Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education participated in a dialogue session organized by the National Planning Council as part of the activities of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, under the title "Empowering Women: Promoting Equality and Leadership,” within the framework of the summit’s theme "Leaving No One Behind: Fostering Inclusive Development.”
Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs, Maha Zayed Al Ruwaili, stated in her address during the session that education is a key tool for achieving equality and empowering women.
She noted that the State of Qatar has moved from the stage of equal educational opportunities to the stage of qualitative empowerment of learners of both genders, by guiding each student towards the educational path that suits their abilities and interests and meets the future needs of the country.
Al Ruwaili reviewed the most prominent educational initiatives adopted by the Ministry to enhance the participation of girls and women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and to expand the network of specialized schools in these fields.
Participants at the session
She also highlighted the launch of programs and projects that support innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with the aim of preparing a confident generation capable of actively contributing to national development.
Concluding, she emphasized that the Ministry continues its efforts to build a generation of innovators capable of leading the country's digital and economic transformation.
This is achieved through developing digital skills and promoting a culture of digital citizenship, thereby contributing to building a qualified human capital capable of leading sustainable development across various vital sectors.
The session, which was opened by Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Sheikha Shaikha bint Jassim Al -Thani, featured several speakers from various institutions, including Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute, Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi; Fawaz Al Musaifri from the Ministry of Sports and Youth; and Bassam Al Mannai from the National Planning Council.
The session was moderated by Najla Al Jaber from the National Planning Council.
The Ministry's participation in this session comes as part of its efforts to enhance the integration of education and social development, and to consolidate the principles of equality, inclusion, and human empowerment, in line with the summit's themes, which emphasize the importance of education as a cornerstone for achieving social justice and building more sustainable and equitable societies.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, also conducted two dialogue sessions over two days as part of the summit, highlighting the role of education in achieving social justice and comprehensive human development.
In the first session, held on the first day of the summit and titled "Education Policies and Initiatives to Align with Labor Market Needs in Light of Economic and Technological Transformations," Assistant Director of the Scholarships Department, Saleh Al Muftah, reviewed the Ministry's efforts in aligning scholarship policies and academic specializations with national development priorities.
Head of the Planning Department at the Educational Training Center, Najla Al Khater, gave a presentation on building educational capacities, developing educational leaders, and professional development programs.
Director of the Vocational College in Saham Governorate, Sultanate of Oman, Khalid bin Khalfan Al Maamari, representing the Omani Ministry of Labor, also participated, addressing early career guidance and linking education to the labor market. Dr. Anas Abu Hilal from the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha spoke about the recognition of qualifications and certificates as a means to enhance employment opportunities and academic mobility.
Deputy Director of the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fatima Rouis, presented a paper on quality management and institutional sustainability in education in light of future skills and professions.
Participants at the session
The second session, titled "Education as a Tool for Achieving Social Justice and Inclusion," focused on promoting the principle of equal educational opportunities and enabling students with disabilities to fully integrate into the educational environment. It reviewed national models and digital and community initiatives that contribute to expanding learning opportunities.
The session featured Aisha Al Emadi from the Ministry's e-Learning and Digital Solutions Department, who discussed the role of digital initiatives in promoting equity and accessibility.
Manah Fahad Al Ahbabi from the Special Education and Inclusive Education Department presented national policies and initiatives to ensure access to quality and inclusive education for people with disabilities.
Also participating were Dr. Fatima Rouis, representing the UNESCO Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education; Manger Managhmi, Education Advisor at UNICEF Doha; and Global Lead Advisor on Disability at UNICEF Headquarters in New York, Gopal Mitra.
They reviewed international initiatives to support inclusive and equitable education and promote innovation and accountability to achieve educational justice.
The sessions were moderated by Dr. Khalid Al Balushi from the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. Senior International Organizations Affairs Expert, Fatima Al Ali, and Senior International Organizations Affairs Expert, Munira Al Kuwari, both from the Qatar National Commission, coordinated and oversaw the preparation and organization of the sessions.
The two sessions were attended by interested parties and members of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in addition to participants in the summit activities.
