Doha: The National Planning Council (NPC) concluded its participation in the activities of the Second World Summit for Social Development, which was hosted by the State of Qatar from 4 to 6 November at Qatar National Convention Center. The Council, represented by its HE Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, participated in a panel discussion entitled “Promoting Social Dialogue and Participatory Governance” during the Doha Forum for Solutions for Social Development as part of the Summit events.
According to Qatar News Agency, the NPC hosted a Panel Discussion titled “Leaving No One Behind: Inclusive Development in Practice”. The discussion focused on implementing the principle of “Leaving No One Behind” through a comprehensive government approach that embeds inclusivity into national planning and policies. The panel featured high-level representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and Doha International Family Institute.
The session was moderated by Director of the Environmental Development Planning and Policies Department at NPC Najla Al Jaber, who opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of the Principle of “Leaving No One Behind” in light of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. During the session, HE Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim Al-Thani delivered a speech on the integration of vulnerable groups into the development process through rights-based approaches and comprehensive practices that promote their full participation in society.
Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Maha Zayed Al Rowaili discussed strategies that advance women’s empowerment and inclusivity through education and wider social and economic participation, reinforcing their leadership role in national development. Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Fawaz Al Mesaifri highlighted the need to integrate youth by equipping them with the skills, opportunities, and platforms that enable them to fully participate in society and economy.
Executive Director of Doha International Family Institute Dr. Sharifa Noman Al Emadi addressed the inclusion of the elderly and how societies can ensure them a life of dignity and protection, while providing real opportunities for them to remain active contributors to their communities. Assistant Secretary-General for the Affairs of the Center for Future Foresight and National Visions at the NPC Bassam Issa Al Mannai highlighted the critical role of planning, foresight, and data tools in the process of empowerment for comprehensive development, and the contribution of these tools in identifying gaps and anticipating the risks of exclusion, in order to ensure comprehensive and resilient policies.
The panel aims to deepen understanding of how to integrate the Principle of “Leaving No One Behind” into national planning and development, with a focus on key social groups, including youth, women, the elderly, and the vulnerable, as well as highlighting the role of planning, policies, data, and foresight in enabling just and equitable development in Qatar. Director of Technical Office and Decision Support Department at the NPC Dr. Salma Khalaf Al Kaabi also participated during the Summit in a solutions session entitled “Coherent Policy Responses to Demographic Change to Promote Sustainable Development”, which discussed demographic planning and how to respond to demographic changes.
The National Planning Council’s participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development reflects its dedication to supporting both national and international initiatives aimed at achieving inclusive and equitable development, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.