HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani greets a young girl at the launching ceremony of the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 at the Doha Sheraton Hotel yesterday. As part of the ceremony a group of children appeared on the stage carrying with them the keys of the different government sectors
By Bonnie James
The launch of the National Development Strategy (NDS) is the beginning of a long journey to create a better future for all Qataris, especially the youth and the generations to come, HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani said.
“HH the Emir’s ambition for Qatar is the cornerstone for the development process and the National Development Strategy aims to translate his vision into reality, thereby assuring a prosperous and sustainable future,” he explained.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of NDS yesterday, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, the deputy chair of the Supreme Oversight Committee for implementing Qatar National Vision 2030, outlined the challenges Qatar is facing, in the light of its impressive growth in all sectors.
There is a need for a more diversified economy, to achieve a broader base, continuous development of our human resources, and a shift from cheap and low productive labour to skilled and highly productive labour.
HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani addressing the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 launch event yesterday
Optimum healthcare, with emphasis on diseases including diabetes, and preservation of Qatar’s own culture and traditions are also part of the challenges.
“We need to change the way we run our programmes. The National Development Strategy is a good opportunity for our ministries and organisations to change.”
“There might be mistakes during the implementation process, but by learning from those mistakes we can stand up to the international standards.”
The public should be served in a more efficient manner. There is a need for more accountability, creativity and acceptance of positive changes.
“This and the coming National Development Strategies will provide a clear path for our country,” he said.
HE the Prime Minister asserted that the Football World Cup in 2022 will be an event to showcase “our development.”
The government is committed to achieve the goals of the NDS and there will be regular evaluations.
“We will see the implementation of the strategy in the coming weeks and months and hard work is required from all Qataris,” he added.