Doha, November 17 (QNA) - The panel discussion of the "National Development Forum: Social Development Pillar," organized by the National Planning Council (NPC) under the theme "Sustaining Prosperity in Qatari Society," disucssed on Sunday the main themes of the pillar of social development, including supporting family cohesion, safeguarding cultural identity, promoting social integration and welfare, improving quality of life, in addition to the role of cultural and social tourism as a major tributary of national progress.

The panel discussion was attended by HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, and HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar Saad bin Ali Al Kharji.

The session emphasized that the progress witnessed by the State of Qatar, which falls within the framework of the Third National Development Strategy, is not measured only by economic growth indicators, but is also reflected in the strength of the state's social fabric. It also highlighted the importance of expanding family support programs, promoting social integration, improving health and well-being outcomes, and consolidating cultural participation to build a balanced society.

HE Secretary-General of the National Planning Council Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa said: "Nearly two decades ago, the foundation of Qatar National Vision 2030 was laid. The Vision aims to transform Qatar into an advanced nation capable of achieving sustainable development, ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens, and enhancing their quality of life. Qatar National Vision 2030 places family at the cornerstone of society and as the starting point of development across all fronts. It is evident how deeply HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani prioritizes family as the most essential building block of society and the foundation of its development."

For her part, HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi addressed the key efforts undertaken by the ministry within its strategy "From Care to Empowerment," which is concerned with improving the quality of life for all citizens and residents through the development of social policies and programs to ensure an inclusive and empowering society for the most vulnerable groups.

Her Excellency pointed to the issuance of the new law on the rights of persons with disabilities, which is a qualitative leap in ensuring their access to fair educational, health and employment services, in addition to enhancing access to the physical and technological environment, while highlighting the pivotal role played by the Mada Center in supporting digital inclusion for all, including persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Her Excellency also addressed the efforts directed toward senior citizens through the launch of the Ehsan Center strategy, which focuses on integrating them into the development process through programs and initiatives that contribute to enhancing their active participation, in addition to expanding the network of social clubs and opening the Senior Citizens Council in Katara, reflecting Qatar's interest in raising the quality of life for this group.

Her Excellency also affirmed that the housing and social security file is one of the most important priorities that the Ministry is following up on under the direct supervision of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani as the efforts have reached advanced stages aimed at strengthening the social protection system and addressing the current challenges in legislation and services provided to the most vulnerable groups.

Her Excellency highlighted the expansion of the economic empowerment program for productive families and the remarkable development in financial awareness programs directed at families and youth, in addition to the vital role played by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) in improving the quality of life of individuals and families through financing quality community programs and initiatives. 

HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi emphasized the importance of strengthening family and community cohesion, affirming that family stability is one of the key pillars of social development.

Her Excellency noted that the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) is reviewing relevant legislation to ensure alignment with national directions in support of the family unit, pointing to the new Human Resources Law, which provides flexible options and leave benefits that support working mothers and help them balance family and professional responsibilities, in addition to incentives that encourage marriage and stability.

She also referred to the family education curriculum launched for secondary school students, which is being expanded to cover all educational stages in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Her Excellency highlighted Wifaq Family Consulting Center's significant development in terms of its awareness, counseling, and premarital preparation programs.

HE the Minister of Social Development and Family stressed the importance of forging partnerships with civil society organizations and public-benefit private institutions in strengthening social cohesion, noting the launch of a financial support program for associations and providing them with premises to enable them to expand their activities and programs.

In this context, Her Excellency announced that the national platform for volunteer work will be launched at the beginning of next year, unifing efforts and establishing an integrated framework of policies, legislation, and standards regulating volunteer work nationwide.

She highlighted MSDF's charitable and humanitarian work strategy, which focuses on directing charitable efforts toward local initiatives that serve the Qatari community.

HE the Minister of Social Development and Family also praised the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities' (RACA) Sanady platform, one of RACA's key achievements in enhancing transparency and ensuring that donations reach those who deserve them.

In discussing national identity and Qatari culture, Her Excellency stressed that identity is the foundation upon which all social programs and policies are built, and that the family is the primary environment for instilling religious, moral, and cultural values in children.

