The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (Sesri) at Qatar University (QU) has hosted the Economic, Social and Cultural Transformation for Sustainable Development Conference, featuring noted thinkers, researchers, and decision-makers.Abdallah al-Dardari, assistant secretary-general, assistant administrator and director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme, and Prof Mariam al-Maadeed, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU.In her welcome address, Prof al-Maadeed, said: "We aim to learn about best practices to achieve the goals of the national vision in the fields of economy, environment, culture, education, technology, and more. Additionally, we will work together to identify the roles of universities, educational technology, sustainable economics, and cultural transformation in development, and to adopt plans and strategies that enable us to enhance progress and development in our societies and nations.”Prof Kaltham Ali al-Ghanim, director of Sesri, said: “In 2015, the United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a global framework lasting 15 years, aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and enhancing the quality of life for people worldwide. International efforts in achieving these goals have varied, depending on the resources and circumstances of each country.“This conference represents a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and insights on the best ways to implement these goals, tailored to the specific challenges faced by each country, and to enhance international cooperation towards achieving comprehensive sustainable development based on a comprehensive roadmap for shared sustainable development by 2030,” she said.Al-Dardari stressed the importance of improving productivity as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. He also discussed higher education and leadership opportunities for women in universities, such as QU, emphasising the importance of enhancing the role of women in the economy, which can significantly contribute to the GDP.He highlighted the necessity of academic and research institutions collaborating to build advanced databases leveraging artificial intelligence and economic modeling. The aim is to provide policymakers with accurate data to help them formulate more effective policies to achieve sustainable development in the region.