Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York has hosted a high-level dinner discussion for women leaders, focusing on digital innovation and sustainable development. The event, held at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, took place during the Second World Summit for Social Development and honoured Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, and Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General.
The dinner brought together prominent figures including Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Co-operation, and Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, also attended alongside numerous heads of delegations participating in the summit.
Qatar’s Commitment to an Inclusive Digital Future
In her remarks, Dr al-Misnad reaffirmed Qatar’s dedication to strengthening multilateral co-operation to close the global digital divide. She emphasised that the success of technology should be measured by its benefit to the most vulnerable, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities, particularly in areas affected by conflict. She called on women leaders to design and implement policies that contribute to an inclusive digital future for everyone.
Echoing this sentiment, Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi stated that Qatar’s approach to social development is centred on a human-focused vision. She explained that this integrates innovation into policy design and data-driven decision-making, noting that technology guided by ethical values can be a powerful tool for improving human well-being.
Celebrating Women’s Leadership
Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, moderated the discussion. She highlighted that the event was an opportunity to celebrate the role of women’s leadership in shaping a more inclusive digital world. The dinner also served as a platform to consider how innovation can support the Doha Political Declaration on Social Development and the wider 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Annalena Baerbock affirmed the United Nations’ ongoing commitment to supporting women leaders. She stated that strengthening women’s leadership in the digital sphere makes development solutions more effective in addressing global challenges and turns digital transformation into a force for equality and inclusion.
Advancing Sustainable Development Goals
Amina Mohammed commended Qatar for its role in advancing sustainable social development and promoting international co-operation. She praised the nation’s initiatives to support women and use innovation as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sima Bahous also praised the summit, noting it provided a crucial platform for reflection. She said it was an opportunity to discuss how to place women at the heart of policies that use digital innovation, especially artificial intelligence, to create a fairer and more equitable future in line with the goals of the Doha Political Declaration.
