Doha: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and Education Above All Foundation, participated in a high-level session titled “Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract” during the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha.
According to Qatar News Agency, Her Highness delivered a speech highlighting that genuine development is rooted in the human being, emphasizing education as the fundamental pillar for progress and national advancement. She stated that education is the most enduring investment and stressed its role as the foundation of all sectors, including economy, politics, healthcare, and culture.
Her Highness discussed Qatar’s development experience, focusing on education and human capital as key components for sustainable development. She underscored the importance of placing young people at the forefront of shaping the future, fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in decision-making processes. Her Highness also stressed education’s role as a right and responsibility, essential for building competencies and generating transformative ideas.
HE Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres praised Qatar’s role in supporting education and emphasized education’s importance in achieving sustainable development, social justice, and human empowerment. He noted the challenges of out-of-school children and low academic achievement levels, particularly post-COVID-19, and highlighted four urgent areas for reform: financing education, expanding access, ensuring teacher qualification, and enhancing education quality.
A high-level discussion including HE President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto, HE President of Albania Bajram Begaj, and HE President of Palau Surangel Whipps focused on education’s role in social development, poverty elimination, and social inclusion. Dr. Ruto emphasized education as a real investment in the future, while President Begaj highlighted education as a fundamental right and praised Sheikha Moza’s initiative. President Whipps noted Education City in Qatar as a model for modern learning, stressing equal education opportunities, especially in remote areas.