The speaker also praised the launch of the National Food Security Strategy 2030, which represents a significant step towards enhancing food security sustainability and meeting the community’s needs in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
He pointed out that the third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 underscored the importance of strengthening government agencies’ roles in achieving sustainable development, protecting state resources, and ensuring sustainable growth in line with the goals and vision of Qatar National Vision 2030, to build a sustainable and prosperous future for future generations.
He stressed the importance of the ministry keeping pace with current challenges amid technological developments and global openness, indicating that the joint efforts between government bodies and the community are fundamental to achieving national goals and supporting the comprehensive development process, which enhances Qatar’s position as a leading model in sustainable development.
The Shura speaker emphasised the Council’s dedication to supporting the Ministry of Municipality in achieving its national goals and improving the quality of life for all citizens and residents of Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
In his presentation, Minister of Municipality HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah outlined the key pillars of the ministry’s strategic plan (2024-2030), highlighting the ministry’s efforts to support the agricultural sector, enhance food security, develop infrastructure, prepare residential lands for citizens, and oversee food safety.
He detailed initiatives aimed at supporting local farm owners through technical and economic assistance to boost agricultural production and increase self-sufficiency in strategic goods.
The presentation also covered sustainable management of agricultural resources and enhancing the sector’s ability to adapt to climatic challenges, contributing to sustainable development goals. The minister pointed out the significant progress made in recent years and the plans to increase self-sufficiency in certain agricultural and livestock products.
The minister pointed to the infrastructure development plan across the country, focusing on improving urban planning and implementing modern, flexible infrastructure projects using AI and simulation technologies.
He highlighted the importance of implementing the concept of "humanising cities” to improve urban environmental quality by enhancing green spaces and public amenities, improving residents’ well-being and achieving sustainable development.
Regarding the preparation of residential lands for citizens, the minister affirmed the ministry’s commitment to streamlining land allocation procedures and improving related services.
He pointed out that the ministry utilises advanced digital systems to expedite land allocation and building permit issuance, ensuring an excellent service experience and enhancing service efficiency for citizens.
The minister also discussed the role of municipalities in food safety oversight, highlighting plans to ensure the quality and safety of market food products. The ministry employs modern digital systems for food product monitoring and comprehensive inspection programs in collaboration with relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with health standards.
The minister added that the ministry continuously works to address challenges related to implementing these strategies by developing effective partnerships, adopting innovative technologies, and enhancing coordination with relevant entities to achieve strategic goals and ensure the well-being and quality of life for the population.
He said the launch of the National Food Security Strategy 2030 marks a crucial step in enhancing Qatar’s ability to address food security challenges.
He pointed out that Qatar has seen tangible success in implementing the National Food Security Strategy (2018-2023), which has contributed to developing the national food system and increasing resilience to global crises.
He added that the new food security strategy is based on three fundamental pillars: enhancing local production using sustainable technologies, ensuring continuous food supply through integrated reserves and early warning systems, and expanding international trade partnerships to diversify food supply sources.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the competitiveness of local products in the market and supporting local farmers and farm owners through innovative programmes that enhance production quality and contribute to increased economic returns for the local agricultural sector.
He stressed that achieving these goals requires integrated efforts from all government and private sectors to establish a comprehensive, sustainable food system that serves the nation’s aspirations and its people.
He expressed confidence that the new strategy would bring a significant transformation in Qatar’s comprehensive development journey, building an integrated and sustainable food system that meets present needs and anticipates future demands.
In his response to the remarks of the members of the Shura Council, the minister affirmed that the ministry is working to accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects through comprehensive plans that include cooperation with the private sector and the adoption of modern technologies to expedite procedures and improve service quality.
He also explained that the ministry has developed integrated support programmes for farmers, which include the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as marketing local farm products, aiming to enhance local production and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Regarding food safety control, he stressed the ministry’s commitment to providing services that ensure food safety and protect consumer health, adding that advanced systems are in place to monitor and trace foodstuff, in addition to intensified inspections conducted in cooperation with relevant authorities.
In conclusion, the minister praised the Shura Council’s pivotal role in supporting the ministry’s efforts, expressing his appreciation for the constructive remarks put forward by the members, and affirming that the ministry will take them into consideration when executing its plans and programmes, contributing to the achievement of national goals and enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents.
The Shura Council members praised the Ministry of Municipality’s role in developing infrastructure and improving the quality of its services, while at the same time giving some remarks and raising some inquiries regarding the ministry’s plans and strategy for the next six years.
They also emphasised the importance of accelerating the implementation of projects in new areas, especially with regards to road networks, sewage systems, and basic services, stressing the need to set time frames and deadlines for project implementation in order to ensure their completion on time and meet the needs of citizens.
The Council Members called for facilitating land allocation procedures and speeding up the issuance of building permits, pointing to the importance of improving the ministry’s digital systems to ensure operational efficiency and reduce the time and effort expended by citizens.
They also suggested expanding available residential land to match the rise in population demand, as well as building the needed infrastructure to that end.