GSDP’s sights are set on the long term, pursuing initiatives that make a difference to the lives of Qatar's citizens and people, for years to come. Today’s decisions will affect the lives of future generations of Qataris, requiring that their rights and interests be considered now. GSDP’s focus also cuts across traditional sector boundaries, recognising the important interdependencies and trade-offs among development goals and constraints.

The institution aims to integrate all national development efforts so that they are mutually reinforcing and sustainable. GSDP is a small organisation. Its scale requires it to be highly focused in selecting what it does, and so it must leverage partnerships to ensure wider impact. In defining its core functions, GSDP has asked itself: What areas of action are central to its mission? How do these respond to stakeholders’ needs and demands? And, Does it have the capabilities to perform these actions?

GSDP has identified three broad areas of action in which it will focus its resources:

1. Management of the national development strategy process.

2. Policy and operational research relevant to Qatar’s development.

3. Communication, advocacy and engagement on development issues significant to Qatar.