Doha, Qatar – The General Secretariat for Development Planning (GSDP) and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar have entered into an agreement to enhance future cooperation efforts in scientific research, capacity building and information systems. The two organizations signed on December 14, 2011 a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement at the GSDP premises in Doha. The signing ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, department heads and staff from the two organizations.
His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed Al Nabit, GSDP Secretary General, and Dr. Ilker Baybars, Dean of Carnegie Mellon Qatar, signed the MoU, which aims to develop a framework of cooperation and facilitate the exchange of information, consultancy projects, research and regulatory efforts.
The two organizations will work together to explore the possibility of collaboration to offer joint solutions in the areas of computing, advanced information system services, and education and training. The organizations will share intellectual capital and expertise towards accelerating growth.
Specifically, the two organizations agreed to implement several initiatives stipulated in the MoU, including cooperation in the field of national capacity building, education of national executive leadership, and strategic studies in the fields of scientific research, information systems and computer science. The cooperation is aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030) and National Development Strategy (NDS) 2011-2016.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Al Nabit highlighted the cooperation as a progressive milestone for GSDP and CMUQ in improving and advancing knowledge in strategic studies and education and training, as well as in achieving the two organizations’ mutual goals. The cooperation will lead to improved integration between government and academic sectors, he added.
H.E. Dr. Al Nabit stressed the MoU’s importance in serving the Qatari community, recognizing Carnegie Mellon Qatar’s role in scientific research and educational initiatives, especially in the field of executive education, which will help prepare nationals to compete in the labor market and support the country’s growth and development.
H.E. Dr. Al Nabit added that Carnegie Mellon’s reputation as an internationally-ranked research university, with a focus on creating and implementing solutions, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, helps students gain knowledge in science, as well as practical experience in advanced technologies and leadership development.
Dr. Baybars praised the vision of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, to support education in Qatar. He emphasized the role of Carnegie Mellon Qatar in preparing future generations to participate in the implementation of QNV2030 through its four pillars of human development, economic development, social development and environmental development, as well as NDS 2011 – 2016 projects and programs.
The signing ceremony was attended by GSDP directors of departments, Mr. Richard Mundy, Chief Operating Officer, and Mr. Fadhel Annan, Director of Government Initiatives at Carnegie Mellon Qatar.
