The State of Qatar showcases its innovations in the field of technology and its ability to achieve the goals of sustainable development

HE Sheikha Alia bint Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, participated in the International Conference on Innovation and Technological Advancement for Sustainability 2023, organized by the Doha University of Science and Technology in Doha. In a speech during the conference, Her Excellency said that science, technology and innovation, along with financing for development, are essential means to achieve the goals of sustainable development by 2030, in light of the multidimensional and multifaceted crises facing the world, which were complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. /, inflation, debt burdens, negative effects of climate change, and conflicts in the world. Her Excellency indicated that it is now clear that science and technology constitute a solid platform on which consensus and coordination of efforts and positions are based when addressing complex issues, as demonstrated by the multilateral efforts aimed at managing, inter alia, climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, water and renewable energy. Her Excellency stated that the State of Qatar has made great strides in the field of innovation and technological advancement for the sake of sustainability, which keeps pace 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 sustainable development goals. She pointed out that the main achievements of the State of Qatar in topics related to innovation, technology and research include four projects. The first is the Qatar Science and Technology Park, which is a leading hub for research and innovation that provides a platform for technology-based startups and entrepreneurs, allowing them to develop and market their ideas, where the park operates. In partnership with leading international companies and research institutions in order to create an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar. The second project, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is a non-profit organization working to advance education, research and community development in Qatar. Qatar Foundation has established many world-class educational and research institutions in Qatar, including Sidra Medicine and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. The third project, Our Heritage, a non-profit center focused on policy research and advocacy, was established by Qatar Foundation to provide a comprehensive and integrated vision of environmental, social, and economic prosperity. And the fourth project, the Kharsaa Independent Solar Photovoltaic Project, is the first large-scale solar power plant in the country. On environmental sustainability, Her Excellency indicated that the State of Qatar is committed to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, as the State of Qatar has implemented many initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, preserving water resources, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Her Excellency expressed her pride in the amazing development the country is witnessing in the world of science and technology, stressing that development not only supports the development of the Qatari economy, but also benefits the most vulnerable countries. She noted that Doha’s hosting of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, from the fifth to the ninth of March, is a clear example of the international role of the State of Qatar and its commitment to support the most vulnerable groups in order to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Her Excellency said that the goals of the State of Qatar lie in establishing Partnerships between countries, universities, foundations, civil society and the private sector linked by a shared commitment to harnessing science, designing and disseminating technology for the good and benefit of all.