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Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) and the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, met today with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development.**media[378049]**The meeting discussed the efforts undertaken by the Education Above All Foundation and the UN to protect education in conflict zones, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and empower youth. It also reviewed ongoing collaboration with Qatar Foundation in the field of technology and innovation in education.

On the second day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) yesterday, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation 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 mission to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.EAA's 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.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, 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 can help bridge the $97bn 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.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, EAA's Educate A Child 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.

Qatar’s private sector is positioning itself as a regional leader in inclusive employment, creative industries, and talent development, according to a prominent Qatari business leader.Speaking at the Private Sector Forum during the Second World Summit for Social Development yesterday, Ashraf Abuissa, CEO and chairman of AbuIssa Holding, said Qatar’s investment in technology and its hosting of global events, such as the Web Summit and Mobile Congress, were helping to build a thriving ecosystem for startups and innovation.“Qatar is becoming a regional headquarters for major companies and an incubator for startups,” he said, noting that the country’s inclusive employment practices extend to remote work opportunities for communities facing political or cultural restrictions.Abuissa also highlighted Qatar’s labour protections and talent development systems, describing how his company nurtures employees through fast-track programmes and continuous training.He also lauded the government’s Wage Protection System (WPS) and its proactive monitoring of labour rights.Sonya Janahi, vice president for Asia at the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in avoiding unethical competition and economic burden.“Governments should not compete with the private sector. Instead, we must collaborate to create sustainable solutions,” she emphasised.Janahi also pointed to the growing role of corporate social responsibility (CSR): “Employers are giving back — supporting farmers, education, and healthcare systems. This is where social development happens.”Daan Wensing, CEO of IDH, described the private sector as a global catalyst, driving 80% of trade and generating millions of jobs. “We need to make growth more intentional—linking innovation with inclusivity, wages with well-being, and productivity with decent jobs,” he said.Wensing cited examples from the banana and tea sectors, where collective action among retailers, governments, and civil society helped close living wage gaps. “If we do this together, we can challenge the status quo and achieve more than we thought possible,” he added.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), met with King Philippe of the Kingdom of Belgium Wednesday at the QF Headquarters in Education City.**media[377979]**His visit took place on the sidelines of his participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted in Doha.Her Highness accompanied the king on his tour that highlighted QF's vision to advance education, research and innovation.**media[377980]**They also visited Hamad bin Khalifa University where they met with students who shared their academic experiences and spotlighted the Education City multiversity model, which connects QF students to a wider academic network of international partner universities and advances the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Qatar’s private sector is positioning itself as a regional leader in inclusive employment, creative industries, and talent development, according to a prominent Qatari business leader. Speaking at the Private Sector Forum during the Second World Summit for Social Development yesterday, Ashraf Abuissa, CEO and chairman of AbuIssa Holding, said Qatar’s investment in technology and its hosting of global events, such as the Web Summit and Mobile Congress, were helping to build a thriving ecosystem for startups and innovation. “Qatar is becoming a regional headquarters for major companies and an incubator for startups,” he said, noting that the country’s inclusive employment practices extend to remote work opportunities for communities facing political or cultural restrictions. Abuissa also highlighted Qatar’s labour protections and talent development systems, describing how his company nurtures employees through fast-track programmes and continuous training. He also lauded the government’s Wage Protection System (WPS) and its proactive monitoring of labour rights. Sonya Janahi, vice president for Asia at the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in avoiding unethical competition and economic burden. “Governments should not compete with the private sector. Instead, we must collaborate to create sustainable solutions,” she emphasised. Janahi also pointed to the growing role of corporate social responsibility (CSR): “Employers are giving back—supporting farmers, education, and healthcare systems. This is where social development happens.” Daan Wensing, CEO of IDH, described the private sector as a global catalyst, driving 80% of trade and generating millions of jobs. “We need to make growth more intentional—linking innovation with inclusivity, wages with well-being, and productivity with decent jobs,” he said. Wensing cited examples from the banana and tea sectors, where collective action among retailers, governments, and civil society helped close living wage gaps. “If we do this together, we can challenge the status quo and achieve more than we thought possible,” he added. Ends

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.