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Qatar ranks among the top countries globally for broadband quality, data infrastructure, digital government services, and innovation, according to a report by Digital Co-operation Organisation (DCO). For example, the report notes that Qatar recorded a higher number of Internet exchange points, improvements in online banking services, and growth in innovative companies. Digital Co-operation Organisation, which is an international organisation dedicated to advancing inclusive and sustainable digital economies, launched the Digital Economy Navigator 2025 (DEN 2025) during the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. The report highlights Qatar’s world-class digital infrastructure, advanced governance frameworks, and pioneering investments in sustainability technologies, reaffirming its role as one of the region’s most future-ready digital economies. Qatar’s early adoption of 5G networks and investment in green, energy-efficient data centres position it as a leader in sustainable digital innovation. The report also emphasises Qatar’s commitment to digital skills development and innovation ecosystems, including improved access to online learning resources, digital training at work, flexible working arrangements, and digitally enabled access to employment opportunities. These efforts reflect Qatar’s national digital strategy and its broader vision to diversify the economy and accelerate sustainable growth. Covering 80 countries representing 94% of global GDP and 85% of the global population, the DEN 2025 is the most comprehensive benchmark of digital economy maturity worldwide. Drawing on 145 indicators and insights from more than 41,000 respondents, it provides policymakers, businesses, and development partners with a detailed view of how nations are using technology to drive inclusive, sustainable growth. DCO Secretary-General Deemah al-Yahya said DEN 2025 illustrates both the progress already made and the opportunities ahead. Commenting on DEN 2025, she said: “The Digital Co-operation Organisation envisions a future where every nation can participate meaningfully in the digital economy, not only as consumers of digital services, but as creators and innovators.” She added that collective effort will be essential to turn this potential into reality. “DEN 2025 is a reminder that our collective progress depends on decisive action. We must move from measuring digital transformation to accelerating it, with governments adopting agile and forward-looking policies, businesses investing with purpose and responsibility, and societies embracing innovation as a force for inclusion. “The cost of inaction is exclusion, but the rewards of collaboration are limitless. If we work together across borders, sectors, and communities we can shape an inclusive, trusted, and sustainable digital future where every nation has the opportunity not only to participate, but to lead.” The DEN 2025 shows that digitalisation is creating new opportunities for growth across all income levels. Internet access now reaches more than four in five people globally, and lower-middle-income countries are recording the fastest progress. The report estimates that connecting underserved communities could enable more than 1.3bn people to benefit from digital banking and online services, enhancing inclusion and economic resilience. Artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly, and the new “Digital for Sustainability” pillar highlights how innovation can support more efficient, environmentally responsible economies. The DCO notes that Qatar’s leadership in green digital infrastructure and sustainable policy integration demonstrates how advanced economies can balance technological ambition with environmental stewardship. The DCO encourages policymakers, the private sector, and innovation stakeholders to use the DEN 2025 as a framework for collaboration and shared progress. Qatar’s achievements in connectivity, governance, and sustainability illustrate how long-term planning and investment can build resilient, inclusive digital economies.

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.

