{
  "id": 14028232,
  "title": "Qatar affirms importance of digital transformation, AI for economic, social development",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/qatar-affirms-importance-of-digital-transformation-ai-for-economic",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-12T18:45:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Peninsula Qatar",
    "slug": "the-peninsula-qatar",
    "url": "https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/12/10/2026/qatar-affirms-importance-of-digital-transformation-ai-for-economic-social-development"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New York - Qatar has underscored the critical role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in driving economic and social progress. This stance was articulated by Sheikh Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Thani, a member of Qatar's delegation to the UN General Assembly's Second Committee, during a discussion on Agenda Item 14, Information and Communications Technologies for Sustainable Development, at the United Nations headquarters in New York.\n\nSheikh Al-Thani emphasized that Qatar places significant emphasis on advancing information and communications technology (ICT) and AI in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030. These initiatives are geared towards bolstering secure and sustainable digital infrastructure, fostering economic diversification, and ensuring digital inclusion.\n\nThe delegate highlighted Qatar's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which is centered on nurturing scientific research, cultivating national expertise, supporting AI applications across diverse sectors, and promoting cooperative ventures. Key projects like GOV AI and TASMU Smart Qatar are instrumental in accelerating digital transformation and elevating the quality of public services.\n\nFurthermore, Sheikh Al-Thani pointed out Qatar's substantial investment in digital infrastructure to facilitate AI, including robust fiber-optic networks, data centers, and cloud computing capabilities. These strategic investments form the bedrock for expanding AI applications.\n\nIn December 2025, Qatar unveiled Qai, its national AI company, with the objective of investing in infrastructure and advanced AI systems while championing digital solutions across both public and private sectors. Qatar recognizes the vital role of global digital transformation in bridging development gaps and stressed the necessity of international cooperation in technology transfer, capacity building, digital infrastructure enhancement, and ensuring affordable and secure access to technology. This collaborative effort is essential for leveraging technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, according to Sheikh Al-Thani.",
  "summary": "<p>New York: The State of Qatar affirmed that digital transformation and artificial intelligence have become key drivers of economic and social development, enhancing services, boosting productivity, supporting decision-making, and accelerating progress toward sustainable development.</p> <p>The statement was delivered by member of Qatar's delegation to the 81st session of the UN General…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}