Berlin / Information Office / June 06  

HE Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah Al Khater today participated in a panel titled "Driving Innovation", which took place during the ESTM Berlin Annual Forum in Berlin.

Her Excellency stated that the State of Qatar aims to balance innovation and sustainability, as part of its 2030 vision. She Affirmed that the State of Qatar believes that its wealth and resources should last for the generations to come.

Her Excellency pointed Qatar's early investments in LNG technology, which was a risky bid, but turned out to be a source of clean energy that is critical to the entire world. She also discussed how Ras Abu Aboud Stadium is an example of architectural innovation and suitability, stating that the new stadium is being constructed with recyclable materials that will be used in other friendly countries in the future.

She added that the State of Qatar dedicates 2.5 percent of its annual GDP for Research & Development to encourage and support this key sector. Her Excellency discussed the Singaporean and Norwegian economic models that thrived without depending on the hydrocarbons sector, which is the aim of the State of Qatar.

Her Excellency underscored Qatar's firm belief that education is key to economic growth and innovation. She spoke about education city, arguing that it is now a regional hub for quality higher education in the region. She pointed out also the work of "Education Above All" foundation, which has secured financial commitments to educate 10 million children around the globe.

The panel featured Mr. Roland Busch, Member of the Board of Management at Siemens, MS. Doris Hopke, Member of the Board of Management at Munich Re, Mr. Karl von Rohr, Member of the Board of Management, Deutsche Bank, and Dr. Stefan Wagner, Associate Professor of Strategy and Director of PhD Studies at ESMT Berlin.