On the second day of the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, continued to lead the global conversation on education and sustainable development through two pivotal sessions. Hosted in collaboration with international partners, the discussions focused on unlocking innovative financing for education and advancing integrated approaches to climate resilience, poverty eradication, and inclusion, reaffirming EAA’s Foundation mission to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The Reach Out To All (ROTA) programme, in collaboration with the SLNI, UNDP, UNICEF, the POWER Foundation, the Commission on the Status of Women Geneva and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations, hosted a high-level session titled “Learning for Climate Resilience: Integrated Pathways for Poverty Eradication, Jobs & Inclusion.” The discussion underscored the critical role of education in addressing the interconnected challenges of poverty, unemployment, and climate vulnerability. By showcasing integrated models that combine literacy, vocational training, and environmental awareness, the session demonstrated how education can empower youth and women, particularly in fragile, climate-affected contexts, to lead community-based solutions that promote sustainable development and inclusion. The panel brought together global and youth leaders committed to advancing the education–climate nexus. Speakers included Ms. Ivana Zivkovic, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, UNDP; Ms. Lana Al Wreikat, Director for the Gulf Area, UNICEF; H.E. Mr. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Permanent Representative of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Nations; Mr. Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Executive Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, EAA Foundation; Ms. Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, Generation17 Youth Representative, UNDP; and representatives from the Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative including, COO and President Ms. Hauwa Abbas; Media and Engagement Lead, Ms. Goodnews Chukwunyem, andYouth Advocate Ms. Aisha Isa Ushata. Together, they explored policy and programmatic recommendations for scaling climate-resilient education and green livelihood opportunities, calling for strengthened partnerships that place education at the heart of climate adaptation and social justice. In addition, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, in partnership with the OECD, convened a high-level session titled “From Silos to Synergy: Unlocking Education Financing Through Philanthropy” as part of the Second World Summit for Social Development. The event examined how Public-Private-Philanthropy Partnerships (PPPPs) can help bridge the USD 97 billion annual financing gap for education in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Building on priorities set during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the session explored how philanthropic actors, governments, and development institutions can collaborate to create catalytic co-funding models that advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Mohammed Al Kubaisi, CEO of the Education Above All Foundation, and Ms. Mary-Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD. The session featured Ms. Bathylle Missika, Head of the Inclusive Development & Partnerships Division, OECD Development Centre, as the co-lead moderator alongside Ms. Dana Al-Anzy, Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Education Above All Foundation. The session was divided into a high level policy discussion followed by a technical discussion brought together distinguished speakers including Ms. Kate Hampton, CEO, Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF); Ms. Laila Hosny, CEO, Sawiris Foundation for Social Development; Ms. Vanessa Anyoti, CEO, Jakaya Mrisho Foundation; Mr. Leonardo De Castro Pinheiro, Executive Director of Strategy, Policy and Research, EAA foundation; Ms. Natou Bamba-Colon, Senior Mobilization & Partnership Advisor, Agence Française de Développement; H.E. Mr. Nesmy Manigat, Former Minister of Education, Haiti & Lead, Global Partnership for Education High-Level Envoy. Mr. Mohammed Al Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, said: “Our presence at the Summit underscores EAA Foundation’s unwavering commitment to making education a driving force for equality, resilience, and opportunity. Through our sessions at the summit on access to quality education, youth employment, green skills, education financing, support for displaced learners, climate resilience, and poverty eradication, we are demonstrating how inclusive and quality education can create pathways to decent work, stability, and sustainable development. Together with our partners, we are shaping global solutions that empower learners, equip youth for the future, and strengthen societies for generations to come.” On the final day of the Summit, The Educate A Child (EAC) programme, in collaboration with UNICEF, will host a high-level session titled “Education is a Key Pillar for Poverty Eradication, Employment, and Social Inclusion.” The session will reaffirm that education is central to social development - not merely a social service but a transformative investment that will drive progress across all dimensions of sustainable development. The discussion will underscore education’s power in enabling equitable and resilient societies by lifting individuals out of poverty, expanding access to decent employment, and fostering cohesive, equitable societies. It will also highlight the urgency of placing education at the center of national policies and international cooperation frameworks for social development, particularly in countries grappling with inequality, unemployment, and conflict, to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel will bring together international leaders and partners committed to advancing inclusive, rights-based education systems. Speakers will include: H.E. Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education, Republic of Liberia, Mr. Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF; Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner, UNHCR; Ms. Inger Ashing, CEO, Save the Children; Mr. Ferdinando Regalía, Manager, Social Sector, Inter-American Development Bank (IaDB); Mr. Nhial Deng, Youth Advocate and former EAC\ UNHCR student; and Mr. Mohammed Al-Kubaisi, CEO, Education Above All Foundation. Together, they will explore how cross-sectoral collaboration and innovative financing can ensure that education remains a driving force for inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity. The session will conclude with a shared call to action for governments and multilateral institutions to invest in education as a foundation for social progress, without deepening the debt burdens of the world’s poorest countries. For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met Wednesday at the Amiri Diwan with President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, on the occasion of his visit to the country to participate in the Second World Summit for Social Development.At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Pakistani president and the accompanying delegation, affirming Qatar's keenness to strengthen the bonds of friendship and bilateral cooperation and advance mutual interests.**media[377786]**For his part, the Pakistani president expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir for the warm reception and voiced his aspiration to deepen bilateral cooperation across all sectors and expand it for the benefit of both nations.During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields. They also discussed the most prominent regional and international issues and developments of common interest, in addition to exchanging views on key topics on the summit's agenda.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, and a number of senior officials attended the meeting. On the Pakistani side, it was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying the president.

