Baku: The State of Qatar has actively participated in an international conference in Azerbaijan, underscoring its commitment to protecting children from harmful digital content amid rising global concerns over online risks that young people face. The conference, held in Baku, gathered officials, experts, and policymakers from various nations to address these pressing challenges.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar's delegation was led by HE Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim bin Ahmed Al-Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family. In her address, she highlighted the global priority of safeguarding children online, especially as rapid technological advances and open digital spaces continue to grow. She emphasized that the risks children face online extend beyond inappropriate content, affecting their behavior and psychology, which includes reduced attention spans, weakened family communication, and exposure to negative behavioral models.
Her Excellency outlined Qatar's proactive measures to bolster child protection in the digital realm, such as establishing a cybercrime prevention center, enhancing legislation, and launching the "Safe Space" initiative to promote digital safety awareness among children and adolescents. She also pointed out Qatar's robust legal framework, which includes laws on cybercrime and personal data protection, reflecting child welfare as a cornerstone of the country's National Vision 2030. This vision is further articulated through policies focusing on education, capacity building, and healthcare, alongside Qatar's adherence to international child rights agreements.
HE Sheikha Sheikha also elaborated on the Ministry's national strategy for 2025-2030, which encompasses digital safety awareness programs and initiatives to combat cyberbullying in schools. She mentioned the establishment of national committees and strategies, such as the Child and Youth Digital Safety Committee formed in 2025 and the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2024-2030.
In her concluding remarks, HE Sheikha Sheikha reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to regional and international collaboration, stressing the importance of sharing expertise and developing modern tools to protect children and support families in an increasingly digital world.