Regional Conference for Arab Region and West Asia - Global Sustainable Development Report 2023 Kicks off in QU

Doha, January 24 (QNA) - The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) of Qatar University (QU) hosted a two-day "Regional Conference for the Arab Region and West Asia - Global Sustainable Development Report 2023" in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development and the GIZ, Germany. This conference aims to inform the UN Global Sustainable Development Report GSDR 2023 due for publication in September 2023. The conference as part of assessment of perspective of Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) from different regions of the world, seeks valuable perspectives, context specific priorities, challenges, and opportunities as well as scalable, practical tools to accelerate progress in sustainable development goals. In his speech on the occasion, QU President Dr. Hassan Al Derham said, "Today more than ever, we need peace with ourselves and our environment to build global sustainable development. Also, we urge greater cooperation and transparency on sustainable development issues. Qatar University is proud to host this conference, which contributes to the Global Sustainable Development Report 2023, which is due to be published September 2023." Al Derham stressed that sustainability is a key research priority for Qatar University's strategy (2021-2025) and key policy strategies at the national level -in particular- the Qatar National Vision 2030. Furthermore, he noted the need to remember the unique sustainability measures that were taken during the FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Qatar. The sustainability standards set during this World Cup were a benchmark that will change the direction of major sporting events globally in the future. He adds, "Today and tomorrow, we will hear from a variety of field experts, government officials, academics as well as private sectors. We believe that we will have a clear view of the current situation and progress on the SDGs and the challenges that hinder their progress. Therefore, I would like to ask all of you to share your experiences and opinions, use this gathering as a platform to expand your professional network, and make suggestions on future cooperation opportunities. Finally, I would like to thank all the sponsors, facilitators, and participants and look forward to active discussions." HE President of Planning and Statistics Authority Dr. Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit noted that the State of Qatar is interested in achieving the sustainable development goals to enhance quality of life, and sustainable development issues are a priority for the Planning and Statistics Authority, which has been translated into specific initiatives in the fields of health, education, environment and social affairs. He also said that the conference is an important occasion to exchange views between a distinguished group of experts on development issues and support solutions for sustainable development. His Excellency referred to the efforts being made, in cooperation with all governmental and non-governmental institutions, to prepare the third national development strategy for the State of Qatar, stressing the keenness to strengthen the interdependence between national development priorities on the one hand, and the priorities of the international sustainable development goals 2030 on the other hand. Al Nabit stressed the importance of research and studies to monitor the reality of national development and trends in the development of its indicators, as well as its role in drawing up national strategies and rational development policies based on evidence. He pointed out that the agency issues periodic reports on international sustainable development goals, especially those related to the State of Qatar in particular. He announced that the agency succeeded, in cooperation with other ministries and state agencies, in issuing about 84 percent of the national indicators related to the sustainable development goals, which contributes to a better assessment of the progress made in implementing those ambitious goals and related evidence. (MORE)