Search - World Summit for Social Development

HE Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, Minister of Labour and presiding officer of the 111th International Labour Conference, led the concluding session of the World of Work Summit. This was part of the ongoing International Labour Conference, under the aegis of Qatar, held in Geneva, Switzerland. As the summit wrapped up, deliberations continued on ways to boost social protection and to pave the way for a fair transition towards a sustainable economy. This is aimed at equipping the international labour market to surmount the challenges and hurdles brought about by the crises that the world has faced in recent years.The second day of the World of Work Summit saw the participation of dignitaries including heads of state, prime ministers, ministers, as well as representatives from employers, workers, and a range of international, governmental, and labour organizations. HE al-Marri stressed that the World of Work Summit constituted an important opportunity for decision-makers around the world to exchange views on effective ways to advance social justice, indicating that these constructive opinions will mainly contribute to supporting International efforts to promote decent work opportunities, especially in light of the multiple crises that the global Labour market has been exposed to during the past years.For his part, Gilbert Houngbo, ILO’S Director-General, stressed the importance of supporting social dialogue to enhance social justice efforts at the global level, noting that adopting social justice in strategic plans, whether at the global level or within various countries, will have a direct role in overcoming the challenges facing efforts. International to achieve social justice and just transition of the economy.Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, President of Iraq, stressed during his speech that social justice is not limited to achieving decent job opportunities, but rather is important for the development of societies and the achievement of the desired goals, indicating that the challenges of social justice are one of the causes of the crises raging in the world, as the loss of social justice causes an increase in the feeling of injustice among these people, which results in crises.In turn Andry Nirina Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, stressed that the promotion of decent work for all must be a strategic priority in order to achieve social justice within different societies, indicating that Madagascar has ratified all the basic conventions of the International Labour Organization with the aim of improving the work environment.For his part, William Samoei Ratu, President of Kenya, affirmed that the World of Work Summit is important in promoting social dialogue between all parties to discuss all the challenges facing the global labour market, indicating that social justice is important for improving working conditions in various countries. Attendees at the World of Work Summit underscored the urgency of crafting effective solutions to the crises impacting global economies, particularly those of developing countries with limited financial resources to tackle these challenges. They highlighted the importance of generating decent employment opportunities and widening the reach of social protection to foster all-encompassing and fair transitions within the economy, thus offering quality job prospects.They pointed to the necessity of creating commendable job opportunities in key sectors of the economy, notably in those areas like information technology, health, tourism, and agriculture, where decent work is often lacking. They further called for bolstering women's engagement in respectable work and ensuring their effective access to social protection.The World of Work Summit, an annual event held alongside the International Labour Conference, stands out as a premier gathering of workers, employers, and governments, aimed at collaboratively devising potent solutions to global labour sector challenges. Qatar chaired the World of Work Summit for the current year, which was held under the title "Social Justice for All", in its capacity as chair of the International Labour Conference at its 111th session.

President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stressed that the State of Qatar's support for the the United Nations is a leading example, praising the country's role as an international mediator in conflict resolution and its active contribution to social development.In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the president explained that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha underscores the need to move from promises to implementation through concrete action in areas such as education, employment, and social justice, thus contributing to achieving social benefits and healthcare for all people.She highlighted the importance of promoting social development and achieving global justice, noting significant progress in certain economic and social indicators despite ongoing challenges in other parts of the world.President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly said that the unemployment rate in Qatar stands at around 1 percent, while in some other countries it reaches 30 percent, reflecting the persistent gap among nations in benefiting from the fruits of social development.She stressed that failure to address crises such as hunger exacerbates displacement and migration, emphasizing the need to break this vicious cycle by working on the three main pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, social development, and human rights.She added that the Summit aims to accelerate progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that all goals are interconnected and cannot be achieved in isolation, especially amid global climate challenges that affect food security.She also pointed to the importance of linking the Doha Summit with the Climate Change Conference to be held in the Amazonian city of Belem, Brazil, and the role of nationally determined commitments in reducing carbon emissions. She affirmed that investment in renewable energy benefits strong economies and enhances their competitiveness.The President of the UN General Assembly emphasized the importance of international cooperation to achieve social justice, explaining that global challenges know no borders, and that the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the necessity of international collaboration in providing vaccines and addressing health crises.In conclusion, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock told QNA that supporting UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, is vital to preventing hunger and human suffering in countries such as Sudan, stressing that immediate funding and support are essential to ensuring a dignified life for people around the world.

