Minister of Development Planning and Statistics calls for regional and international coordination to address developmental challenges

DOHA, QATAR –His Excellency Dr Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Nabit, Minister of Development Planning and Statistics, stressed the important role academic institutions play in improving Qatar’s development challenges. His talk was part of the Dean’s Lecture Series at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar.

His Excellency spoke about the importance of collaboration and planning to continue developing Qatar: “We are encouraging government agencies to become more efficient, and the private sector to take the lead in diversifying the economy. To compete with world economies, we have to transform the resources we have and invest in human capital.”

His Excellency added, “Coordination between the public and private sector and between the private sector and academic institutions is key to overcome some of the challenges faced in implementing Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016.”

Following His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s address to the Advisory ‘Shura’ Council on November 3, and the World Bank Group’s appraisal of the current strategy, initial planning stages for Qatar National Development Strategy 2017-2022 will take into consideration the importance of sustainable development in spite of low oil and gas prices, climate change and the importance of engagement amongst world economies.

“Some of the challenges faced by Qatar, such as changes in oil prices, climate change and its impact on the environment, and fluctuation in economic growth, are universal challenges and can only be solved through regional and international cooperation,” His Excellency added.

The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics and Carnegie Mellon Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2011 to cooperate in capacity building.

“It is an honor to have His Excellency come to Carnegie Mellon Qatar and share his valuable insights into the future of Qatar,” said Ilker Baybars, dean and CEO of CMU-Q. “The Ministry’s emphasis on education and human capital can be seen in the success of Carnegie Mellon Qatar, not to mention all of Education City, where we are educating young professionals who will help move Qatar forward even further.”

His Excellency’s presentation was part of the Dean’s Lecture Series, a forum that hosts prominent industry leaders and government officials to share their expertise on topical issues.