QATAR
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Q
atar aspires to advance and develop the social dimensions of its society by nurturing Qatari citizens capable of dealing with the
requirements of the age they live in, but also who are also knowledgeable about the country’s history and Islamic traditions. While the QNV is a very forward looking document, those behind the vision felt it crucial to preserve the tradition of strong, coherent family life that enjoys full support, care and social protection from the state. At the heart of Islamic family life is the matriarch and women will continue
to assume a significant role in all spheres of life, especially through participating in economic and political decision-making. Qatar has many role models of powerful business women and academics. Qatar aims to shore up a safe, secure and stable society based on
effective institutions. Watchwords used in the social development section of the 34-page
QNV include tolerance, benevolence, constructive dialogue and openness toward other cultures in the context of the country’s Arab and Islamic identity. Moreover, it aims to provide every citizen with his or her most basic needs as well as to guarantee equal opportunities for everyone. Te country will also enhance its regional standing, especially within the
framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. As a responsible member of the international community, Qatar will
contribute to attaining international security and peace and will fulfil its international commitments. Te social development pillar has three main outcomes, first of which is social care and protection. Tis outcome will be achieved by having strong cohesive, caring families, maintaining moral and religious values and humanitarian ideals as well as an effective social protection system for all Qataris that ensures their civil rights, values their contributions to society and ensures adequate income. Te second outcome is a sound social structure, operating on the principles of justice, equality and the rule of law. Tis can be achieved by having effective public institutions and strong and active civil society organisations. At the root of the vision for a sound social structure lies the preservation of Qatar’s national heritage and enhancement of Arab and Islamic values and identity. Provision of high quality services that respond to the needs and the desires of individuals and businesses are paramount, as is female empowerment, especially in decision-making roles.
According to the QNV, a sound social structure cannot be achieved without developing a spirit of tolerance, constructive dialogue and openness towards others at national and international levels. Te third desired outcome of this pillar is international co-operation. Qatar has already found a powerful and influential voice in the global arena, and will continue to build upon its growing role in the international community. Economically, politically and culturally, Qatar intends to maximise both its
role and its influence as a member of the GCC, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Intensification of cultural exchange with the Arab peoples in particular and with other nations in general is another key tenet of the plan, while Qatar’s aim of sponsoring and supporting dialogue among civilisations is already taking place with a number of world-class events taking place in the five- star surroundings of Doha’s flagship exhibition and conference centre. Qatar also aims to contribute more meaningfully towards international
peace and security through political initiatives and developmental and humanitarian assistance. Earlier this year, the Emir called on the Arab world to send troops to Syria, and soon after expressed a wish to arm Syrian rebels.
Te ultimate goal of social development is to improve and enhance the quality of life of all people. It requires good governance; respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law; increased social and economic opportunities; gender equality; active involvement of civil society and the promotion of respect for cultural diversity. Empowerment and participation, including the active participation of
women, are essential for human progress, the QNV states. Promoting and sustaining social development requires an orientation
of values, objectives and priorities towards the wellbeing of all, and the strengthening and promotion of supportive institutions and policies. Te pursuit, promotion and protection of these values provide the legitimacy of all institutions, and promote an environment where people are at the centre of sustainable development. Uppermost among all of the aspects of social development is the
preservation of Islamic identity and tradition, in the face of almost overwhelming development programmes and rapid immigration of labour at all levels. While development of Qatar and immigration are both vital to its success, the underpinning notion that permeates the vision document is the need to balance modernity with tradition, profit with values and development with sustainability. Real estate developers could do worse than bearing this in mind l
36 I CITYSCAPE I MAY 2012
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