The State of Qatar, led by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has adopted peace, security and development as the cornerstones of its domestic and foreign policy, HE Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has reaffirmed. Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC) in Islamabad, HE Al Ghanim said Qatar's approach is rooted in the belief that peace is not built on power, but on justice and dialogue, and that true security is achieved only when people feel dignity, safety and fairness. **media[380326]** He outlined Qatar's balanced foreign policy, which prioritises the peaceful settlement of disputes and dialogue between peoples. He noted the country's active humanitarian and mediation roles in resolving regional and international crises -particularly its ongoing efforts to help end the assault on Gaza and alleviate civilian suffering. The tragic events in Gaza are a test for the conscience of humanity, His Excellency said, stressing that Israeli violations against civilians constitute a blatant breach of international law and norms and that continued occupation undermines confidence in the global system and fuels cycles of violence and hatred that threaten regional and global security. HE Al Ghanim also warned that the international community's failure to uphold peace and security - as seen in Gaza and Sudan, where civilians face crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing - demands a serious awakening of global conscience and renewed trust in multilateral action. He linked peace to development and social justice, citing Doha's recent hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development (November 4-6) as an embodiment of Qatar's human-centred development vision. The summit, he said, underscored Qatar's commitment to investing in education, health and empowerment as guarantees for stability and lasting peace. On the sidelines of the summit, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Qatar's Shura Council co-hosted a parliamentary forum on the role of parliaments in social development, which discussed legislative and oversight roles in supporting development pathways and promoting social justice. **media[380325]** HE Al Ghanim highlighted the summit's concluding "Doha Declaration", which affirmed that peace, security and development are inseparable, calling for fair and stable conditions to achieve inclusive growth and combat poverty in all its forms. He said the Doha summit offered a model of partnership between parliaments and governments, showing how shared roles in policymaking can link development with equality and justice. He urged parliaments worldwide to move from diagnosis to action, turning conference recommendations into practical initiatives. Concluding his remarks, HE the Speaker stressed the need for a rational and balanced voice that unites moral values with realistic policies and for parliaments brave enough to prioritise dialogue over conflict. He described the Islamabad conference as an opportunity to renew the global commitment to just peace, comprehensive development and social justice, values that flourish only through cooperation among peoples and the synergy of legislative institutions. At the start of his speech, he expressed gratitude to Pakistan's leadership and people for their hospitality and praised HE Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for his initiative in launching the ISC, calling it a valuable addition to the framework of global parliamentary cooperation. The ISC, inaugurated by HE Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focuses on the theme peace, security and development. It serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on conflict resolution, water, energy and food security, climate action, sustainable development, and interfaith and intercultural harmony.

