Doha, Qatar: University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has issued the Doha Declaration on Education and Skills for Future Jobs, following the successful organisation of the International Symposium on Education and Skills for a Future-Ready Workforce.

The event saw the development of a robust “Call for Action” plan by the Technical Committee for Developing Programs for Current and Future Jobs, detailing comprehensive recommendations on academic initiatives and related education policies, while also establishing a framework to link government, academia and industry in fostering a sustainable and resilient workforce for the present and the future.

The Call for Action includes eight strategic directions that represent a holistic roadmap for GCC countries to embrace and advance STEM/TVET education within these ambitious nations. The plan aims to promote STEM education and TVET in higher education planning; institutionalise industry-academia linkages and partnerships; advance policy development; enhance accessibility and attractiveness of STEM education and TVET; foster international collaboration; leverage technologies for learning; invest in teacher and educator development; and accelerate reskilling and upskilling initiatives.

President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi said: “As the first and only national applied university in Qatar, we are proud to lead the efforts in advancing STEM Education and TVET in the State of Qatar. We’re pleased to say that many of our partnerships, initiatives, and academic planning strive to satisfy the action plan put in place by the Committee, for example, in the previous academic year, we launched a Postgraduate Diploma in STEM/TVET Education, allowing bachelor degree holders to embark on rewarding careers as STEM/TVET educators while fulfilling the shortage of qualified and passionate teachers in the field. We look forward to more fruitful collaborations with higher education institutions, government entities and the industry both in Qatar as well as different GCC nations.”

The Symposium was held under the patronage of Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Buthaina Bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, in collaboration with Ministry of Labour, the GCC Higher Education Committee, the Unesco, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

UDST was honoured to undertake the organisation of the landmark symposium as part of the decision of the committee of Presidents and Rectors of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the GCC at its 26th meeting.