The world is facing many challenges in providing quality and inclusive education. The importance of education in disseminating knowledge and fighting ignorance as the cornerstone of all aspects of life, development and sustainable growth, was highlighted at the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings currently under way in Doha. Qatar has focused on education, thanks to unlimited support from the country’s leadership in terms of curriculum development and the use of new technologies in the development of teachers and students.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, giving a speech at the opening of the 140th Assembly of the IPU, said: “Education in our time has become a social right that has turned into an integral part of human rights, and has been included in the Goal 4 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Investing in quality education is one of the most important elements of building the economy, advancing societies, and achieving growth and prosperity. But ignorance is one of the most important obstacles to people’s growth and renaissance.
“Qatar has paid special attention to international cooperation in the field of education and provided development support to some developing countries in various regions of the world, as well as international organizations operating in this field. Our country has also launched numerous initiatives in the field of supporting and promoting education in collaboration with national and global partners such as the initiatives: “Educate a Child”, the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), and other initiatives.”
Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud said the choice of this year’s subject — parliaments as platforms to enhance education for peace, security and the rule of law — for discussion comes at a time of increasing calls for paying special interest to the quality of education. The Speaker stressed that just focusing on expanding the provision of education is no longer sufficient, if it can’t be linked to values of love and tolerance. The Speaker highlighted that parliamentarians have a role to play in that regard, by promoting education that celebrates diversity, whether cultural, religious, or ideological.
IPU President Gabriela Cuevas Barron said parliament members play a major role in addressing the issue of education in a rapidly changing world, the most important of which is to make education inclusive and opportunity-driven. She also highlighted the importance of instilling the culture of gender equality in new generations by teaching these values in schools and through practice.
Education is one of main pillars of a progressive society and has the power to make this world a better place for out future generations.
