BEIRUT: Minister of Social Development and Family HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi has emphasized that social development is no longer an optional complement but rather an essential pillar of public policies, serving as a fundamental basis for political stability, economic growth, and social cohesion, particularly amid the accelerating crises affecting the region and the world.
Speaking at the ministerial opening session of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, held in Beirut, she stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive social approach that places human dignity at the core of development efforts, reaffirming the State of Qatar’s commitment to an integrated participatory approach across different sectors to achieve social justice, empowerment, and equal opportunities.
During the ministerial session, titled "Upholding Inclusive Social Development in the Face of New Inequalities, Conflict and Shrinking Fiscal Space ," she called for incorporating the cultural and social specificities of Arab nations into the final document of the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to be held in Doha.
The minister also emphasized the need to focus on women and youth empowerment, strengthening family roles, expanding social protection, and developing more responsive and flexible policies to adapt to societal transformations.
She outlined key Qatari initiatives in social protection and care, digital transformation in service provision, as well as empowerment programs and community innovation support, confirming that these efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Agenda.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Minister of Social Development and Family held a bilateral meeting with Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Rola Dashti, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Doha Summit and the exchange of expertise in social protection and empowerment programs.
