News
UNESCO promotes and enhances STEM and TVET education in Qatar
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Ministers of Higher Education, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), hosted the international symposium titled "Education and Skills for a Future-Ready Workforce: STEM and TVET for a Sustainable and Resilient Society occurred in Doha on April 24-25, 2024.
The symposium aimed to identify actionable steps to develop and sustain an effective government, education, and industry ecosystem. Discussions focused on adapting to the rapidly evolving industrial demands and equipping graduates with the skills necessary to be mobile, competitive, and conscious of broader sustainability goals, thereby contributing to resilient societies.
This seminar, a direct response to a directive from the Committee of Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, was a significant step towards fulfilling the directive's call for establishing a forum to study specialized fields critical for the current and future job market.
The two-day conference brought together regional educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. The event fostered dialogue on the role of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) in cultivating an industry-ready workforce. Additionally, it served as a platform to develop a GCC-wide strategy for education and workforce mobility in the region.
Mr. Salah Khaled, UNESCO Representative to Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha, stressed the symposium's importance in promoting science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) education in addition to technical and vocational training in Qatar and beyond, in line with the , which promotes youth employment, entrepreneurship, justice, gender equality, and facilitates the transition to green economies and sustainable societies.
The symposium's timing could not be more appropriate, addressing critical topics at the core of our global strategy. I am proud of the robust partnership between UNESCO and the State of Qatar. We hope this symposium will yield significant positive outcomes for new generations, equipping them to better meet the demands of the labor market. The State of Qatar and its educational institutions are at the forefront of these crucial discussions, demonstrating leadership in shaping a future-ready workforce.
Over two days, the symposium effectively explored the evolving relationship between education and industry needs. The first day was marked by a dynamic panel discussion on industry and academia partnerships and breakout sessions tailored to academic programs for a green economy and digital literacy.  
On the second day, participants were engaged with insightful presentations on governance frameworks and innovative TVET teaching methods alongside focused forums on the role of AI in education and skill development initiatives. The event concluded with policy recommendations on academic initiatives and education policies, encapsulated by the establishment of a framework as outlined in the 'Doha Declaration on Education for Future Jobs: A Roadmap for a Sustainable and Resilient Society,' aimed at fostering a sustainable and resilient workforce for the future.
UNESCO emphasizes the crucial role of in supporting industrial, economic, technological, and social transitions. Acknowledging the evolving dynamics of the global workforce, UNESCO will continue to urge Member States to renew their commitment to enhancing TVET systems. This effort aims to make these systems more effective and relevant to today’s needs, strengthening cooperation to future-proof the workforce in an increasingly technology-driven world.
