Ladies and gentlemen ..

As we finalize the work of this conference, I recall the conclusion of our founding conference in April last year: a conference filled with pride on the one hand, and anticipation on the other.

The “pride” I speak of is in the value of the Arab mind in making constructive change that advances human thinking and uses it to build society. We are proud of the convergence of political will and commitment to develop Arab scientific competence. 

“Anticipation”, on the other hand, arose from the aspiration to turn wishes into deeds. 

From the beginning, Qatar has made a political commitment to this project, which falls within the vision of His Highness to build Qatar’s “contemporary renaissance” and to develop the scientific research system.

Scientific research is a component of that vision, interconnected with educational and economic development, all of which come together to achieve human development.

Even more important than the material allocations for scientific research are programs nurturing talent and human resources. And so, we must move forward in building a sustainable partnership for scientific research.

I believe you agree that we have reached our goal to build a purposeful partnership based on trust. This paves the way to announce the launch of scientific programs in areas of obvious importance, such as the development of information technology in Arabic and improvements in electronic information. Other programs will tackle cancer, the molecular and functional foundations of neurological diseases, urban expansion and the environment, and water.

I wish to renew my personal commitment to advance and support these programs. In them, international scientific expertise unites with national determination, meeting our requirements through a plan implemented by Arab scientists working in tandem with researchers, here in Qatar.

While planning the launch of this initiative, I recalled that many scientists queried whether we had the necessary environment available to begin this project.

We are fully aware of this and realize that free rein must be given to think and plan, so that human minds may reach their full capacity. Scientific research is the basic pillar for stimulating minds to find solutions.

Since the launch of Education City in 1996, we have been successful in attracting some of the best scientific centers in the world, because we have provided the very environment that is needed for creativity and innovation in academic and research centers.

Our belief in the liberation of science and scientific research has become central to a culture that we are proud to say is the most distinctive feature of Education City projects. We seek to establish such a culture in all our national institutions.

Therefore, I hope you trust that I will provide the climate and incentive for your creativity and research.

I hope that we will work together to deepen trust and bear joint responsibility to remove the causes of anxiety, which may have historical roots. However, today we can be reassured, for example, by the allocation of 2.8% of the national product to support the goals of science and scientific research.

All of us must think about developing a methodology for opportunities for cooperation, coordination, and even integration between the education and scientific research systems. This will enable education and science to serve other sectors.

It is paramount that we enable the scientific research system to encompass all emerging research capabilities, providing the appropriate environment for their development. That is the way we unlock the talent of Arab research leaders and benefit from their expertise. 

I am confident in your determination to build the future.