PROGRESS OF SUSTAINABLE GOALS IN QATAR AND ITS EFFECT ON VIRTUAL LEARNING

Abstract

The aim of this work was to appraise the regional progress that has been achieved in eliminating, or at least reducing gender discrimination, and improving the quality of education in Qatar, as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Using an interpretive approach, this study employed a qualitative research design. In so doing, it aimed to understand and explain the use of secondary data available as a basis for evaluating subsequent findings and crafting policy recommendations. For data collection purposes, the researchers used existing studies, scholarly articles, reports, and other literary materials as references. In the recently identified pandemic of COVID-19, most countries utilised distant learning which has a potential impact on the quality of education and research activities, especially energy and environment research. Therefore, to assess the effectiveness of virtual learning in this pandemic time in Qatar, a structured survey is conducted for university students and staff to assess their perception about distant learning. Similarly, another survey was conducted with the general public of Qatar to assess the country’s progress in SDGS. The results of the research revealed that SDGs articulated by the United Nations serve as the foundation of countries’ socioeconomic development. The main goal of Education Quality is to significantly curb and minimize gender inequality, and to champion wealth-related parity and provide equal access to quality education among girls and women, with Qatar and Malaysia as examples. The findings of the study revealed that both Qatar and Malaysia are engaged in sustainable development as far as environmental regulations, economic growth, and social progress are concerned. The findings further disclosed that Qatari women face the challenge of discrimination in connection with how they approach information, thus restricting them from engaging in economic and social activities. The significance of this research lies in that it address the SDGs as the cornerstone of sustainable development in the two countries. The survey revealed that virtual learning overall had a positive impact, but it can affect the quality and the progress of education

Date of Award	2020
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering