Minister of Labour H E Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri speaking during a session on poverty eradication and the promotion of healthy, inclusive, and equitable societies through comprehensive social protection.
DOHA: Minister of Labour H E Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, participated in a high-level session on poverty eradication and the promotion of healthy, inclusive, and equitable societies through comprehensive social protection, held during the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha.
Convened by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission, and the Government of Qatar, the session explored strategies to achieve universal social protection and health coverage as complementary approaches to eradicate poverty.
It showcased innovative national experiences in integrating social and health protection systems, despite financial constraints and climate-related challenges.
Dr Al Marri noted that the session took place amid growing global development challenges, including widening economic and social gaps, climate impacts, and health and financial crises. These circumstances underscore the critical role of comprehensive social protection in fostering sustainable human development, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing societal resilience.
He emphasised that social protection is far more than a mechanism to mitigate poverty or manage social risks; it is a strategic investment in people and the long-term prosperity of societies, supporting economic and health security, inclusive growth, and equal opportunities for all.
Highlighting Qatar’s approach, Dr. Al Marri stressed the country’s commitment to developing integrated and sustainable social protection systems, capable of responding to crises and reinforcing societal resilience, in full alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human well-being at the centre of development.
Qatar has established a comprehensive framework of social and economic policies that balances economic growth with social justice.
The country has advanced social protection programmes guaranteeing decent income and equitable access to healthcare, in practical pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, decent work for all, and productive participation in the economy.
Dr Al Marri outlined the Ministry of Labour’s national strategy to promote decent work and broaden social protection coverage across all segments of the workforce.
This includes legislative reforms aligned with international standards, enhanced inspection and monitoring mechanisms, advanced digital systems ensuring transparency and wage protection, and initiatives aimed at improving workplace environments, productivity, and national workforce development.
In line with Qatar’s commitment to international partnership and human solidarity, Dr Al Marri announced the country’s recent accession to the Global Coalition for Social Justice, launched by the ILO.
This reflects Qatar’s belief that social justice is a cornerstone for global peace and sustainable development and underscores its active contribution to international efforts aimed at reducing social and economic disparities, and building more inclusive, sustainable, and well-funded protection systems based on equality, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
