Qatar supports ICT talent cultivation CSR approach promising to boost the region digital economy

In the last two decades, technologies have radically transformed our lives. Notably, the fourth industrial revolution has led to the introduction of technologies such as IoT and AI into most disciplines, bridging the gap between disciplines. In parallel, the labor market is demanding more skilled graduates who possess competencies in specific skills and can adapt to evolving technologies.
Decision-makers increasingly recognize competencies as the most valuable asset. Demand of skilled ICT talents is increasing, creating more obligations on Public-Private partnerships to introduce more local ICT talent cultivation initiatives. CSR programs are not any more in its basic form of charity or donation. Leading private sector ICT companies have devised initiatives to partner with governments and educational institutions to raise the technical standards of students.
ICT has played a fundamental role in advancing the development agenda of Qatar. The FIFA World Cup Qatar was a testament of Qatar advanced digital infrastructure and technology partnerships that plays a key role in making the event a huge success and positioning Qatar as a global sports and tourism destination. On a regional and global level, Qatar Foundation has played a key role in research, talent search, training and education development. Qatar is keen to keep the momentum of its competences by taking a special care of the factors that have implications on training and teaching such as the evolving nature of technology, the ability of infrastructure to keep up with the demands of new applications, big data, AI and cloud computing.
The current and future Public-Private partnerships and initiatives targeted at bolstering the overall ICT ecosystem, prioritizing the upskilling of local talent who will be the future generation achieving the national development plans and ambitious is key to boost the digital economy and drive socio-economic growth in Qatar and the region.
Qatar support of the Chinese technology giant Huawei Seeds for the Future global flagship ICT local talent cultivation corporate social resposnisblity program is a testament of Qatar determinatioin to lead the public-private collaborative approach to prepare the next generations of ICT leaders in the region. Under the patronage of Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), Huawei organized the 2023 edition of its Seeds for the Future program in Doha, bringing together 175 top talented students from elite universities from 15 countries across the Middle East and Central Asia region. The regional event packed with competitions and activities targeted technical knowledge sharing, increase the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector awareness, and foster a digital community for young ICT talents.
The 8 days gathering of talented students, prominent figures from academia, the technology sector, research institutions, international industry and training organizations was the result of collaborative efforts between the private sector represented by Huawei and universities and the public sector represented in the event sponsor, the Communications Regulatory Authority and many supporters such as Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Tourism Authority, Aspire Zone, Vodafone, and all others.
With its eye on building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, Qatar has strongly invested in its education ecosystem over the past several decades. For instance, six of the world’s most internationally renowned universities, including Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, and Weill Cornell Medicine, have a presence in Doha at Qatar Foundation’s Education City. A seventh, HEC Paris in Qatar, is based at Msheireb Downtown Doha and offers an Executive MBA that is ranked as number one in the world. Qatar Foundation has also established Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Collectively, they offer various globally competitive degrees ranging from Chemical Engineering to Journalism, and from bachelor’s degree to master and doctoral programs.
For current and future university students, Qatar offers a prime ecosystem for pursuing higher education. Conveniently situated at the crossroads of East and West, and with an award-winning national carrier and international airport, students and their families are able to travel into Qatar with ease for the start of the academic year and during the holiday seasons. In addition, Qatar extends an intricate blend between preserving its authentic heritage and culture while embracing its modern future.
Huawei's Seeds for the Future program is aims to develop ICT talents globally. With an ever-increasing emphasis on innovation and technological advancements, this program with its tech4Good competition offers a unique platform where these young minds can exchange ideas, network with international peers, and gain valuable insights into the ICT sector that will shape their future and promote their participation in the digital community. Since its launch in 2008, more than 15,000 students have participated from 139 countries worldwide. The program has been endorsed by more than 450 senior officials and heads of states.
The Tech4Good regional competition, part of Huawei Seeds for The Future week in Qatar focus on engaging the youth in driving positive change within their communities. The program speaded over eight days of intensive training sessions and workshops, including cutting-edge ICT technologies, scientific and technological leadership courses, discussions on global topics and Tech4Good group projects. The students jointly explored with experts ICT's huge potential to drive sustainable development. Through learning and mutual exchange, participants gained a better understanding of advanced technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies, build more strengths for future growth, and improve their competitiveness in the job market. Students also had the opportunity to do cultural exchanges at the globa village, visit the Education City, Lusail Stadium and a tour of Doha.
It is indisputable that creating new generation of ICT leaders will positively reflect on all sectors and industries future development, and driving socio-economic growth. Today's students are tomorrow's public sectors and technology and business leaders. Investing in their talent development and digital skills upskilling now is the only path to a prosperous future. Public-Private sectors partnerships continue to be the key success factor in this domain.