The Second World Summit for Social Development opened its second day on Wednesday with a plenary session focused on the main global challenges and opportunities related to social development. During the session, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international solidarity and placing humans at the center of social policies to achieve sustainable well-being among communities.They called for enhanced cooperation between countries and international institutions to develop comprehensive social policies, with a focus on investing in youth, women, and vulnerable groups to ensure sustainable social development and promote equality and justice.In this context, Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas said that development is not measured solely by economic growth indicators, but also by social cohesion, citizens' quality of life, and human dignity.She added that Turkiye is working to achieve a balance between work, education, health, and social life, ensuring women's empowerment, protecting children, promoting active and healthy lives for youth and the elderly, and transforming social assistance from temporary support into a sustainable environment that encourages citizens' active participation in social development.Meanwhile, Minister of Social Development of Oman Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar emphasized that true development begins and ends with humans, and that justice and equality are fundamental pillars for building a modern state.She explained that the Sultanate of Oman follows a comprehensive social strategy that includes combating poverty, promoting social integration, and distributing social benefits fairly, with a focus on supporting families, improving the professional environment for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and using data-driven assessments to enhance social policies.In turn, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Sanni Grahn-Laasonen stressed her country's full support for United Nations reform and its commitment to human rights and gender equality, with an emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights.She noted that Finland is a leader in social innovation, and that its investments in parental care, free education, school meals, and public childcare have contributed to improving quality of life and empowering women to participate in the labor market. She also emphasized the importance of youth and ensuring the rights of future generations to a dignified life and a sustainable future.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Wednesday with the Minister of Social Solidarity of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Maya Morsi, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.Discussion during the meeting focused on cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to several issues of mutual interest.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met Wednesday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia, Mulambo Haimbe, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.Discussion during the meeting focused on cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to several issues of mutual interest.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Wednesday with Assistant Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), Rania Dagash Kamara, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.The meeting discussed aspects of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the WFP, in addition to several issues of mutual interest.

Jordan's Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa affirmed that the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently underway in Doha, holds great importance not only for the Arab region but for the entire world, serving as a reminder of the social development agenda, which is often overshadowed by other global priorities.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of her participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, Jordan's Minister of Social Development explained that this session comes at a time not far from the completion of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda, through which countries of the world are expected to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations member states.She highlighted the importance of the State of Qatar's hosting of the Summit and of issuing, according to the agreement of the participating countries, a Doha Political Declaration. She noted that the discussions focused on key issues related to social protection, employment opportunities, youth care, empowerment of women and persons with disabilities, in addition to the importance of early preparedness for social responses to crises and shocks. She emphasized that this summit represents a true opportunity to learn from various experiences and to develop national mechanisms for social response.Regarding her country's efforts in the issue of persons with disabilities, she told QNA that Jordan is one of the pioneering countries in integrating persons with disabilities into society. She pointed out that Jordan hosted the Third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025) earlier this year, which resulted in the "Amman-Berlin Declaration," one of the declarations that highlighted the importance of inclusion, integration, and the allocation of budgets within national development programs.She underlined that the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development works on disability issues as part of an integrated national system, specializing in the transition from institutional and residential care to family and community-based alternative care. This approach, she said, is at the core of the integration process and aims to prevent the exclusion and isolation of persons with disabilities.She also referred to Jordan's Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 2017, which led to the creation of a national strategy and a ten-year plan aimed at ending institutional care by the end of 2027.She noted that, as a leadership of the National Social Protection Strategy, the Ministry of Social Development oversees an important pillar called "FORSA" (Opportunity), which includes an executive plan for the employment of persons with disabilities. This initiative focuses on qualifying and training this group for decent and empowering job opportunities, enabling them to achieve the main goal of living independently, she added.Jordan's Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, stressed the importance of early investment in enhancing social services and in training and rehabilitating persons with disabilities, with the aim of reducing future costs and empowering this group to have independent sources of income and to live just like any other segment of society.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Wednesday with the Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Samah Hamad, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, currently taking place in Doha.The meeting reviewed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and explored mechanisms to meet basic needs and accelerate their delivery. The two sides also discussed several issues of mutual interest.

