Doha, November 05 (QNA) - HE Minister of Social Affairs and Health of the Republic of Finland, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, affirmed that the summit comes at a critical moment, as the world faces unprecedented, complex, and interconnected challenges.

She emphasized that Finland carries a strong and clear message of commitment to social progress and equality, noting that social development must be placed at the heart of global action to ensure that no one is left behind.

  Her Excellency underlined Finland's belief in the Nordic welfare model, sharing its experience in social innovation, gender equality, and inclusive policies. She stressed that Finland advocates for the strengthening of social protection systems, decent work, and equal opportunities for all, while upholding the principles of international cooperation, good governance, and sustainable development.

  She explained that relations between Finland and Qatar are steadily growing in the fields of social affairs and health, based on shared values of human dignity and wellbeing. Both countries give priority to inclusive social policies, high-quality healthcare, and sustainable development. Finland contributes its expertise in social innovation and equality, while Qatar plays a vital role through major investments in health infrastructure and social development initiatives, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and cooperation in areas such as education, public health, and social protection.

  The Minister noted that Finland, as a pioneer in social and human welfare, possesses extensive expertise that can be shared in the fields of social innovation, gender equality, healthcare, education, and the wellbeing economy. This experience stems from a long tradition of progressive policies, sustainable development, and successful practices in social security and equal opportunity. She stressed the importance of transparent governance and international cooperation to address emerging challenges and achieve progress for all.

  Her Excellency also praised the remarkable progress achieved by Qatar in healthcare, social affairs, and family protection. She stated that Qatar's investments in advanced health infrastructure and services have strengthened public health and improved access to quality care. By adopting inclusive policies focused on human rights and the protection of vulnerable groups, Qatar has demonstrated its deep commitment to social development. Hosting the Second Global Summit on Social Development is, she said, a clear reflection of this commitment and positions Qatar as a leading player in shaping the global social development agenda. Opportunities for deeper collaboration in occupational health and safety were discussed in the bilateral meeting with HE Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri. 

  The Finnish Minister of Social Affairs and Health explained that Finland's welfare state model is built on policies that promote equality and wellbeing, ensuring access to social and health services as a constitutional right for all. Through free education, universal healthcare, investment in families, and a strong social security system, Finland offers a model focused on prevention and early intervention, providing valuable lessons for other countries seeking to strengthen human welfare. She emphasized that public welfare is an investment in people and long-term resilience.

  She added that social development and economic sustainability are deeply interconnected in building modern societies. Investment in education, healthcare, and social inclusion not only enhances the quality of life but also strengthens the foundations of a sustainable economy. In turn, sustainable economic systems provide the resources needed to maintain these social programs. Investing in equality, decent work, and social security reduces poverty and exclusion, enhances resilience, and promotes innovation. 

Regarding the challenges facing social protection systems in Europe, she pointed to issues such as aging populations, rising healthcare costs, labor market shifts, and economic pressures. Finland addresses these challenges by focusing on prevention, digital transformation, and efficiency in service delivery, along with investments in early childhood support, education, and health promotion to reduce long-term costs and inequalities. Ongoing reforms aim to adapt to demographic changes and ensure sustainability, based on the principle that wellbeing and economic stability go hand in hand.

  Her Excellency affirmed that Finland ensures high-quality healthcare while maintaining financial sustainability through a tax-funded system focused on prevention, efficiency, and the use of technology. The country has invested throughout the years in education, healthcare, and innovation, while managing public spending prudently. She explained that an emphasis on prevention, digital solutions, smart management, and equitable access to services helps reduce long-term costs and builds a strong and inclusive society.

  She added that Finland is open to expanding international cooperation in digital health and telemedicine, particularly with advanced countries such as Qatar. With its robust digital infrastructure and expertise in e-health solutions, AI-based diagnostics, and secure health data systems, Finland offers valuable experience. These opportunities were brought up in her bilateral meeting with HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud. This cooperation aligns with Finland's strategic goals to enter new global markets while sharing innovative solutions to enhance global health and wellbeing.

  The Finnish Minister of Social Affairs and Health highlighted that technology and artificial intelligence will bring a fundamental transformation to health and social care systems. AI will improve diagnostics, enable personalized treatments, and enhance administrative efficiency. It will help predict diseases, design tailored treatment plans, and automate routine tasks—allowing healthcare professionals to focus on complex care. Robotics will play a role in surgeries, virtual and remote care will expand, and self-management tools will empower patients with chronic conditions to better manage their health.

  She noted that Finland's future priorities in health and social policy are centered on maintaining the quality and sustainability of care through a universal system focused on a prevention-oriented, and technology-driven system. Investing in wellbeing, she said, strengthens both resilience and economic stability in an aging society.

  In conclusion, Her Excellency emphasized that the World Summit on Social Development serves as a vital platform bringing together leaders from governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academia to address key social challenges and amplify the voices of vulnerable groups. The summit, she added, helps integrate inclusivity and fairness into international development agendas, ensuring that no one is left behind.

  She also highlighted that women and youth in Finland play an essential role in shaping social policy through strong representation in government, inclusive decision-making, and participatory platforms. Finland promotes gender equality and youth engagement through equal representation laws, youth councils, and programs that encourage civic participation. On the global level, Finland supports initiatives that advance women's and youth participation through education, leadership programs, and the exchange of best practices in inclusive policy development. (QNA)