She noted that the Arabic language faces genuine challenges, not only as a communication tool, but also as a vessel of culture and a core structure of identity, requiring cooperation and integration among all government bodies, private institutions, civil society organizations, and families.

Her Excellency also reviewed the Ministry's efforts in raising awareness of early childhood development, affirming that the parental education center, to be launched early next year, will support parents and equip them with appropriate parenting skills for various age stages.

She pointed to the "Tansheeh" program as one of the most successful preventive programs for youth, implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, Public Health, Sports and Youth, and Endowments and Islamic Affairs, with research monitoring and evaluation by the Doha International Family Institute.

Her Excellency further affirmed the Ministry's support for traditional crafts and industries by providing marketing platforms for productive families, contributing to sustainable income and preserving tangible heritage from disappearing.

In conclusion, HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi reiterated that social development is a fundamental pillar of the state's progress, and that achieving qualitative and sustainable advancement requires strong partnerships and close cooperation among various sectors, to build a cohesive, empowered society that upholds its identity and values, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 

HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized that the family is the foundational unit for building a nation. He noted that it operates on the principles of rights and responsibilities, and that this balance between rights and duties is key to the stability and growth of society.

His Excellency highlighted that the Ministry of Culture places significant focus on young people by launching various programs, including events accompanying the Doha International Book Fair, where a dedicated section for young readers is set up, offering publishers and content suited to children's needs and focusing on meaningful messages.

His Excellency also pointed to the success of the photography festival, which saw a talented Qatari child, under the age of ten, win an award, explaining that this achievement illustrates how cultural programs can highlight emerging talent and promote Qatari identity through art and culture.

HE the Minister further explained that the Ministry takes an integrated approach in supporting young people, which is reflected in initiatives such as the "Little Writer" program. This program, which teaches children storytelling skills, has gained widespread popularity among both citizens and residents.

Speaking about the family and identity, HE the Minister of Culture affirmed that national identity serves as the "safeguard of society," acting as a unifying force that distinguishes people within a single geographic framework. This identity encompasses everything from attire, food, and lifestyle to ways of thinking. He noted that the Ministry has worked to strengthen Qatari identity in collaboration with various government entities. Moreover, he stated that identity is inclusive of both citizens and residents, as Qatar has always been an open country by nature, known for its international mediation efforts, rooted in a culture of openness and respect for others.

His Excellency emphasized that residents of Qatar are essential partners in the country's success, and that Qatar's progress could not have been achieved without collaboration between all members of society. He said that citizens and residents are like one body, adding that this is one of the fundamental values of Qatari culture that has been passed down from generation to generation.

He further pointed out that the Ministry is dedicated to reinforcing identity across all its activities. The upcoming National Day celebrations, he noted, would again focus on enhancing pride in the national identity, while striking a balance between self-pride and respect for other identities, as this balance promotes social harmony and reflects Qatar's rich cultural heritage.

In his discussion on efforts to preserve the Arabic language, His Excellency highlighted that Qatar is the only country to have enacted a law dedicated to safeguarding the Arabic language, which reflects the wise leadership's commitment to the Arabic language, which is fundamental to the national identity.

HE the Minister of Culture also explained that the Ministry of Culture works extensively to preserve the Arabic language among the younger generation, through programs such as "The Little Writer," activities at the Book Fair, and efforts by the Nomas Center. He emphasized the importance of the family's role in this, encouraging families to speak Arabic at home with their children. He stressed that the responsibility for preserving the Arabic language is shared between the family and the government, which offers numerous programs to promote Arabic among young people. 

HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud stated that the wise leadership's continued support for the healthcare sector has contributed significantly to its progress in improving the health and well-being of the community. He pointed out that the latest indicators show substantial improvements in the sector, with Qatar ranked first in the Arab world and 18th globally for healthcare services according to this year's Numbeo index.

Shedding light on national health strategies, His Excellency noted that key indicators have improved significantly, including a rise in life expectancy from 74 to over 82 years. At the same time, he emphasized the country's focus on ensuring that these years of life are healthy, with a strong emphasis on prevention, physical activity, and healthy nutrition.