Qatar Foundation (QF) and Web Summit have unveiled a new partnership with volunteerism, research, education, and the sharing of knowledge at its core. The opening day of Web Summit Qatar 2026 saw the signing of a three-year collaboration agreement that reflects QF and Web Summit’s collective belief in empowering and inspiring drivers of positive change. The agreement will provide QF students and alumni with real-world volunteering experience and access to Web Summit’s Volunteer Programme, which connects them to global innovation communities and opens up worldwide networking opportunities with tech founders, investors, and experts. QF and Web Summit will also collaborate to study the economic, social, and technological impact of Web Summit Qatar, and of QF’s involvement in the event, as it showcases to the world the Middle East’s rising status as a hub of, and destination for, technology development. Yousif al-Naama, CEO of QF, said: “Volunteerism and human-centric innovation share the purpose of contributing to the growth, strength, and wellbeing of individuals and communities, and through this collaboration agreement, Qatar Foundation and Web Summit are bringing them together with the goal of deepening our nation’s technology talent pool, empowering our youth, and benefiting our society. “By collaborating with such a dynamic global organisation as Web Summit, we are extending the opportunities for exposure to the world of technology innovation and entrepreneurship that we offer our current students and our ever-growing alumni community. The access to networks of knowledge and expertise, and the experiences they will gain, through being part of Web Summit’s Volunteer Programme will undoubtedly enrich their skills, expand their horizons, and magnify the impact they can bring to Qatar, the region, and the world.” Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit, said: “This partnership between Web Summit and Qatar Foundation doesn’t just connect talent from the region to global tech ecosystems. It opens pathways in Doha, home to Web Summit Qatar, and in Lisbon, Rio, and Vancouver, bringing together two organisations that believe in fostering talent and ambition, and in connecting some of the brightest minds with opportunities. “Qatar Foundation has built a world-class platform for education, research, and innovation, backing the next generation to push boundaries. We are proud to be undertaking this journey with Qatar Foundation.” The collaboration will enable Web Summit Qatar’s international attendees to visit and gain insight into QF’s unique ecosystem of knowledge, and how its Education City campus integrates education, research and innovation, and inclusive community development platforms and opportunities. Academic collaborations – potentially including joint initiatives such as the Web Summit Academic Bursary Programme, which attracts leading academics and researchers to Web Summit events – and the expanded participation of experts from the QF community on Web Summit platforms also form part of the agreement. 

The visit of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Doha this week to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development marks a significant milestone in the steadily deepening relationship between Qatar and Uzbekistan. It highlights not only the strong diplomatic ties that unite our two nations but also the shared aspirations for sustainable growth, social progress, and cultural understanding grounded in our common Islamic heritage.Shared Heritage, Modern VisionBoth Qatar and Uzbekistan represent two vibrant centers of the Islamic world—one in the Gulf, the other in the heart of Central Asia—each with a rich legacy of scholarship, culture, and tolerance. Uzbekistan, the land of Bukhara and Samarkand, was once the beating heart of the Silk Road, where trade and learning flourished. Qatar, meanwhile, has emerged as a global hub for dialogue, education, and innovation in the 21st century.The convergence of these histories and values gives special depth to their cooperation today. Both nations uphold the principles of dialogue, peace, and development championed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.Economic Synergy and Energy PartnershipEconomically, Qatar and Uzbekistan are increasingly aligned in their ambitions. Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms have opened new avenues for foreign investment, especially in energy, logistics, finance, and infrastructure—fields where Qatar possesses world-class expertise and capacity.Qatar’s leading energy companies, including QatarEnergy, have expressed interest in contributing to Uzbekistan’s ambitious plans to modernize its gas infrastructure and expand renewable energy projects. This cooperation reflects a mutually beneficial dynamic: Qatar brings energy know-how and capital, while Uzbekistan offers promising markets and strategic access to Central Asia.In turn, Uzbekistan’s growing textile and agricultural industries present opportunities for Qatari investors eager to diversify portfolios beyond hydrocarbons. Bilateral trade, though modest in volume today, is poised for further growth through enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation.Social Development and Human CapitalThe President’s participation in the World Summit for Social Development in Doha underscores both nations’ shared commitment to placing people at the heart of progress. The summit’s focus on education, equity, and sustainable livelihoods resonates deeply with the development agendas of Qatar and Uzbekistan.Qatar’s experience in human capital development—through initiatives like the Qatar Foundation and Education City—serves as a model for collaboration. Uzbekistan, with its large and youthful population, is undertaking substantial education reforms and digital transformation efforts that align with Qatar’s expertise in innovation and smart infrastructure.Such cooperation not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to a broader Islamic and global agenda for inclusive growth—where social justice, knowledge, and economic empowerment go hand in hand.Cultural Diplomacy and Shared ValuesBeyond economics, Qatar and Uzbekistan share a commitment to cultural diplomacy. Both nations invest in preserving Islamic art, architecture, and heritage, while also promoting modern creative industries. Cultural exchanges—through art exhibitions, academic cooperation, and media collaboration—enhance mutual understanding and reaffirm the role of culture as a bridge between civilizations.Qatar Museums and Uzbek cultural institutions have already engaged in dialogue exploring partnerships that would bring Central Asian Islamic art to audiences in Doha and beyond. These efforts strengthen the spiritual and cultural fabric connecting the Gulf and Central Asia.A Future of Cooperation and StabilityAs global challenges grow more complex—whether in energy transition, climate change, or geopolitical uncertainty—the cooperation between nations sharing both vision and values becomes even more vital. Qatar and Uzbekistan are demonstrating that faith, modernity, and social progress can coexist harmoniously.The visit of President Mirziyoyev thus stands as a testament to an expanding partnership—one that moves beyond diplomacy to encompass trade, education, energy, and shared human values. It embodies the spirit of South–South cooperation and the belief that prosperity is best achieved through collaboration, not competition.As both nations chart their paths toward 2030 and beyond, the partnership between Qatar and Uzbekistan can serve as a model of constructive engagement in the Islamic world—a partnership rooted in mutual respect, cultural affinity, and a joint commitment to a fairer, more inclusive world.

