(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute at Qatar University (QU) organised a research event titled“Sustainability of Urban Life in Qatar and the Gulf Region: Workshop on Measures and Methodologies,” sponsored and funded by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).
The event was attended by Minister of Municipality H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie; QU President Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al Derham; Director of the Institute Dr. Kaltham bin Ali Al Ghanim; Secretary-General of the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia (UCLG-MEWA) Dr. Mehmet Duman and an accompanying delegation; and several university staff members.
The Minister of Municipality praised the importance of this workshop and the university's research efforts. He said,“We strive hard to improve the quality of life, sustainability, and level of 'urban humanisation' in Qatar through the implementation of the comprehensive urban plan of the country, which aims to create an ideal model for sustainable urban life in the twenty-first century and achieve the highest level of quality of living and welfare for citizens and residents on the land of Qatar.”
The Minister also mentioned a number of projects implemented by the ministry that contribute to enhancing the quality of life and sustainability.
Dr. Hassan Al Derham said that this is the first workshop of its kind aimed at discussing and developing innovations in measurement methodologies and modernity for assessing the quality of urban life in Qatar and the Gulf region.
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He said that its importance stems from the fact that Qatar and the Gulf countries are currently heavily investing in the development of their cities and urban centres to improve the quality of life and well-being of their people.
Dr. Kaltham Al Ghanim, director of the institute, said,“This workshop aims to open the field for free scientific discussions on studying and assessing the levels of urban quality of life in Qatar and the Gulf. The Gulf region is considered one of the most urbanized areas in the world.”
She added,“The current urban development potentials in the Gulf region, in order to become sustainable and of high quality, require new methods and measures, including evidence-based research procedures.”
During the workshop, several discussion panels and research dialogues took place. The first session focused on the concepts, indicators, and multidimensional framework of sustainability. The second session revolved around the multidimensional concepts of quality of life and human well-being.
The third session covered the framework and methods for building a multidimensional urban quality of life structure. The fourth session addressed areas of consensus and areas that require further work in assessing quality of life and human well-being in the Gulf region.
The fifth session involved discussions among stakeholders in the policy field.
H E Dr. Sheikha Hessa Al Thani, Dean of the College of Education, QU, also participated in the workshop. She presented the initiative of education and good living in the first session of the workshop, emphasising its importance and introducing its components: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social pillars.