Prime Minister attends second National Development Forum
Forum highlights the social development pillar, family cohesion and cultural identity
Under the patronage and in the presence of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Planning Council organised the second edition of the ‘National Development Forum: The Social Development Pillar,’ held under the theme ‘Sustaining Prosperity in Qatari Society.’
The forum, held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, was attended by ministers and senior officials, along with leaders from the private sector and representatives of civil society, as well as local and international institutions operating in Qatar.
HE the Prime Minister emphasised that the forum is part of a series of initiatives designed to strengthen constructive dialogue between the government and society and expand public participation in shaping national priorities. “We appreciate the contributions of all participants in building a more cohesive society grounded in values of participation and shared responsibility,” he said.
In his opening remarks, HE Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, stated that HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, continues to place strong emphasis on the family as the foundation and primary pillar of society. “His Highness’s recent address at the 54th session of the Shura Council clearly underscored the importance of family upbringing and its vital role in advancing the wellbeing of the nation and society,” he said.
The forum featured a high-level panel discussion on the social development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, featuring HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family; HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture; HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health; and HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar.
The panel reviewed key topics related to the social development pillar, including strengthening family cohesion, preserving cultural identity, promoting social inclusion and wellbeing, advancing quality of life, and the role of cultural and social tourism as an enabler of national progress.
HE the Minister of Social Development and Family affirmed that the family is the foundation of society, noting that strong family bonds translate into a more cohesive community. She highlighted that Qatar’s leadership places great emphasis on supporting families, including through reviewing laws and policies to enable them to fulfil their vital role.
For his part, HE the Minister of Culture highlighted the importance of maintaining the Arabic language as a central component of national identity, stressing that abandoning the language would mean abandoning national identity itself.
HE the Minister of Public Health said: “We place strong importance on strengthening our partnership with the private sector, as it is a key driver of future growth in Qatar’s healthcare system. We have established direct and regular communication channels, including a forum held every six months with private-sector representatives, to listen to their priorities and discuss the challenges they face.”
HE the Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar explained that tourism in Qatar is not merely an economic sector, but a comprehensive strategic approach that lies at the core of the National Development Strategy’s objectives and supports its vision. “Every new tourism project, every global event we host, and every service we enhance reflects the quality of life we strive for, grounded in strong infrastructure and solid foundations built by our nation,” he said.
The second edition of the National Development Forum reaffirms Qatar’s commitment to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 by strengthening the social development pillar, building a cohesive society grounded in moral values, reinforcing family unity, preserving cultural heritage and embracing diversity as a key component of sustainable development in the country.