*His Highness Sheikh Tamim also holds talks with Lebanese president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with Lebanese President General Michel Aoun, ahead of the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit at the conference centre in Beirut Sunday morning. The meeting reviewed the most important topics on the agenda of the summit, in addition to co-operation between the two brotherly countries and means of promoting them. His Highness the Amir and the Lebanese President also exchanged views on the current regional and international issues. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is seen with other leaders who attended the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in Beirut The members of the official delegation accompanying the Amir attended the meeting. It was attended from the Lebanese side by a number of ministers. Later the Amir took part in the opening session of the summit. The summit was overshadowed by political rifts. Many Arab heads of state pulled out last minute. In addition to the attendance of His Highness Sheikh Tamim, Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was also present. "The Qataris are trying to promote a reconciliatory spirit around the region and reconfigure relationships following the siege," Rami Khouri, a political analyst and fellow at Harvard Kennedy School told Al Jazeera. Amine Kammourieh, a Lebanese political analyst, said the "Amir’s attendance broke the siege imposed on the summit [by Arab leaders], saving it at the last minute". Lebanese President General Michel Aoun receives His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Rafic Hariri International Airport Earlier the Amir and the accompanying delegation were received on arrived at the Rafic Hariri International Airport by the Lebanese President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil, Minister of State for Presidency Affairs Dr Pierre Raffoul, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, Qatar's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohamed Hassan al-Jaber, Lebanon's Ambassador to Qatar Hassan Najem and a number of senior Lebanese officials. The Amir was accorded an official reception ceremony. After attending the summit, the Amir returned to Qatar. At the summit, Lebanon urged world powers to step up efforts for Syrian refugees to return home regardless of a political solution to the conflict in its war-wracked neighbour. It also proposed the creation of an Arab bank to finance reconstruction in Arab countries devastated by conflicts such as Syria and Yemen. "Lebanon calls on the international community to make all efforts possible and provide suitable conditions for a safe return of displaced Syrians without linking that to a political solution," President Aoun said. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with Lebanese President General Michel Aoun during the official reception ceremony There are currently 5.6mn Syrian refugees living in the region, including around 1mn born into displacement, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR. Lebanon hosts some 1.5mn Syrians who have fled the civil war raging across the border. The refugee issue was to be one of the main points on the agenda of this year's summit, and Aoun said he had put forward measures that would ease their return. The "establishment of an Arab bank for reconstruction and development" of Arab countries devastated by conflict, would be one of them, he said.

