Dr. Homoud Applauded HH Sheikha Mozah for her tireless efforts towards promoting Literacy while observing ILD.

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Dr. Naseer Homoud, Foreign Affairs Advisor of Arab Non- Violence Society and Honorary Member of Arab Youth Media Forum observed International Day of Literacy

Observing International Day of Literacy Dr. Naseer Homoud, Foreign Affairs Advisor of Arab Non- Violence Society and Honorary Member of Arab Youth Media Forum said “literacy is the foundation of social and economic progress. It is critical to learners’ success; workplace readiness, and increased productivity, efforts to improve literacy aren’t optional. They are vital to any country’s success.” He went on to say “a basic human right, literacy is at the heart of education for all and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, and achieving gender equality. Despite the major milestones accomplished towards literacy, the goal of literacy for all, including children, youth and adults, remains an unaccomplished goal”.

Praising His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah in spreading literacy through various programmes under their direct supervision Dr. Homoud said “institutions like Qatar Foundation demonstrates the strong will of the government towards promoting and sponsoring educational reform not only in Qatar rather in the other countries of world. Words would not suffice to express appreciation for such noble project of Qatari government”. Qatar is doing tremendous job in spreading mandates of literacy with full focus on basic as well as on higher and scientific education through various initiatives and programmes, he asserted. He further appealed people to join the efforts towards accomplishment of universal literacy.

Dr. Homoud emphasized “Her Highness has been actively engaged in education and social reforms in Qatar and has played a major role in spearheading various national and international development projects. From the establishment of Qatar Foundation in 1995 she never turned back and her sincerity and dedication took her to a new horizon of success where world can count on her efforts”. He went on to say “the various high profile roles at MDGs Advocacy Group, Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education and United Nations High Level Group of the Alliance of Civilizations are the testimony of acceptance of Her Highness larger vision. Indeed, Her Highness is a global visionary and an international inspiration.

Dr. Homoud also highlighted the provisions related to promoting education enshrined in Qatari Constitution. “The Constitution of Qatar in its Article 25 says that education shall be a significant foundation for the progress of the society. Indeed, Qatar has constantly worked on improving the educational level of its citizens. All education is free of charge, and school is compulsory for all children. With literacy rate of above 90% Qatar’s literacy rate belongs to the highest of all Arab countries”, said Dr. Homoud.

“Every individual is endowed with intrinsic human dignity and the potential to learn and change their life and become a helping hand in self-growth and the development of society. This International Literacy Day, Arab Youth Media Forum has stepped forward with the motto of creating awareness towards the power of being educated”, said Dr. Homoud. He further said “we also remain committed to the goal of achieving universal primary education worldwide by 2015, as we support the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). A healthier, more literate, more prosperous world, as measured by the concrete achievement of the MDGs in 2015, will make this world a more secure and prosperous. On International Literacy Day, we salute the role the United Nations has long played in promoting literacy and believe all nations have an obligation to educate all their citizens”.

International Literacy Day is also a time to focus on the challenges faced in ensuring that literacy standards and education levels in the world continues to improve. “I encourage everyone to take the time today to reflect on the link between economic well-being and literacy,” Dr. Homoud said. “By working together to promote literacy we can make the whole world a ‘have’ territory with no boundaries with healthy, educated people making responsible personal choices for themselves and their families”, he asserted.