Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), participated in the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2023 (WSIS), a global event that brings together leaders from governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to discuss promoting the use of information and communication technologies for economic and social development.
Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Information Technology Affairs at the MCIT Mashael Ali Al Hammadi attended a high-level dialogue session on " Inclusiveness - Access to Information and Knowledge for All - Bridging Digital Divides". Al Hammadi emphasized the importance of achieving social and economic integration in all countries by activating the approach of digital inclusion in a way that ensures access for all individuals and communities, including those most deprived of using information and communication technologies to achieve their goals.
Al Hammadi added "Since 2014, the State of Qatar has intensified efforts to achieve digital inclusion for all citizens and residents in the country, by developing and activating a digital inclusion strategy reaching out to all sectors of society. The strategy identified categories of communities at risk of digital exclusion, and individuals in the community were provided with a set of basic skills to enable them to use information and communication technologies, increase awareness of social media as a channel for promoting small businesses, and improve their ability to access services online."
The MCIT representatives also attended the opening ceremony of the WSIS Forum, which focused on promoting sustainable use of information and communication technology, digital inclusiveness, access to information and the internet all around the world, enhancing social and economic progress, and contributing to achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life.
In a related context, Mashael Al Hammadi participated in the ministerial roundtable meeting that was held on the sidelines of the forum, which was attended by experts, ministers, and specialists in the ICT sector. The meeting discussed the possibility of achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals optimally. In this regard, Al Hammadi emphasized that Qatar National Vision 2030 and its digital government vision are aligned with the United Nations' sustainable development goals and action plans. Qatar is working to activate a new digital strategy to achieve more flexibility, sustainability, and security, and to activate smart solutions for the Qatari community. This strategy also considers the United Nations' sustainable development goals and its action plans to ensure the achievement of unified international work.
The participating delegation also attended the workshop on the future of the electronic government organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, where the attendees praised the success of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) E-Government Digital Workshop 2023, held in Qatar in collaboration with UNDESA.
By taking part in the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2023, the State of Qatar seeks to enhance cooperation with other countries and international organizations, exchange knowledge and best practices, and contribute to the development of global policies and strategies related to information and communication technology. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is committed to enhancing a secure and comprehensive digital environment that benefits all citizens and residents and supports economic growth and social progress.
