Doha, February 15 (QNA) - The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science held in Doha on Thursday the second meeting of the permanent committee for scientific research and innovation officials of the GCC, headed by HE Undersecretary of the MOEHE Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi.

The meeting discussed many topics on its agenda and issued the necessary recommendations and decisions regarding them including the Joint GCC Fund for Scientific Research and Innovation, the performance measurement model for the committee's work plan for 2024 and its tasks and mechanisms of work, topics related to the GCC Center for Scientific Research and Innovation, and the conference on scientific research and innovation in the GCC countries and its objectives.

HE Dr. Al Nuaimi said that Qatar is proud of the achievements that have been made under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to enhance and develop scientific research, evident through the establishment of research and scientific centers such as the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council and the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) as scientific spaces focused on innovation, development and leadership in science and scientific research locally, regionally and internationally.

Additionally, specialized scientific and research centers in national universities have been established in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as the Qatar Scientific Club that supports all research and scientific projects at the amateur and youth levels, and other leading scientific research institutions.

His Excellency underlined that Qatar would organize during the next few months many systematic scientific events, such as the 5th GCC skills competition, the 24th meeting of the ministers of higher education and scientific research in the GCC countries, the cybersecurity forum, in addition to the scientific research and innovation in the GCC countries forum next year.

HE Undersecretary of the MOEHE said that Qatar, as a member of the GCC, holds in high regard the principles of cooperation and concerted efforts to find the best initiatives and strategic plans in the field of scientific research. Qatar worked to implement many national strategic plans, programs and projects that contributed to achieving advanced positions for the country in this field. Qatar is also keen to participate in international and regional conferences on scientific research and innovation.

HE Dr. Al Nuaimi thanked the General Secretariat of the GCC for giving Qatar the opportunity to host this important meeting that would result in strategic plans and initiatives for cooperation in the field of developing scientific research and innovation in the educational institutions of the GCC countries to benefit the member states and enhance scientific research.

His Excellency also expressed gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the extraordinary meeting of the committee in July of last year. 

In his remarks during the 2nd Meeting of the permanent committee of GCC research and innovation officials, HE head of the human and environmental affairs sector at the GCC Secretariate General Eng. Abdullah Bin Ali Al Rubaie said that strengthening and consolidating cooperation between the GCC states in the field of education and scientific research is the greatest concern of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, to continue the honorable path and the common vision in the face of an accelerating scientific movement witnessed by a world that only accepts a nation that places scientific research at the top of its priorities.

    His Excellency noted that the meeting's agenda constitutes support for the serious launch of the GCC Center for Scientific Research and Innovation and the Joint GCC Fund for Scientific Research and Innovation.

    in special remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Undersecretary of the MOEHE and Chairman of the Meeting Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi said that the participants focused their discussion of the main research projects on the meeting's agenda on the fields of environment and health. In addition, the participants addressed other significant research topics, including those related to the GCC Center for Scientific Research and Innovation and the Joint GCC Fund for Scientific Research and Innovation.

    His Excellency added that a number of joint research projects were discussed among the GCC states, and many decisions were reached regarding them to serve the process of scientific research and innovation in the GCC states.

    In similar remarks to QNA, Acting Secretary-General of the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science Ali Abdulrazzaq Al Marafi pointed out that the meeting discussed various research topics, including the tasks and work mechanisms of the permanent committee of GCC research and innovation officials, aspects of cooperation in common research fields, and the future strategic plan. (QNA)