By Achim Steiner and Pavan Sukhdev/Nairobi A Brazilian activist fancy dressed as the Death posing with a globe during the people’s summit at Flamengo park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . Rio+20, the fourth major summit on sustainable development since 1972, will debate prospects for a “green” economy that can balance economic growth with poverty eradication and protection of the environment With just days to go before the Rio+20 Earth Summit, many are speculating about how many world leaders will show up and what kind of agreements they might reach on the key agenda items: creating a “green economy” and establishing an “international framework for sustainable development”. It is no coincidence that these two items appear side by side. The term “green economy” was coined years ago – even prior to the first Earth Summit in 1992 – to provide a new lens through which to examine the links between economics and sustainability. But it has gained a new impetus in a world where climate change is already a reality, commodity prices are rising and basic resources such as clean air, arable land and fresh water are increasingly scarce. A growing body of science, including the United Nations Environment Programme’s upcoming Global Environment Outlook-5, is confirming what was glimpsed at Rio 20 years ago. Those who have invested in an economic model and production processes based on nineteenth- and twentieth-century models are perhaps understandably nervous about a paradigm shift. But so are some segments of civil society, which are concerned that a transition to a green economy might negatively affect the poor and expose them to greater risks and vulnerabilities. Others question the efficacy of market-based approaches to drive sustainability, because markets can never deliver optimal social and environmental outcomes. Only strong institutions, including regulations and laws, can accomplish this. We couldn’t agree more. The systemic crises in food, fuel and finance that came to a head in 2008 – and that are ongoing in many countries – have their roots in an economic paradigm that has not accounted for the value of nature and its array of life-supporting services. As the recently released report “Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication” shows, the market economy as currently constituted has resulted in the misallocation of capital on an unprecedented scale. Indeed, the deep and pervasive market failures – in carbon emissions, biodiversity, and ecosystem services – are accelerating environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and undermining human well-being and social equity. That is why the link to governance and institutions at Rio+20 is just as important as the transition to a green economy: markets are human constructs that require rules and institutions to guide not only their direction, but also their boundaries. One concern among critics is that a transition to a green economy will essentially monetise nature, exposing the world’s forests, fresh water and fisheries to the profit-seeking behaviour of bankers and traders, whose shortcomings helped to trigger the financial and economic turmoil of the past four years. But is the question one of monetising nature, or of valuing nature? The fact is that nature is already being bought and sold, mined and marketed at knock-down prices that fail to capture its real worth, especially to the livelihoods of the poor. In large part, this reflects unregulated or missing markets that fail to capture the values that nature provides to us every day – point emphasised in the G-8+5 project on the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, hosted by the UNEP. In a very real sense, the future of the planet is at stake in Rio. Without a real and lasting solution that recalibrates our current economic thinking at a systemic level, the scale and pace of change could soon push the planet past critical thresholds and make sustainable development everywhere an impossible dream. Although multilateralism is a slow and often painful process of cultivating consensus, some issues are so large that they transcend any one country. Why, for example, does the world pursue a paradigm of economic growth that rests upon eroding the very basis of earth’s life-support systems? Can wealth be redefined and reframed to include access to basic goods and services, including those provided by nature free of cost, such as clean air, a stable climate, and fresh water? Is it not time to give human development, environmental sustainability, and social equity an equal footing with GDP growth? All around us, warning lights are flashing yellow, if not red. But we know that new technology and innovation are driving changes in the way that energy is produced, how new markets for food and clean water are emerging, and how basic ecological services are now becoming scarce and valued. Rio+20 is a moment for sharing knowledge and experience concerning successful transitions to greener and more resource-efficient economies. It is an opportunity to begin developing the capacity at all levels to transform our economies into engines of growth and jobs that do not deplete our resources or create new liabilities that will be a drag on growth and human health for years to come. The challenge ahead will be to reconcile the emerging economic reality with the social values and ethics needed to produce a balanced and inclusive green economy. That, in the words of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, is a “future that we all want”.  It is a future that could unfold with defining and decisive leadership by world leaders at Rio+20. - Project Syndicate l Achim Steiner is UN under-secretary-general and UN Environment Program executive director. Pavan Sukhdev is a fellow at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

