I am very pleased to be with you today at this forum, held under the title “Education for a New Era”, which aims to introduce Qatar’s initiative to reform public education that reflects the vision of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, The Amir of The State of Qatar, who has endorsed its strategy.

      The first seeds of education reform were planted few years ago with the developed schools program. Then, since May 2001, after analyzing the findings of the studies on our present school system, it was found out that it suffers from centralization, limitation of reform mechanism and prospects for improvement. More importantly the outputs of this system are inadequate for students and their families – and do not meet the requirements of development in our country.

      After thorough evaluation and careful planning by all parties concerned with education, an Amiri decree was issued in November 2002, establishing the Supreme Education Council and the bodies affiliated to it, hence putting the reform effort into motion.

Today we are all about to witness this reform become a reality.

      The reform that we seek, must be total and comprehensive involving all components of our educational system, i.e. students, human resources, curricula, and buildings. Moreover, we want it to be continuous, and not to be subject to certain circumstances and lastly we want it to be qualitative, renewable and capable of adaptation with all variables and requirements.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      In recent years, Qatar has implemented a multitude of social, economic and political reforms, all intended to enhance growth and development of the Qatari society. Because of the vital role of education and its extensive impact on all aspects of development, the success of the reform plan in its broad sense, could only be realized by the simultaneous upgrading of our educational system.

      As His Highness The Amir always emphasizes, our country is rich in natural resources but our most important resource is the Qatari citizen in whom we take care and pride firstly and lastly. Without a well educated citizen, we cannot compete in globalization and world economy.

      Therefore, our ambition and keenness on linking education with development, requires in the first place that our schools must provide our children with the adequate skills that enable them to participate actively in the economic and social development. Skills such as critical thinking, communications, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving have become basic skills in modern education. Therefore, they should be considered as important as reading and writing.

      In transforming our public schools into a modern, high quality, world-class system, we are guided by four principles: Autonomy, Responsibility, Variety and Choice. Each one represents a unique characteristic being introduced into the Qatar school system. These four principles will contribute to laying the foundation upon which we can build the educational future in Qatar.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      With the passage of time these elements will integrate and open wider horizons to reform our Qatari school which reflect our values and traditions, while at the same time the parents will have the right to choose the school which they want their children to attend.

      In the short run, the impact of the education reform plan will be deeper and more comprehensive, as teaching in the independent schools will be according to international standards. Our schools graduates will be able to compete for admission in most prestigious universities and colleges, whether locally or abroad. In the long run, our citizens will achieve the highest standard of efficiency and motivation and will be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise for their success in their various jobs.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      As you see, the educational reform process, as much as it is necessary, vital and urgent, it is also complicated and deep. It surpasses form to content and requires patience and a lot of innovation and creativity.

      Thus, the launching of the initiative of Education For a New Era, will provide us with an opportunity to be closely familiarized with the features of the reform plan and discuss its elements. The success of the plan requires the contribution of every individual and family in the Qatari society.

      Today, I urge every one of you, citizens and leaders, to support this project which is the project of all of us, and commit ourselves, individuals and groups, to undertake this great task successfully.

      Once again I stress my deep conviction that through “Education for a New Era” we will be able to establish an educational system that is not limited to learning only but will motivate our students to be innovative and creative to ensure a bright and prosperous future for our country, with God’s will.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      Thank you for your attendance which we cherish and consider as an evidence of the significance of this forum and a factor contributing to its success.

      We beseech Almighty God to guide and help us to achieve glory and prosperity for our homeland.

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