Geneva: The State of Qatar has emphasized the significant importance it places on children as part of its National Vision 2030, highlighting that the Third National Development Strategy for 2024-2030 allocates considerable attention to child welfare, survival, and development within an integrated approach.
According to Qatar News Agency, this commitment was articulated by Abdulaziz Al Mansoori, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, during the “Annual Day on the Rights of the Child, Panel 1: Priorities to Advance a Child Rights-Based Approach to Early Childhood Development,” held as part of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Al Mansoori stated that the Third National Development Strategy includes provisions to ensure that all children in early childhood receive high-quality development, care, and basic education through modern curricula, practical and proven teaching methods, and digital technology support. He noted that other sectoral strategies in the State of Qatar, particularly in education, health, and the environment, also give substantial attention to children, including those in early childhood.
Recognizing the importance of this age group, Al Mansoori highlighted the launch of the Higher Education Certificate Program in Early Childhood by the Community College of Qatar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, starting from the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative aims to prepare specialized educational professionals in the field.
He also referred to a survey conducted by the National Planning Council in cooperation with UNICEF, which revealed that all children in the State of Qatar are enrolled in organized learning one year prior to the official age for primary education. Additionally, 84% of children in Qatar are enrolled in early childhood education.
Al Mansoori stressed that Qatar’s approach to early childhood development is rooted in societal values of building strong, cohesive families capable of raising children and safeguarding their rights. This approach is supported by constitutional and legal frameworks, as well as relevant national policies and strategies, while taking into account Qatar’s commitments under international agreements, foremost among them the Convention on the Rights of the Child.