QNANew York
Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations HE Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani participated in the International Conference on Innovation and Technological Advances for Sustainability, organized by the University of Doha for Science and Technology in Doha.
In her speech during the conference, Sheikha Alya said that science, technology, and innovation, as well as funding development, are essential means to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030 in light of the multidimensional and multifaceted crises facing the world, which got more complicated by COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, debt burdens, negative impacts of climate change, and conflicts around the world.
She noted that it is clear by now that science and technology form a solid platform on which consensus and coordination of efforts and positions are based when addressing complex issues, as demonstrated in the multilateral efforts aimed at managing several issues, including climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, water, and renewable energy.
She said that Qatar took long strides in innovation and advanced technology for sustainability in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which is a comprehensive national vision that aims to achieve sustainable development across all sectors of the economy and stresses the importance of innovation, technology, and research in achieving the SDGs.
She pointed out that the main achievements of Qatar in the topics related to innovation and technology include four projects.
The first project is the Qatar Science and Technology Park, a leading central hub for research and innovation that provides a platform for technology-based startups and entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop their ideas and market them. The park works in partnership with leading international companies and research institutions to create an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar.
The second project is Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, a non-profit organization working on promoting education, research, and community development. Qatar Foundation has established many world-class educational and research institutions in Qatar, including Sidra Medicine and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.
The third project is Earthna, a non-profit center focused on policy research and advocacy, established under Qatar Foundation (QF) to provide a comprehensive and integrated vision of environmental, social, and economic prosperity.
The fourth project is Al Kharsaah Solar photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Producer, the first large-scale solar power plant in the country.
On environmental sustainability, she indicated that Qatar is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, as Qatar has implemented many initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, preserving water resources, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
She expressed her pride in the outstanding development the country is witnessing in science and technology, stressing that advancement does not only support the development of Qatar's economy but also benefits the most vulnerable countries.
Sheikha Alya noted that Doha's hosting of the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) during the period from March 5-9 is a clear example of the State of Qatar's role and commitment to supporting the most vulnerable groups to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
She said the objectives of Qatar lie in establishing partnerships between countries, institutions, civil society, and the private sector linking them with a common commitment to harness science, and technology design, and disseminate it for the good and benefit of all.
