Under the patronage of Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family (MSDF), the Ministry, represented by the Community Development Department, organized the first day of the Second Dialogue Forum for Social Specialists. The two-day forum is held under the theme "Knowledge Partnership and Expertise Empowerment," with the aim of enhancing the quality of social services provided to target groups and advancing professional practices in the field of social work.

The organization of this forum falls within the framework of the MSDF's 2025–2030 strategy, which seeks to develop the social work profession in Qatar through exchanging expertise, discussing field challenges, improving the competency of social and psychological specialists, and fostering integration among relevant institutions.

In his opening speech, Mr. Fahad Mohammed Al Khayareen, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs, affirmed that convening the forum represents an important step toward strengthening professional practices in the social work sector and solidifying the role of social specialists as a key pillar in enhancing community cohesion and supporting vulnerable groups. He noted that the forum serves as a platform for constructive dialogue, experience exchange, and anticipating modern trends in social work, thereby contributing to improving the quality of social services and raising the efficiency of professionals in this vital sector.

Mr. Al Khayareen clarified that the forum's theme, "Knowledge Partnership and Expertise Empowerment," reflects a collaborative approach aimed at sharing knowledge between practitioners and experts, and boosting professional connections among institutions operating in the social sector. He added that the Ministry, within its 2025–2030 strategy, is working on implementing several specialized projects in social work professions. These include a program to attract national competencies to social work through initiatives covering recruitment, scholarships, and leveraging the expertise of retirees, in addition to specialized training programs in partnership with academic institutions. Furthermore, a project is underway to regulate and license social services and professions, which establishes clear standards for service quality and promotes organized professional practice for specialists.

The first day featured several specialized presentations by a select group of national experts. Mr. Nasser Al Mughaiseeb, Director of the Community Development Department at the MSDF, reviewed the Ministry's projects and initiatives aimed at regulating the social work profession according to clear professional standards. He explained the importance of strengthening legislation and procedures that contribute to unifying professional practices and developing the social sector in the State.

Al Anoud Ali Al Mannai, Senior Student Counseling Expert at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education/General Directorate of Student Guidance, presented a paper on the "Role of Social and Psychological Specialists in Educational Institutions." She covered methods for handling student cases, supportive structures within schools, and modern therapeutic models that contribute to enhancing students' mental health.

Mohammed Al Dosari, a Social Specialist at Qatar Social Work Foundation (Shafallah Center), presented his paper titled "From Care to Empowerment." He reviewed the importance of transitioning from the traditional care model to one that empowers persons with disabilities for active participation and decision-making, thereby enhancing their quality of life and positively reflecting on the role of social institutions.

In another session, Professor Sarah Al Hazaa from the Social Sciences Department at Qatar University presented her specialized paper titled "Social Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: The Role of the Social Specialist in the Ethical Use of Technology." She discussed the role of modern technologies in supporting social work, methods for employing AI in accurate case analysis, while fully observing ethical considerations and ensuring beneficiary privacy protection.

The sessions effectively promoted dialogue among social and psychological specialists and facilitated the exchange of field experiences, supporting the advancement of social work in Qatar and elevating the competency of its practitioners.

The first day of the forum reflects the MSDF's commitment to developing social work in an innovative and sustainable manner. This commitment enhances the quality of life for all community members and keeps pace with the comprehensive development and progress aimed for by Qatar National Vision 2030.

In a statement, Mr. Nasser Al Mughaiseeb, Director of the Community Development Department, affirmed that organizing the forum is part of the Ministry's commitment to enhancing the quality of social services and empowering specialists as partners in achieving social development. He noted that the forum provides a crucial platform for exchanging experiences and expertise among various institutions.

The first day’s sessions created an interactive space for dialogue and the exchange of practical experiences between social and psychological specialists, highlighting modern practices and professional challenges, thereby fostering the development of social work and improving the quality of services provided to the community.

The conclusion of the first day underscores the MSDF's commitment to developing the social work sector in Qatar, promoting integration among institutions, and supporting national competencies, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 for building a cohesive and prosperous society.