For three consecutive days, workshops were held at the College of Business and Economics in Qatar University (QU) to discuss the policies and guidelines to be followed to ensure diversity in all its forms, non-discrimination between different groups, and to ensure the integration of all parties associated with universities in the State of Qatar in the decision-making process. The workshops are organized as part of a collaboration between QU, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Labour.
The discussions of these workshops placed great emphasis on Convention No. 111 of the ILO with regard to Discrimination within Employment and Occupation in addition to Convention No. 190 with regard to Violence and Harassment.
Professor Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business & Economics, commented saying, “Since their adoption by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goals have been on the top of the Qatar’s government agenda for sustainable development. We believe at the College of Business & Economics that the ultimate goals of any sustainable development efforts cannot be achieved without due consideration to the human rights issues such as equality, non-discrimination and diversity within the workplace environment. Hence, we believe that our collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Ministry of Labour is pivotal. This collaboration started by organizing a number of seminars and workshops aiming to increase the awareness of the higher education community with regard to the issues related to sustainable development and human rights.”
Mr. Max Tunon, Head of the ILO office in Doha said, “As we approach the halfway mark in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, we must explore new partnerships and we’re proud to work with Qatar University and the Ministry of Labour to contribute towards SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). These discussions around gender equality, inclusion and decent work between faculty, staff and students are paramount to preparing future employers and managers to take advantage of the increasingly diverse workplaces we see in Qatar and around the world.”
Dr. Steven Wright, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, HBKU said, “The workshop on developing guidelines for diversity, equality and inclusion in Universities in Qatar was a resounding success and a testament to Qatar’s commitment to progress, equality and development. This collaboration between Qatar’s leading higher education institutions in partnership with the ILO and the Ministry of Labor, underline the manner in which Qatar is moving towards being at the forefront of SDG5 and in developing a roadmap for the future. This workshop provided a unique opportunity for an inclusive approach of having a variety of stakeholders inform and contribute to the development of policy guidelines underlines the shared commitment Qatar’s institutions have to ongoing progress, human development and a progressive environment for our respective communities. Overall, the event represents Qatar as a leader in promoting a more inclusive and equitable society and our community was proud to have been in a partner in it.”
Source: Qatar University