 The State of Qatar affirmed its commitment to continuing to work with all countries and partners to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  This came in a statement delivered by Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN Mohammed Hassan al-Emadi before the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly during its 81st session, under agenda item 17 on sustainable development at UN Headquarters in New York.  Al-Emadi said that Qatar continues to implement its national plan, Qatar National Vision 2030, in pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development. He added that it also works towards a more diversified and sustainable economy and strengthening the role of all sectors by implementing the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.  He said that the State of Qatar reaffirms its commitment to enhancing multilateral development cooperation at the international level and is working to translate this commitment into practical steps through the long-term partnerships established by the Qatar Fund for Development with the UN system and international institutions.  He noted that multi-year partnerships with UN agencies reflect the State of Qatar’s commitment to providing more flexible support, thereby advancing sustainable development.  Al-Emadi said that Qatar continues to play its role in hosting international conferences that contribute to advancing the global development agenda, including hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in 2025 and preparing to host the High-Level Comprehensive Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries in March 2027.  Regarding the current situation in the region, he noted that Qatar had condemned the attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against its sovereignty, territorial integrity and territorial waters, as well as attacks targeting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of brotherly countries.  He described these attacks as a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law and the Charter of the UN, reiterating the need to comply with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), including those relating to rights and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, particularly through vital maritime routes.  He stressed that the obstruction of navigation poses a direct threat to the security of energy supplies and global food security.  The Third Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN affirmed that the country’s priority remains containing the escalation and creating space for diplomatic efforts.He noted that Qatar continues to engage with its partners to bring the positions of the parties closer together, establish common ground and reach a peaceful solution that preserves comprehensive and sustainable security, peace and stability in the region.  Al-Emadi also reiterated Qatar’s condemnation in the strongest terms of the Houthi group’s attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, in the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in injuries.  He described the attacks as a serious violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional security, the safety of civilian objects and air navigation, reaffirming the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the warring factions in Sudan for immediate end of the conflict and expressed his deep concern about the continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza.Speaking at a press conference at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WWSD2) 2025 today, Guterres said that the horrifying crisis in Sudan is spiralling out of control as for over 18 months, El Fasher and the surrounding areas in North Darfur have been an epicentre of suffering, hunger, violence and displacement.He said: “I once again call for an immediate end to this unimaginable violence. I call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. Since the Rapid Support Forces entered El Fasher last weekend, the situation is growing worse by the day. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped by this siege. People are dying of malnutrition, disease and violence.”“I call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. I call for an end to the flow of weapons and fighters into Sudan — which is making a desperate situation even worse,’ Guterres appealed.“We need an immediate cessation of hostilities. I call on both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to work with my Personal Envoy for the Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, towards a negotiated settlement. Come to the negotiating table. Bring an end to this nightmare of violence — now. It is time for peace,” he stressed.The secretary general continued that he was deeply concerned about the continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza.“They must stop and all parties must abide by the decisions of the first phase of the peace agreement. And let’s not forget the need to establish a credible political path towards ending the occupation, realising the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and leading to a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security," he said.He also highlighted that Qatar has long been a committed friend and partner of the United Nations and generous supporter of humanitarian relief around the world.Guterres remarked: “An advocate of education — including for girls in Afghanistan, where Qatar is providing financial aid and technical support to keep girls learning while also hosting the multilateral Doha Process to support the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan. And a peacemaker in the Middle East and globally — including as a permanent mediator in the Gaza conflict and in brokering a peace agreement between the government of the DRC and the M23 armed group,”He also noted that as the host of the Second World Summit for Social Development, Qatar is once again playing a decisive global role as the summit represents a renewed commitment to place people, dignity, and social justice at the heart of sustainable development.Guterres said that the Doha Declaration emerging from the Summit is a clear and bold commitment by the global community to speed up the progress.“The Doha Declaration represents a people’s plan. Today, I am calling for action in four key areas to bring this people’s plan to life: Accelerating our fight against poverty and inequality; Bringing a laser focus to job-creation and employment; Supercharging global efforts to finance development and A people’s plan must include all people, leaving no one behind” he added.

