Doha: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) announced the launch of the Call for Action plan, detailing comprehensive recommendations on academic initiatives and related education policies while establishing a framework to link government, academia, and industry in fostering a sustainable and resilient workforce for the present and the future. The Call for Action plan included in the Doha Declaration issued by the university after it recently organized the International Symposium on Education and Skills for a Future-Ready Workforce includes eight strategic directions that represent a holistic roadmap for GCC countries to embrace and advance STEM/TVET education within these ambitious nations. The plan aims to promote STEM education and TVET in higher education planning; institutionalize industry-academia linkages and partnerships; advance policy development; enhance accessibility and attractiveness of STEM education and TVET; foster international collaboration; leverage technologies for le arning; invest in teacher and educator development; and accelerate reskilling and upskilling initiatives. President of UDST Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi said, "as the first and only national applied university in Qatar, we are proud to lead the efforts in advancing STEM Education and TVET in the State of Qatar. We are pleased to say that many of our partnerships, initiatives, and academic planning strive to satisfy the action plan put in place by the Committee, for example, in the previous academic year, we launched a Postgraduate Diploma in STEM/TVET Education, allowing bachelor degree holders to embark on rewarding careers as STEM/TVET educators while fulfilling the shortage of qualified and passionate teachers in the field. We look forward to more fruitful collaborations with higher education institutions, government entities and the industry both in Qatar as well as different GCC nations." UDST organized this important symposium last May, based on the decision of the committee of presidents and director s of universities and institutions of higher education and scientific research in the GCC countries, noting that the university plays an effective role in enhancing GCC countries' efforts to build a sustainable and innovative workforce capable of facing current and future challenges. Source: Qatar News Agency