Country:
Qatar
Implementing Entity:
The National Planning Council (NPC); Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); Line ministries and national innovation partners.
Partners:
MCIT, Qatar Foundation, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar University, Mada Assistive Technology Center, AMAN, charitable organizations, municipal authorities.
Beneficiaries:
Qatari citizens at large and vulnerable social groups across the country.
For more information:

Technology and innovation as a cross-cutting means of achieving the SDGs

Objective

To position technology and innovation as a cross-cutting enabler across all SDGs, supporting inclusive, efficient and scalable implementation, and reinforcing Qatar commitment to leaving no one behind.

Overview

For each of the 17 SDGs, the VNR report includes a section on “Technology and Innovation” that highlights how Qatar is leveraging technological solutions to accelerate progress across the Goals. In doing so, the VNR report conveys a strong message about Qatar intention to position itself strategically as a regional leader in technology.
Examples include Qatar digital inclusion efforts via the Digital Agenda 2030 to reduce inequalities and empower vulnerable groups, in line with SDG 10. Institutions such as the Protection and Social Rehabilitation Center (AMAN) have developed targeted, child-friendly digital platforms that enable the safe reporting of abuse and offer legal and psychological support services for women. The Mada Assistive Technology Center plays a central role in advancing digital inclusion for people with disabilities, contributing to Qatar top ranking in the 2020 Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation (DARE) Index. The Sanadi Platform enhances internal aid coordination by allowing individuals in need to submit support requests to multiple charitable organizations.
With respect to environmental objectives, Qatar is laying the groundwork for a low-carbon, climate-resilient future by integrating emerging technologies across key sectors. The country is promoting the adoption of advanced high-tech farming systems to adapt to its challenging climate conditions. Qatar is also addressing climate change through targets to reduce per capita electricity consumption by 20 per cent and water consumption by 15 per cent by 2030, supported by technological advancements such as carbon capture, utilization and storage, and large-scale deployment of state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic technology. Smart city developments exemplify efforts to optimize resource efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and expand access to advanced e-education and e-health services. Meanwhile, climate technology research is expanding through Qatar Foundation, Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, which are developing data-driven tools for coastal risk mapping, urban heat management and climate modelling.
 

Challenges
  • Ensuring consistent availability of disaggregated data across all SDGs to track tech-related progress
  • Capacity differences between institutions in adopting and reporting on digital innovations
  • Coordination across diverse actors in the innovation ecosystem (government, academia, non-governmental organizations and the private sector)
  • Balancing rapid tech deployment with digital equity and access for all social groups
     
Funding
Although no single figure exists for total technology investment, Qatar’s national strategies—such as Digital Agenda 2030 and its climate adaptation framework—commit substantial resources to technological advancement.
Implementation Phase
VNR process
Guiding Principles
Integrated approach to all sustainable development dimensions