H.E the Minister Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai Participates in the D4SD Ministerial Session for Arab countries | Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Thursday, September 26, 2024

H.E the Minister Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai Participates in the D4SD Ministerial Session for Arab countries

His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, participated in the high-level ministerial session of the "Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Initiative, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event aimed to promote digital transformation across the Arab States and achieve sustainable development goals in the Arab region through strategic investments and digital inclusion.

During his speech at the session, His Excellency emphasized Qatar’s commitment to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future. He added: "As we gather today to explore the role of digital technologies in supporting sustainable development in the Arab world, Qatar stands as a nation that recognizes the vast potential of digital transformation in shaping our future."

His Excellency also announced a new strategic partnership between Ooredoo and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at developing digital policies that support sustainable development and enhance public digital infrastructure. This partnership will focus on knowledge sharing, policy development, and promoting innovation and digital inclusion.

H.E. the Minster stressed the importance of collective Arab cooperation in advancing advanced digital infrastructure and its role in driving Arab economic growth and promoting sustainability. stated: "By investing in digital infrastructure and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, we open new horizons for the economic growth of the Arab region, improve public services, and support sustainability throughout the region."

H.E. the MCIT Minister also pointed out that the Digital Agenda 2030 is part of Qatar's Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, serving as the driving force behind the country’s efforts to achieve digital inclusion, sustainability, and innovation. He highlighted the pivotal role of the "Better Connections" program, which has empowered over 250,000 migrant workers with digital skills, reflecting the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all members of society benefit from the digital transformation.

In conclusion, His Excellency Al-Mannai emphasized the importance of international and Arab collaboration to accelerate digital transformation in order to achieve sustainable development in the Arab region, aiming to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.

The Digital for Sustainable Development initiative brings together leading government, industry, and civil society figures to discuss innovative digital solutions that can accelerate digital progress and achieve sustainable development goals in the Arab states. The initiative also discusses strategic investments in digital infrastructure, policies, and partnerships to drive sustainable digital transformation across the Arab region.