The State of Qatar participated in the 43rd General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the participation of ministers and officials from around the world, in a high-level delegation headed by Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education and Chairperson of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The conference attracted high-level delegations from all over the world, with the aim of promoting cooperation and coordination among member states and identifying UNESCO’s priorities for the coming years.
At the outset of her speech, Her Excellency extended the State of Qatar’s appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan for its hospitality and organisation, and praised the selection of Samarkand as the 2025 Capital of Culture of the Islamic World, stressing that the world is facing increasing humanitarian and technological challenges that require collective action that rearranges priorities and puts people at the heart of development.
Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s firm position in supporting the Palestinian people and preserving their cultural heritage, stressing the need to redouble UNESCO’s efforts to protect educational and cultural institutions in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Palestine and Sudan, where historical and educational sites are subject to widespread destruction that threatens the common heritage of humanity.
Her Excellency also praised the signing of the updated agreement between the State of Qatar and UNESCO on the multisectoral regional office in Doha, noting that its entry into force in February 2025 will contribute to enhancing regional cooperation in the fields of education, culture and science.
Under the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, Qatar launched its third development strategy (2024-2030), which places education at the centre of sustainable development and the transition towards a knowledge-based economy. Her Excellency highlighted Qatar’s notable achievements in this regard, including hosting the 14th Arab Ministers of Education Conference, preparing to host the 5th Regional Conference on Higher Education in May 2026, as well as Doha Municipality winning the UNESCO Learning Cities Award for 2024.
