(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Permanent Population Committee (PPC) organised the Qatar Population Day 2025 event yesterday (Monday), under the theme 'Role of Youth in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.'

The National Planning Council secretary general and PPC chair HE Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa, inaugurated the event with a keynote address. He emphasised that investing in youth is not just a developmental choice but a core pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the State's journey toward a diversified, knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.

He underscored that youth are catalysts of change and architects of the future, Qatar's true wealth, vital to building a prosperous and sustainable society that balances heritage with modernity and national competence with global openness.

He noted that the latest statistics indicate that youth under 25 make up about 11% of Qatar's population, close to the global average of 15.6%. He emphasised, however, that Qatar stands out for its proactive efforts to develop young people's potential and involve them in national development.

He also highlighted that Qatar has recorded one of the lowest youth unemployment rates globally, remaining below 0.5% in 2024. This notable achievement contributed to its top-tier ranking among 181 countries in the Commonwealth Global Youth Development Index, highlighting Qatar's leadership in empowering youth and investing in human capital.

On behalf of HE the Minister of Sports and Youth Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, undersecretary HE Yasser bin Abdullah al-Jammal, said: "Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the State attaches great importance to youth, seeing them not just as beneficiaries but as partners and primary drivers of development.

"This approach is reflected in the Qatar National Youth Policy, approved by the Council of Ministers in May 2023. From the very beginning through to its final approval, youth were involved in shaping the policy, ensuring it truly reflects their aspirations and priorities.

"Within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, the Ministry of Sports and Youth has adopted an advanced institutional approach focused on transitioning youth from participation to influence, and from presence to leadership."

In a recorded address, Jocelyn Fenard, Representative of the UNFPA's Sub-regional Office for the GCC Countries, based in Muscat, Oman, reiterated UNFPA's commitment to working with Qatar, with youth, and for youth, to ensure they are equipped with the skills, opportunities, and platforms necessary to lead their communities toward a more prosperous, peaceful, and just future for all.

The event also featured a symposium which addressed topics, including youth and future skills, youth and social responsibility, and investing in youth.

Following the sessions that addressed youth in Qatar and the discussions on the submitted papers, the recommendations proposed by participants were presented. They included:
1. Coordinate efforts across government and private sector entities by establishing an Internal Partnerships Unit to oversee initiatives, set standards and indicators to measure the impact of youth initiatives, ensure their sustainability, and turn them into tangible benefits for society.

2. Enhance environmental education at all levels by integrating sustainability and climate change concepts into practical, interactive curricula, and connecting students with hands-on field projects.

3. Develop simplified training programmes for youth in artificial intelligence, programing, and data science, regularly updated to keep pace with rapid advancements in these fields.

4. Foster the development of essential soft skills required for the professions of the future.

5. Strengthen partnerships with international organizations and global educational institutions to exchange experiences and leverage best practices in lifelong learning, training, and youth skills development.

6. Expand the establishment of vocational, technical, and specialised educational institutions.

7. Integrate education with social responsibility to instill in future generations a strong culture of community service and contribution.

MENAFN21102025000067011011ID1110223783