Doha, October 26 (QNA) - HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater affirmed that investing in education, skills development, and individual capacity-building serves as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and enhancing economic competitiveness.

Her Excellency further emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding educational opportunities, empowering talent, and preparing individuals for the evolving demands of the labour market.

During the "Investing in Skills, Talent, and Entrepreneurship" session at the World Investment Forum 2026, Her Excellency said that achieving development ambitions requires the establishment of strong, sustainable partnerships between governments, the business sector, academic institutions, and international organizations. She noted that investment in education generates added value that extends beyond the learners themselves to encompass investors, employers, and society as a whole.

Her Excellency noted that one of the key initiatives in this field is a public-private partnership program valued at QR 6.4 billion, which entails the development of 20 schools. Under this arrangement, the ministry provides the land and supports the project with academic staff, while private-sector partners assume responsibility for financing, construction, and operation.

Her Excellency added that two schools within the program will be the largest in the world to utilize 3D printing technology in their construction. She further noted that agreements were signed a few days ago with private schools and private-sector investors, which will provide 5,000 additional student seats, with investments and operational expenditures totaling QR 1.48 billion over a 25-year period.

Regarding the promotion of equal opportunity, Her Excellency emphasized that social responsibility programs have contributed to expanding access to free or reduced-tuition education for students, particularly those from low-income families, with the number of beneficiaries rising from approximately 40 a year ago to 18,000 today.

Her Excellency expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the private sector and partners in contributing to the support of these initiatives, anticipating that the value of partnerships in the field of social responsibility will exceed approximately QR 2 billion over the next decade.

HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education said that rapid technological transformations, particularly AI, make continuous learning essential for keeping pace with changes in the labour market. She noted that lifelong learning initiatives and future-skills programs support the ongoing development and reskilling of individuals, thereby enhancing their adaptability, productivity, and ability to capitalize on new opportunities.

Her Excellency emphasized that investing in lifelong learning is not merely an educational priority, but an economic necessity that contributes to enhancing workforce resilience and competitiveness, while supporting sustainable development.

Her Excellency added that achieving sustainable development requires providing inclusive opportunities for all, and fostering cooperation among governments, investors, educational institutions, international organizations, and the private sector, in order to expand the scope of opportunities and address emerging gaps, particularly in the fields of AI, digital technologies, and technology-enabled education.

Concluding her remarks, HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater affirmed that the true value of investment is not measured solely by economic and financial returns, but also by the capacity to empower individuals, unlock their potential, and foster prosperity. She further highlighted the importance of collaborative action to ensure that innovation serves everyone, that opportunities reach all segments of society, and that the fruits of progress are shared inclusively. (QNA)