When His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opened the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, his words did more than mark a ceremonial beginning. They reframed the global conversation on what development truly means in an age of conflict, inequality, and fractured trust.The Amir’s central argument was unmistakable: social development is inseparable from peace. As he declared, “Social development can never be achieved without peace and stability. The lasting peace - unlike temporary settlements - is the just peace.”By linking the world’s moral imperatives to its political realities, he placed the cause of human dignity at the heart of Qatar’s diplomacy and at the center of the summit’s Doha Political Declaration. From the podium in Doha, the Amir called on nations to translate their lofty commitments into “tangible actions.” His remarks echoed through the assembly not as rhetoric but as a challenge — to turn the language of partnership into mechanisms that deliver education, health care, jobs, and safety for every community. He also reminded the world that solidarity loses meaning when it fails to reach those living under siege or amid war, naming both Palestine and Sudan as tests of our collective conscience.Qatar’s domestic story - its new 2025–2030 strategy, “From care to empowerment” — was presented as a model of inclusive growth rooted in human potential. Yet the broader message was global: social progress cannot exist in isolation; it demands justice, stability, and the courage to act where promises have stalled.As editors, policymakers, and citizens, we would do well to measure our success not by the eloquence of declarations but by the evidence of change. The Amir’s speech reminds us that the path to peace runs through the terrain of opportunity - and that the Doha Declaration must become not just another document, but a living instrument of transformation.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), participated in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS2021) virtual exhibition. According to an official MoTC press statement, in remarks broadcast during the inauguration of the exhibition, HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti said Qatar, as part of the integrated vision of it's policy at the national, regional and global level, pays great attention to sustainable development with all its various aspects; social, economic and environmental, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Qatar understands that achieving sustainable development is a key challenge to countries at the national level as well as a global challenge and that the international community must joint forces to prioritise and make it a reality. “Qatar is an active and effective contributor with other nations on this front,” he said. “Qatar is participating in the World Summit on the Information Society as a Gold Partner this year to express it's support to the universal goals that aim at benefiting from the potential of ICT in accelerating the pace of social and economic development. The ministry also works on monitoring the Summit Action Lines for realising the globally defined sustainable development goals through ICT, and which match with our national endeavour to establish a knowledge-based economy,” he added. During her participation in the inauguration event, acting assistant undersecretary of Government Information Technology at the MoTC, Mashael Ali al-Hammadi, said Qatar realises the paramount role that the ICT sector plays in accelerating the pace of social and economic development and creating a knowledge-based economy. “Accordingly, the Qatar Digital Government Strategy 2026 will be an ambitious one that complies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, fostering values through ICT such as increased accessibility, and focusing on the quality of education, healthcare, and justice, while striving to make a better environmental impact for a more sustainable model, and empowering all social elements equally,” she said. Qatar, which participates as a Gold Partner in the WSIS Forum 2021 slated for this May, is looking forward to showcasing some of Qatar’s milestones with relation to WSIS Action Lines, some projects carried out under the umbrella of the Qatar Digital Government Strategy, as well as highlights from the Tasmu Smart Qatar Programme and several initiatives on digital inclusion for all sections of the society, including the disabled, the elderly and migrant workers.  

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has highlighted the key objectives and future ambitions of its GovAI Programme during the opening of the second World Summit AI Qatar.The programme, a major national initiative aimed at advancing Qatar's digital transformation, seeks to empower government entities to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that address real challenges while improving service quality and operational efficiency.Eman al-Kuwari, the director of Digital Innovation at the ministry, said the programme provides a practical framework for government agencies to identify use cases, assess feasibility, and move through development and implementation phases.She emphasised that the framework balances innovation with governance and accountability.What distinguishes the GovAI Programme, al-Kuwari said, is not just the solutions it produces, but the way it brings together government entities, technology partners, and the national innovation ecosystem around a single table.She noted that Qatar's digital infrastructure, policy development, and skilled national workforce present a real opportunity to develop a new generation of AI-powered public services.These services are intended to enhance quality of life and strengthen Qatar's competitiveness both regionally and globally.The official stressed that future phases of the programme will see the expansion and integration of multiple projects across government entities, ensuring that every AI solution delivers clear value, addresses genuine challenges, and leaves a tangible impact on citizens, residents, and visitors alike.The GovAI Programme aligns with Qatar's National Digital Agenda 2030, which places AI at the heart of the country's economic and social development strategy.