Qatar attends ministerial meet to launch global declaration on digital response to COVID-19

QATAR on Wednesday participated in the ministerial conference to launch a global declaration on the digital response to the coronavirus pandemic, entitled ‘Bridging the Digital Divides: The Digital Response to coronavirus pandemic’. Qatar was represented at the conference by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, who expressed Qatar’s support to the Global Declaration on the Digital Response to COVID-19.

“While the consequences of coronavirus pandemic affects all aspects of our lives, finding ways that ensure the continuation of education to more than 90 percent of the students affected by school closure due to this pandemic is one of the most critical challenges at present. No doubt, the Global Declaration, which we are launching today is important to face the challenges posed by this global pandemic,” he said.

“Protecting and enhancing the right to education are Qatar’s priorities. Concerned institutions were able to utilise technology in developing education and keeping pace with the international developments. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar has established a distance education and learning mechanism and activated electronic platforms for all students to deal with these exceptional conditions imposed by the pandemic,” he added.

Muraikhi noted that Qatar continues its efforts to enhance its capacity to deal with crises and ensure the availability of effective and uninterrupted government services while maintaining social distancing by using electronic platforms. He stressed that enhancing cyber security and providing a safe electronic environment top Qatar’s priorities. He also noted that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched several initiatives to protect the basic systems and infrastructure of information technology and communications in the country.

“No doubt, cybercrimes, of which Qatar is also a victim, represent a threat to international peace and security. So, all countries have a duty to uphold their responsibilities towards combating these crimes and holding their perpetrators accountable in accordance with the international law,” Muraikhi added.

He confirmed that Qatar will continue its efforts to strengthen the positive aspect of using innovative technologies and digital transformation in such a way as to create a people-centred society.