Her Highness participates in a High-Level Session at the Second World Summit for Social Development : Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) and Education Above All Foundation (EAA), participated today in a high-level session titled “Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract” during the UN’s Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted in Qatar. 

Her Highness delivered a keynote address in which she affirmed that the essence of development begins and ends with the human being who is at the heart of social development and its ultimate purpose. She emphasized that education is the foundation upon which the pillars of sustainable development should be erected. She said: 

“If we consider human beings our most valuable assets, then education remains the most enduring form of capital investment. They are the spring from which the streams of progress flow, and the foundation upon which the pillars of sustainable development are erected. Education is not merely one component that makes up the sectors of society – it is the sum of all sectors – for there can be no economy, politics, healthcare, culture or even a sustainable ecosystem without education.”

During her speech, Her Highness also spoke about Qatar’s development journey, highlighting how the country has ensured that education and investment in its human capital are the central tracks on its journey towards sustainable development. She stated: 

“I am firmly convinced that success in achieving sustainable development is not only reserved for those with more abundant resources, but for those who possess the wisdom to invest and manage it effectively.     

This is the vision that drove us in Qatar to establish a path of development that places young people in their rightful role as shapers of the future, as learners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and citizens engaged in decision-making. 

This inspiring vision has led to remarkable achievements: successfully utilizing natural resources, empowering human capital, and generating meaningful job opportunities that replace traditional job duplication.”

Her Highness’ speech also discussed education as the cornerstone of social development, affirming that education serves as the first line of defense for both individuals and societies: 

“Education is the core pillar for development; there can be no development without knowledge and no renaissance without an enlightened mind. Education is not a luxury, nor a privilege, nor a favor to be granted. It is a right, a responsibility, and a tool to liberate the mind, build human capacity, safeguard our values and generate ideas to reshape our world. Education, above all else, is an existential matter about a nation’s existence or demise. To achieve a real sustainable development as we envision it , education must be recognized as equal in importance to development itself, advancing together on the same track.”

His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations also delivered a speech at the session, emphasizing the role of education in achieving sustainable development goals, promoting social justice, and empowering individuals. 

The event also featured a high-level panel discussion with the participation of His Excellency President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency President Bajram Begaj of the Republic of Albania, and His Excellency President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau. The session highlighted the vital role of education as a foundational pillar of social development and its impact on eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, and fostering social inclusion. It also explored strategies for financing education and leveraging artificial intelligence to ensure more equitable and inclusive learning in the face of rapid digital and environmental transformations.