham, Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani, QNB Group chief business officer Yousef Mahmoud al-Neama and Mubadara for Social Impact president Dr Saif al-Hajari.Also present were representatives of ministries and government agencies, managers of sponsoring companies, the administrative and educational staff at QU and a group of businesspersons and academics.The Qatar CSR Summit serves as a platform for local and international CSR experts and professionals to discuss how organisations can use CSR to integrate economic, social and environmental objectives with their operations. The summit gathers leaders in business, academics and law as well as representatives of governmental and non-governmental institutions from various sectors to identify and discuss some of the key challenges and possible solutions that allow integrating CSR into the core business, build relationships with key partners in the private and public sectors, and promote their brands and initiatives.In her opening address, HE al-Misnad said: “I am pleased to be with a group of leaders of social responsibility development in Qatar, and officials of companies that have taken the initiative for many years to implement the goals related to social responsibility on the ground, to serve as an example for other institutions and companies.”She stressed that social responsibility "occupies an advanced position within the list of priorities of the wise government, and constitutes an important element in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 in the human, social, economic and environmental dimensions".“Reaching these goals requires us to commit, co-operate and work together, so that together we can achieve sustainable development and wellbeing for citizens and residents," she said.In his speech, Dr al-Derham said QU considers social responsibility an essential part of its students' educational journey.“We strive to enhance their awareness and develop their skills and abilities to become more interested in social and environmental problems and more aware of finding solutions to these problems. We encourage students to participate in CSR-related conferences and events to broaden their horizons and enhance their abilities to communicate effectively with others and work together to achieve common goals," he noted.Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali said: "Ooredoo strongly believes in the importance of social responsibility and sustainability, and we strive to incorporate these values into all its business. Supporting national events such as the Qatar CSR Summit is part of our strategy to make the world around us a better place, and we are committed to playing our part in building a sustainable future in Qatar and the world."On his part, al-Neama said: “We are delighted to be the official sponsor of the summit, as it strongly reflects our vision to provide long-term value and to underline our continuous efforts to support various CSR initiatives. This sponsorship reinforces the Group's efforts to maintain its CSR initiatives and projects, which are an important pillar of the Group's long-term strategy to deliver better performance and build a stronger brand.”During the event, Qatar Charity (QC) CEO Yousef Ahmed al-Kuwari was named CSR Person of the Year 2023, in recognition of his efforts and QC's continuous efforts in community development and relief.Sheikh Ali was also honoured and recognised in appreciation of Ooredoo’s activities during the holy month of Ramadan, while Seashore Group chairman Saeed Salem al-Mohannadi was honoured for the Group's role in supporting the sustainable development goals in co-operation with the ministry to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.