Doha - Qatar, 24 April 2025: The National Planning Council held a special forum on Thursday, 24 April, titled "Council Forum: Third National Development Strategy and National Data Program". The event brought together representatives from various ministries and government entities.
The forum introduced government entities to the National Data Program (NDP) and its major projects and served as a platform to discuss collaboration mechanisms between the Council and government entities, showcasing the Data Insight Platform (Q Insights), and highlighting the 2025 Census — Qatar's first fully administrative census, which will be conducted entirely using existing government records and databases without the need for traditional field surveys or face-to-face data collection.
During the event, the Council launched the NDS3 Enablement Guidebook, a resource designed to support all stakeholders involved in the planning and implementation of the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3).
The forum introduced attendees to the new Qatar Data Trust Index (QDTI): a unique tool that measures data trustworthiness by evaluating its quality and compliance with national data regulations.
The “National Data Program" teams from all participating government entities joined the forum including Directors of Planning and Quality, Information Systems, and other departments connected with the NDS3 and the National Data Program.
The forum opened with a keynote speech by H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Planning Council, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Council and government entities in implementing NDS3 to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030. He also highlighted the National Data Program as a strategic pillar of data governance and an initiative driving NDS3's government excellence pillar by increasing government transparency and efficiency in the realm of data.
“Institutional excellence, digital transformation, and stronger coordination between government entities are key to achieving sustainable development," said Dr. Al-Khalifa. “The release of the NDS3 guidebook marks a major step forward in fostering this integration."
He added, “Data plays a central role in both planning and implementing NDS3. This forum represents a crucial step in unifying government efforts and creating a robust data ecosystem that boosts the effective use of national data, drives innovation and economic growth in Qatar. We thank all participating entities and encourage continued cooperation to achieve the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030".
Ms. Maha Al-Matwi, Director of NPC's Department of National Data Affairs, spoke about the National Data and Data Governance Program and its role in accelerating the implementation of NDS3.
Ms. Moza Al-Humaidi, Director of NPC's Department of Statistical Systems, gave an overview of the new Q Insights platform, part of the central database project, which includes 119 indicators for the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment.
Mr. Saud Al-Shammari, Director of NPC's Department of Statistical Operations, gave a briefing on the 2025 Census project, based on the national register of individuals, integrating the data of more than 30 government entities.
Ms. Nada Al-Mahameed, Director of NPC's Department of Planning and Development Policies for Institutional Development and Modernization, outlined the NDS3 guidebook's role in governing the implementation of NDS3 and its basic objectives, detailing the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders.
The forum is one of several transformational initiatives launched by the National Planning Council to enhance data governance in Qatar, as part of the implementation of NDS3, which is the final phase of delivering Qatar National Vision 2030.
