Qatar University

04/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/29/2024 05:02

QU Hosts International Conference on Economic, Social and Cultural Transformation for Sustainable Development

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The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University (QU) hosts the Economic, Social and Cultural Transformation for Sustainable Development Conference.

The conference witnessed a distinguished presence of elite thinkers, researchers, and decision-makers, including Abdallah Al Dardari Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU.

Through this conference, SESRI aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities for achieving the SDGs in the MENA region. This is done by bringing together a diverse group of experts, scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. Additionally, the conference aims to foster knowledge exchange, display best practices, and generate actionable insights within the framework of economic, social, and cultural dynamics in the MENA region.

The conference commenced with a welcome address from Prof. Mariam Al-Maadeed, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, stating: "Today, we are here to exchange ideas, experiences, and expertise, and to explore ways to enhance sustainable development in Qatar and globally. We aim to learn about best practices to achieve the goals of the national vision in the fields of economy, environment, culture, education, technology, and more. Additionally, we will work together to identify the roles of universities, educational technology, sustainable economics, and cultural transformation in development, and to adopt plans and strategies that enable us to enhance progress and development in our societies and nations." She added: "This conference comes at an opportune time, as in recent years we have witnessed a rise in challenges and crises that require increased cooperation and the mobilization of efforts from various entities."

Prof. Kaltham Ali Al-Ghanim, Director of the Social & Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) said during the conference, "It is my honor to gather today at Qatar University to benefit from our assembly in this prominent conference, which focuses on discussing the economic, social, and cultural transformations necessary for achieving sustainable development."

She also emphasized the importance of this gathering in driving the wheel of transformation forward, stating: "In 2015, the United Nations established seventeen Sustainable Development Goals as a global framework lasting for fifteen years, aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and enhancing the quality of life for people worldwide. International efforts in achieving these goals have varied, depending on the resources and circumstances of each country."

"This conference represents a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and insights on the best ways to implement these goals, tailored to the specific challenges faced by each country, and to enhance international cooperation towards achieving comprehensive sustainable development based on a comprehensive roadmap for shared sustainable development by 2030," she said.

Abdallah Al Dardari Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), praised the role of the conference in his speech. He emphasized the importance of improving productivity as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. He also discussed higher education and leadership opportunities for women in universities, such as QU, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the role of women in the economy, which can significantly contribute to the GDP.

In conclusion, Mr. Al Dardari called for the necessity of academic and research institutions collaborating to build advanced databases leveraging artificial intelligence and economic modeling. The aim is to provide policymakers with accurate data to help them formulate more effective policies to achieve sustainable development in the region.

It is worth noting that a report will be published in digital format and widely shared through SESRI and QU website and social media platforms, to serve as a guidance for individuals and institutions alike to inspire their programs and initiatives. Additionally, this report will serve as a significant reference for academic research, capturing the core themes of the conference and the insights that arise from them.