The Ministry of Municipal, represented by the Agricultural and Food Security Sector, signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Doha University of Science and Technology, to cooperate in the areas of training, rehabilitation and scientific research; In support of the state’s food security.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was attended by His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al -Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, and Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al Nuaimi, President of Doha University of Science and Technology.
The memorandum, which was signed by Mr. Youssef Khaled Al -Khulaifi, Director of Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality, and Mrs. Najla Al -Nuaimi, Director of Partnerships and Contracting Department at the university, comes within the framework of the efforts of the State of Qatar to achieve the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2030, and in implementation of the axes of the Ministry’s strategic plan (2024-2030), especially with regard to promoting food security and self -sufficiency.
“The Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step towards strengthening the partnership between the Ministry of Municipality and academic institutions in the country.”
He pointed out that the Memorandum of Understanding aims to develop national competencies, and support scientific and applied research in the fields of agriculture and food security, in a way that contributes to achieving the goals of the national strategy for food security, and the state’s plans towards sustainability and self -sufficiency, stressing the Ministry’s commitment to the terms of the memo to achieve the aspirations of the country.
For its part, the Director of Partnerships and Contracting Department at the university said: “The signature today on the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Municipal and the University of Doha University of Science and Technology would enhance the common strategic path between them, for fruitful cooperation based on exchanging experiences and integrating efforts to prepare for future challenges, through knowledge, applied research and technology and raising the efficiency of human cadres.”
In a speech to her, she affirmed the university’s keenness in this framework, and as a national applied university, to continue its mission in developing generations with the required future skills, and a pioneering sense in order to build a safe and sustainable future for the State of Qatar.
She indicated that from this standpoint, the role of the Center for Excellence in Food Security and Sustainability, which was opened by the university early this year, comes to be an advanced scientific platform, which provides the latest means and technologies in the fields of agriculture and livestock, and contributes directly to achieving the goals of the national food security strategy 2030.
The Memorandum of Understanding is part of the initiatives aimed at developing national capabilities in the field of agriculture and food security, enhancing innovation and applied research, in a way that contributes to achieving the goals of sustainability and meeting future challenges related to food security, and raising the efficiency of human cadres working in this vital sector.
The areas of cooperation stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding include the development of specialized training programs to qualify national cadres in the fields of agriculture, livestock and fish, support the implementation of applied research and scientific studies aimed at improving local agricultural production and raising its efficiency, and exchange of experiences and knowledge in developing sustainable agricultural policies and strategies.
It also includes training university students in field work sites to prepare a new generation of specialists who are able to contribute effectively to strengthening the food security system in the country, and to benefit from research facilities for both parties in developing joint projects based on national priorities.
This partnership reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Municipal and the University of Doha University of Science and Technology to support Qatar National Vision 2030, by promoting innovation, building a diversified and sustainable economy, and achieving national food security based on knowledge, scientific research and qualified human resources.
In a statement to reporters, Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al -Nuaimi, President of the University of Doha University of Science and Technology, said: “The signing of this memo came as a culmination of cooperation that started many years ago with the Ministry of Municipal,” noting that the university is keen to consolidate the concept of food security for its students through its applied programs that urge them to innovate and harness science and research in order to find solutions that contribute to achieving sustainability.
He expressed his aspiration towards more fruitful cooperation, especially within the framework of the Center for Excellence for Food and Sustainability of the University, through which the latest technologies will be used to find solutions that contribute to achieving food security, reviewing the role of the university and its contribution to achieving food security in the country through education and innovations, including innovation of smart irrigation systems, agriculture in greenhouses, converting food waste into agricultural fertilizers, and so on what it means With the mechanisms and techniques of agriculture, and improving the soil in a way that suits the atmosphere of Qatar.
In a related context, the President of the Doha University of Science and Technology pointed out that the university has a national branch of the World Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aimed at supporting Qatar’s efforts to achieve food security and sustainability, in line with its national vision 2030.