Under the patronage of HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), represented by the Community Development Department, organized a national workshop titled "Towards an Integrated System for Vocational Training of Priority Groups in the State of Qatar," in cooperation with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation. The event brought together more than 30 government and semi-government entities, civil society institutions, and private-sector organizations, along with leading experts and specialists.

The workshop aimed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among national entities by exploring ways to develop a more integrated and sustainable ecosystem for training and empowering priority groups. This was achieved through exchanging expertise, identifying challenges and gaps, and exploring opportunities for service integration, ultimately enhancing the beneficiaries’ journey from assessment and training to empowerment, integration, and independence.

The discussions covered several key axes, most notably current services, existing challenges and gaps, partner roles, beneficiary journey development, data-sharing mechanisms, electronic linkages, future priorities, and forming a joint roadmap for the upcoming phase.

In his opening address, HE Undersecretary of MSDF Khalifa bin Issa Al Kubaisi emphasized that organizing this workshop stems from the Ministry's belief in strengthening national partnerships and unifying efforts to develop an integrated vocational training system that places the beneficiary at the heart of planning and development. His Excellency noted that human beings represent the core and ultimate goal of social work, stressing that the responsibility of relevant authorities extends beyond providing care to discovering capabilities, creating opportunities for independent living, and fostering active social integration. He explained that as part of its 2025–2030 strategy under the slogan "From Care to Empowerment," MSDF is working to develop integrated models that make the beneficiary's journey clearer and more connected.

HE Al Kubaisi pointed out that the State of Qatar possesses notable national expertise, specialized institutions, and qualitative programs. He stressed that the upcoming stage requires building on past achievements, identifying gaps, enhancing service integration, and leveraging partners' cumulative experience. He added that the workshop serves as a platform for co-design and dialogue, aiming to address the central question of how to make the beneficiary's path seamless from assessment to empowerment. Answering this requires integrated roles and treating the journey as a continuous process rather than isolated services.

For her part, Executive Director of DIFI Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi affirmed that the Institute’s participation stems from its belief in evidence- and knowledge-based national partnerships that support policies responsive to priority groups. She added that inter-agency dialogue turns challenges into practical outcomes, strengthening individual empowerment and family stability.

Additionally, Director of the Community Development Department at MSDF Nasser Abdulaziz Al Mughaiseeb stated that the workshop relies on a participatory approach that allows entities to share experiences and build actionable outcomes. These outcomes include clarifying partner roles, establishing information-sharing mechanisms, and outlining a strategic roadmap.

Within the framework of the workshop, participants discussed a proposal to establish a dedicated vocational training center for priority groups as a functional model emerging from the deliberations. Sessions also covered training, skill-building, economic empowerment, inclusion, and post-care support.

MSDF looks forward to the workshop outcomes contributing to a unified national vision and roadmap that supports the transition "From Care to Empowerment." The Ministry expressed its deep gratitude to DIFI, Qatar Foundation, all participating entities, experts, and working teams for their valuable contributions to the success of this milestone event.