Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner signing the MoU at Doha Forum yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCIT) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at leveraging digital innovation to drive sustainable development globally.
The MoU was signed by Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, and the Administrator of UNDP, Achim Steiner at Doha Forum yesterday.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the occasion, Duha Ali Al Buhendi, Director of the Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at MCIT, said, “This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to harness the transformative power of digital technologies to foster inclusive growth, enhance access to essential services, and empower communities worldwide.” She stressed that the core aspects of this partnership include bridging the digital divide by fostering digital inclusion and prioritising support for countries most in need.
The collaboration focuses on positioning digital transformation at the heart of global development efforts, particularly in alignment with the Global Digital Compact and Qatar’s strategic vision as outlined in its Digital Agenda and National Vision 2030.
The agreement is also expected to enhance international collaboration to scale solutions that address pressing global challenges, such as economic diversification, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development.
She said, “This partnership underscores Qatar’s unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation that empowers individuals and societies while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future.” The official highlighted the pivotal priorities and strategies MCIT will implement to attain mutual goals.
This includes partnering with the UNDP to leverage digital innovation as a catalyst for development globally, prioritising efforts to improve digital access and literacy, and ensuring that digital transformation benefits all communities and leaves no one behind.
The official remarked that MCIT and UNDP will together work on supporting countries in need by enhancing access to essential digital services and empowering underserved communities.
Other key aspects include developing innovative digital solutions, building capacity, and engaging in research and thought leadership to use technology responsibly and effectively. The official also underlined aligning efforts with Qatar’s Digital Agenda and QNV 2030 to establish the country as a leader in digital technology, innovation, and sustainability.
“Hosting major international events like the World Summit AI 2024 and Web Summit 2025 demonstrates this commitment,” Al Buhendi said.
Qatar and UNDP are also promoting Public-Private Collaboration to drive technological innovation and advance Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030. By partnering with major technology providers, local businesses, and key stakeholders.
She said, “These priorities and strategies reflect a shared determination to promote equitable growth and sustainable progress through digital innovation.” To a question on reinforcing Qatar’s digital transformation, Al Buhendi remarked “We focus on driving innovation and positioning Qatar as a global leader in technology. This effort is guided by the Digital Agenda 2030, a comprehensive strategy that aims to foster a digital economy that is efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive.”
The MCIT official stated that this strategy is built on six key pillars, each contributing to a robust and inclusive digital transformation including the ‘Cutting-Edge Digital Infrastructure’, which develops sustainable digital infrastructure to fuel innovation and economic growth, exemplified by initiatives like Qatar’s National Data & Analytics Program and helping entities manage and leverage data effectively.
The second key pillar is ‘Leading Digital Technologies’. This includes collaborating with global leaders and local innovators to implement transformative technologies across various sectors. She accentuated the third element ‘Seamless Digital Government’, which enhances citizen-centric services through platforms like Hukoomi, simplifying access to hundreds of public services for individuals and businesses.
The fourth pillar ‘Thriving Digital Innovation’, supports startups through initiatives such as TASMU Accelerator, and helps scale innovative tech businesses and integrate them into Qatar’s digital ecosystem.
The fifth pillar includes ‘Future-Leading Digital Society’. Empowering citizens with essential digital skills through programs like Qatar Digital Academy, and preparing the workforce for a tech-driven future are some of the major initiatives in this area.
‘Booming Digital Economy’, another key pillar, helps to build a vibrant digital ecosystem through initiatives like TASMU Digital Valley, driving technology adoption across priority sectors.
“These pillars ensure a comprehensive approach to digital transformation, positioning Qatar as a technology hub while contributing to economic diversification and global competitiveness,” Al Buhendi added.
