HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs launches Education Strategy 2024-2030
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, launched the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Strategy 2024-2030 today, under the slogan: Igniting the Spark of Learning.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education Strategy 2024-2030 aims to develop the State of Qatar’s education sector by delivering high-quality instruction, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities, fostering continuous professional development for educators and creating learning environments that incorporate the latest pedagogical practices.
During the launch ceremony, HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, emphasised the strategy’s perfect alignment with the goals outlined in the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.
She said: “Our wise leadership has consistently prioritised investing in education, allocating the bulk of our nation’s human and financial resources to this vital sector. Launching the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 earlier this year reaffirmed our belief that education is not merely a pillar of human development; it is the catalyst of comprehensive and sustainable progress across all sectors.”
In addition, HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi highlighted the strategy’s holistic approach, which encompasses four key educational pillars: early childhood, primary and secondary, higher education and vocational training. She added that the strategy has been designed to foster a culture of lifelong learning, equipping Qatari citizens with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing and highly competitive world.
“We aim to significantly boost early childhood education enrolment rates. Currently at 44%, we aim to double this figure by 2030. We will achieve this through expanding the role of both public and private early childhood education institutions, coupled with initiatives to enhance their quality and promote awareness about the critical importance of early learning to families across Qatar.”
She continued: “For primary through secondary education, the focus shifts to nurturing positive learning attitudes, instilling core values and building strong characters. To support this, the Ministry launched the ‘My School is My Community’ program, which introduces a new positive behavior policy and ethical charter while broadening the scope of student activities both domestically and internationally.”
In a move towards greater inclusivity, HE the minister unveiled a dedicated support centre for students with disabilities, established in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Family. The Ministry also announced adjustments to the value of educational vouchers to widen the selection of programs available to students with special needs.
The new strategy also focuses on raising students’ enrolment in STEM programs, said HE the Minister, adding that a summer camp was launched in cooperation with the Qatar Scientific Club earlier this year. Furthermore, HE announced plans to open four new STEM schools by 2026, which will collectively accommodate over 2,000 students.
Following the announcement, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs led a delegation of ministers, officials and key representatives from the education sector through an interactive exhibition where they were briefed on the strategy’s key objectives and programs.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education Strategy 2024-2030 also aims to diversify options in vocational, technical and tertiary education, while fostering a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures research, innovation and entrepreneurship. A key focus will be aligning educational programs with the evolving labour market demands. To this end, the Ministry will incentivise educational institutions to develop training programs that will equip Qatari citizens with the adaptability and skills needed to excel in today’s dynamic global landscape.