Qatar in process of planning third National Development Strategy

Qatar is in the process of developing its third National Development Strategy, disclosed Planning and Statistics Authority president and former minister, HE Dr Saleh M al-Nabit.“To complement the efforts of Qatar in developing the planning process and drawing comprehensive development trajectories, the Planning and Statics Authority, in co--operation with competent authorities in the country, is in the process of preparing the Third National Development Strategy,” he said.Dr al-Nabit was recently addressing the Qatar launch of the Human Development Report 2021-2022 of the UNDP titled, ‘Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World’ organised by the Centre for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q). “This will define national priorities and aspirations in accordance with the results of the Human Development Report and the lessons learnt from previous national strategies as well as the current regional and international developments,” he explained.Dr al-Nabit noted that Qatar just like other countries was exposed to the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic with its direct impact on the economy and the quality of life.“We have learned from this experience that hardships can create miracles if the vision is clear and the political will is available. Therefore, the challenges have turned into opportunities as all our legislative and executive bodies are keen that these crises do not affect the wellbeing of the people,” he continued. He also noted that Qatar affirmed its commitment to double the efforts to support the development planning process in the country to improve human development sub-indicators in the areas of health, education, protection systems, living standards and others."This will make us prepared to face any potential uncertainties in the future with more flexibility and resilience towards promoting a decent life for Qatari people and ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come,” he added. The opening remarks of Dr al-Nabit was followed by a panel discussion as Dr Pedro Conceicao, the report author and the director, Human Development Report Office , UNDP presented the report. The panelists included Dr Safwan Masri, dean of GU-Q and Sheikha Hanouf Abdurahman al-Thani, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr Masri highlighted the role of education in overcoming the challenges. “The report reveals the painful situation of the state of affairs in the present world. It also points to the lack of cohesion and harmony. More than 1bn people live in conflict zones and there is no magic wand or easy solution to solve the issues. However it offers some hope that we can be better if we are together and the role of education has an important role to solve the issues,” he highlighted. Sheikha Hanouf stressed the importance of innovation to resolve the issues that the world faces. “Investment, insurance and innovation are three areas that the world needs to focus on. Uncertainties have compounded in our times and we need to foster human development. Therefore it is important to develop partnerships and work together for the betterment of humanity,” she said. Dr Biplove Chaudhary, technical representative and head of office, UNDP and Dr Zahra Baber, associate director of research at CIRS moderated the event