His Excellency also highlighted the significant advances in the healthcare infrastructure, particularly through public and private health facilities and the health workforce. He noted that the hospital bed capacity has increased to over 5,000, and the number of healthcare practitioners has risen to over 57,000 in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, he praised the improvement and excellence of healthcare services, including health centers and emergency medical services.

He also pointed to progress in food safety systems, including internationally accredited laboratories, and key initiatives such as the classification of food establishments, which allows customers to assess how well these establishments are adhering to health standards.

Speaking about the Ministry's support for the private sector, HE Al Mahmoud underscored that the ministry places great importance on strengthening its partnership with the private sector, as it is a key partner in the future growth of Qatar's healthcare sector. He added that the ministry has established direct and regular communication channels by organizing biannual forums with private sector representatives to listen to their aspirations and discuss the challenges they face. He pointed out that the ministry also has a portfolio of projects to collaborate on with the private sector to enhance this partnership. He explained that health insurance will be a manifestation of this partnership and will contribute to improving the quality and competitiveness of the private sector.

On the topic of health tourism, HE the Minister noted that specialized hospitals and distinguished services, including sports medicine, pediatrics, plastic surgery, preventive treatments, and wellness services, are helping to establish Qatar as a regional hub for medical tourism and wellness tourism. He added that in this regard, MOPH is working with the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Tourism to launch a medical visa and facilitate the issuance of these visas for hospitals.

HE the Minister of Public Health also highlighted the role of MOPH and its affiliated institutions in strengthening family cohesion. He pointed to several health services that contribute to this goal, including home care for the elderly and people with disabilities, private nursing services for seniors and children, and the delivery of medicines and medical supplies to households.

Addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare system, HE the Minister stated that the public healthcare sector receives nearly 10 million visits annually, which leads to challenges, primarily long wait times. He explained that efforts are being made to reduce wait times through several important measures, including expanding available clinics and improving efficiency to increase appointment availability. He explained that initiatives such as evening clinics for Qatari patients, the cancellation of repeated appointments, addressing no-shows, improving coordination between Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation, and collaborating with the private sector to provide additional capacity have contributed to a decrease in wait times in recent months.

He added that while the targets for appointment availability in some specialties have not yet been met, efforts are focused on further reducing wait times. He noted that the implementation of the health insurance system will also help expand access to a wider range of services. 

HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, emphasized that tourism in Qatar is not merely an economic sector but a comprehensive strategic approach aligned with the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), the final stage toward achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.

He noted that every new tourism project, international event, and upgraded service reflects the quality of life the country seeks to promote, built on strong infrastructure and solid foundations.

His Excellency pointed out that Qatar has positioned itself as a model for safe family tourism, topping regional and international indicators of security and safety.

He noted that tourism has become one of the pillars of Qatar's economic growth, contributing more than 8 percent of GDP, with ambitious plans to raise that share to about 12 percent by 2030. More than 550 events have been held this year, averaging 1.5 per day, under a dynamic calendar that aligns with national holidays and celebrations in Qatar.

HE Saad bin Ali Al Kharji added that Qatar Tourism is also prioritizing sports events that encourage families to engage in activities promoting health and well-being, in line with national strategy goals. He noted that efforts are focused on developing distinctive destinations that meet Qatari family expectations, with integrated facilities including transport, resorts, parks and entertainment venues, all under strict quality standards.

His Excellency explained that QT is coordinating with the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen medical tourism, building on the country's reputation for high-quality healthcare capable of providing safe, family-oriented services to visitors.

The forum highlighted the importance of integrated coordination among ministries and institutions under the Third National Development Strategy, covering education, health, culture, tourism, and social care, to reinforce social cohesion and lay the foundations for sustainable prosperity in the State of Qatar.

The National Development Forum: Social Development Pillar is part of a series organized by the National Planning Council to strengthen partnerships between the public, private and non-profit sectors. It aims to foster open dialogue on the priorities of the 2024-2030 strategy. These forums seek to align stakeholders across the country, guiding economic, human, social and environmental development in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, and ensuring a future that combines sustainable growth with quality of life. (QNA)