A session on protecting families during wars and conflicts was held today as part of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently underway in Doha.The session highlighted the State of Qatar's leading efforts in resolving regional and international conflicts. Speaking at the session, Acting Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sarah Abdullah Al Saadi, affirmed Qatar's pioneering role in reuniting separated families in several conflict zones. She highlighted Qatar's efforts in Russia, Ukraine, Gaza, and Afghanistan, which have contributed to restoring stability and reuniting numerous families affected by war.Al Saadi also stressed the importance of safeguarding families during conflicts and warned against the consequences of family fragmentation. She called for enhanced international cooperation and the adoption of sustainable policies to address these challenges.

President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Annalena Baerbock stated that Tuesday's adoption of the Doha Political Declaration represents a crucial step towards achieving inclusive social development that leaves no one behind, and that Doha should be the final stage on this path that began in Copenhagen three decades ago. In her address at the opening session of the Second World Summit for Social Development — ​​Doha 2025, she recalled the experience shaped by the 1995 Copenhagen Conference, saying: "Copenhagen taught us 30 years ago that social development and inclusion is essential for strong societies. Today, Doha must go the last mile and teach us how to leave no one behind, end social injustice, and guarantee dignity for everyone." Baerbock added that the past three decades have seen "tangible progress," saying: "Unemployment, which stood at 1bn people, 30% of the global workforce in 1995 fell to a historic low of 5% in 2024." However, she noted that "economic growth alone has been insufficient to pull people in all regions out of poverty," as gaps widen and structural imbalances persist, leaving millions marginalised. On these gaps, she pointed out that girls in many countries find themselves left behind for reasons beyond their control. She added, "Copenhagen has allowed millions to take a step forward. But far too many have remained stuck or have even fallen further back. 800mn people still live in extreme poverty. In some countries, half of the girls do not even go to primary school.” Baerbock continued by saying: "While unemployment has fallen to 5% globally, this hides vast disparities. For instance, unemployment stands at less than 1% in some countries, yet it amounts to more than 20% in others. And young people remain three times more likely to be unemployed. These are undeniable facts, and we must join forces in order to make life fair for everyone work towards a world that is fair to everyone, regardless of their birthplace or circumstances.” Regarding shared challenges, she emphasized that the climate crisis is the biggest obstacle to social development, noting that climate disasters cause the collapse of social services and an immediate decline in GDP. Just last week, Hurricane Melissa barreled through the Caribbean, causing $2bn in losses. Such disasters directly account for at least $200bn in annual losses, she said, adding: "If we continue like this, it is estimated that if the planet warms by more than two degrees, almost 200mn more people could face food insecurity.” She said that hunger and poverty are also drivers of displacement. And displacement, in turn, leads to insecurity and instability. Thus begins a vicious circle, stressing that the opportunity still exists to reduce emissions and keep the temperature rise below two degrees. "Fighting the climate crisis and ending hunger and poverty is not merely an act of charity. It is a matter of security and self-interest for all countries.” Baerbock also called for the adoption of interconnected solutions for social development, noting that the Doha Declaration, as well as the SDGs, call for holistic strategies because eradicating hunger cannot be achieved in isolation from education, equality, or decent work. They are not separate 17 goals, but rather an integrated framework where advancement in one area accelerates progress in others, she said. Baerbock affirmed that the Doha Declaration was formulated with everyone's participation and delivering on this all together in unity won't be easy. "With the Declaration just adopted, with the promises we made, to level the playing field for all, once and forever," she added It is worth noting that the opening session of the conference witnessed the formal adoption of the Doha Political Declaration by the President of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The declaration was agreed upon through an intergovernmental negotiation process held at the UN in New York. According to the UN, this declaration represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to accelerate social progress, eradicate poverty, and build more inclusive, just, and sustainable societies.