The challenge facing our societies is not confined to the lack of advanced knowledge, nor to the weakness of the infrastructure, nor the lack of vision and keenness on adopting strategic planning methodology; the challenge is to effect the required changes in the social economic and educational basic development pillars.

      In essence, development means change coupled with a will committed to transform conditions towards the realization of its targets, particularly in concentrating investment in human resources with regard to education, training and habilitation, as the natural approach and final objective of development. It also requires acquisition of knowledge and coping with the scientific developments to instill awareness in our children and youth who are the future yield.

      I believe it is of great importance that the new world order should give poor countries due attention and concern so that they could overcome their difficulties, and bridge the gap between them and rich countries. It is unwise to impose on the developing countries a will that is incompatible with their cultures and values. Opportunities and capabilities should be provided for the developing countries so that they can rise and fulfill the progress and prosperity to which their peoples aspire. The new world economic system is called upon to address these issues in depth, taking the political will of these peoples as an axis for constructive dialogue that leads to trust and secures the favorable atmospheres for mutual cooperation and true friendship.

Honourable Audience,

      During the past years, our country, under the wise leadership of H.H. Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, took advanced steps towards building a modern state. We started to establish an integrated democratic system based on ‘Shura’ -consultation- where we sincerely sought to widen the base of popular participation in governance by holding a referendum in all transparency on the permanent constitution of the country, building the state of the rule of law and institutions, and granting women a wide scope in effective participation in the development process and contribution to the political life in the electoral process by voting and nomination, as well as assuming higher leadership posts. We also gave priority to updating the educational system and upgrading education both qualitatively and quantitatively. We established the Education City which we consider, in addition to the University of Qatar, to be a major tributary to our educational modernization plans, and catching up w ith modern sciences and their accelerating output, while committed to giving due attention to scientific research and making use of it to speed up the transformation to a knowledgeable society.

      Thank God, we have covered a considerable distance along the course of economic development where we have done a lot to raise the Qatari citizen being the axis and basis of this development. Through carefully-studied plans, we started utilizing our natural resources of oil and gas by increasing our reserves, expanding our production, penetrating the world markets and diversifying methods of gas exports whether by tankers and pipelines or by turning gas into clean liquids, whereby our country has become at the forefront of exporters of this clean energy. Moreover, we have been keen on vertical as well as horizontal expansion in the petro-chemical industries to increase the added value, reduce the risks and increase integration of the national economy. In addition, we embarked on building modern industrial cities, creating a favorable climate for investment and giving incentives to the private sector to play its role in development.

      Since the role of governments has changed in the age of globalization, and because traditional systems and methods need revising and revaluation, we have embarked on the public sector development project, to improve the services system and utilize the technological developments to speed up economic growth and satisfy the urgent needs of society to arrive at the objectives of sustained development.

      All these factors are within the framework of the regional challenges facing our region and demanding rapid responses by adopting the best methods and latest concepts of running governance affairs that include the required principles of participation and transparency.

      Our ambition to build a modern state is not merely a dream or a hope; but practical plans in the scientific, political, economic and social fields.

Honourable Audience,

      Before concluding, I would like to refer to the vital and important role played by the media in extending awareness, enriching social conscience and supporting development. We are in dire need of this role to achieve economic development, tackle social issues and political modernization. The media is capable of shaping a public opinion that is open to dialogue, acceptance of the other opinion and reinforcement of common priorities to maximize the benefit, enrich dialogue, dispel fears and build confidence and growth.

      I would like to thank you for your attendance of this significant and vital Forum and stress that our common goal at this critical turning point in history is to widen the channels of dialogue and discussion of the questions of development in a tolerant spirit and open minds so as to arrive at the objectives we all desire.

May the peace, the mercy and the blessings of God be upon you.