Qatar Showcases Educational Achievements at 2024 Global Education Meeting in Brazil.

Fortaleza: The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, actively participated in the 2024 Global Education Meeting hosted by UNESCO in Fortaleza, Brazil, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Leading Qatar's delegation was HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The meeting aimed to evaluate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting discussed strategies to increase investments in education and expand innovative financing tools to accelerate progress in achieving SDG 4. HE the Minister participated in two high-level ministerial sessions, addressing "Early Childhood Education and Foundational Education" and "Equitable Access, Quality, and Mobility in Higher Education." Her Excellency emphasized Qatar's achievements in early childhood and higher education, highlighting recent advancements and accomplishments. In the first session, Her Excellency detailed Qatar's initiatives to provide quality education at all levels, particularly in early childhood. She noted the country's investment in child-centered educational programs that develop essential skills such as communication, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. She also outlined the Ministry's commitment to ongoing improvements in primary education, focusing on curriculum evaluation and optimal investment in human resources to enhance learning outcomes. During the second session, Her Excellency discussed Qatar's efforts to expand access to higher education and maintain quality standards. These efforts align with Qatar's third National Development Strategy and the Education Strategy 2024-2030. Initiatives such as the "My Journey in Post-Secondary Education" program were noted, providing effective academic guidance and st rengthening the alignment of educational qualifications with labor market needs. The meeting concluded with the issuance of the Fortaleza Declaration under the theme: "Unlocking the Transformative Power of Education for Peaceful, Equitable, and Sustainable Futures." It included a review of the 2024-2025 Global Education Monitoring Report, highlighting progress on SDG 4 and providing a thematic analysis on leadership in education. High-level discussions addressed links between education and gender equality, climate and environmental issues, peace, human rights, early childhood care, literacy promotion, safe schooling, technology access, education for sustainable development, and equitable access to quality in higher education. On the meeting's sidelines, HE the Minister visited an exhibit organized by the National Cybersecurity Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The exhibit, titled "Accelerating th e Achievement of SDG 4," showcased Qatar's progress in educational transformation and highlighted initiatives toward achieving this goal. The National Cybersecurity Agency presented Qatar's pioneering work in cybersecurity education, including the "Eco Cyber" project, which promotes digital safety among children and adolescents. This supports SDG 4 by creating safe and inclusive learning environments and advancing technology and digital transformation in education. Additionally, HE the Minister met with HE Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Amin Omarulayev, to discuss avenues for cooperation and development in the field of education between Qatar and Azerbaijan. The 2024 Global Education Meeting brought together Ministers of Education from UNESCO Member States, along with Ministers of Finance and representatives from sectors including the environment, social development, science and technology, and health, as well as delegates from international organizations and civil society .