National and international academics highlighted various educational initiatives and teaching and learning methodologies at the International Day of Education celebrations organised by Qatar Foundation (QF).
Observed annually on January 24, the International Day of Education highlights how education is a basic human right and a shared responsibility, encouraging collective efforts to enhance its quality.
The two-day event held at Barahat Msheireb under the theme ‘Education is Everyone’s Responsibility’ brought educators, students, families, and institutions to reaffirm the shared role of society in shaping inclusive and future-ready education.
The event also marked the launch of QF’s Rasekh initiative as Qatar’s bilingual, identity-based education model and a cornerstone of national education reform, as the International Day of Education celebrations reflect QF’s continued commitment to engaging the wider community and advancing the future of education.
Sheikha Noof Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, vice president, Strategic Educational Initiatives for QF’s Pre-University Education, said: “The International Day of Education is a global occasion to renew our commitment to the right to education as a cornerstone of human and social development, and a shared responsibility that requires coordinated efforts between educational institutions and the wider community.
“Through marking this day, QF reaffirms the role of education in shaping individuals, strengthening values and equipping future generations to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence, awareness, and deeply rooted knowledge.”
Speaking at a session, ‘Building a Multilingual Future: Learning to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World’, Prof Roberto Filippi of University College London’s Institute of Education, noted that home language preserves cultural identity and well-being of the pupils.
“There is some great evidence that growing a child in a multilingual environment in the presence of neurodiversity can have a positive impact, especially for linguistic development and also for social development.”
Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and education, Prof Filippi highlighted multilingualism as a resource for learning rather than a challenge, demonstrating its role in enhancing student engagement, wellbeing, achievement, belonging, and social equity.
Farida Aboudan, regional programme specialist (Education), Unesco, highlighted that there are still about 250mn students who learn in a language that they do not understand.
“14% of learners worldwide lack access to education in their home language. For millions of children, this means going to school but not understanding the language of instruction. This leaves them feeling disconnected and confused in the classroom,” Aboudan highlighted.
“Without education in a familiar language, children fall behind, lose confidence, and many drop out altogether. When children learn in languages they know, they engage more, develop stronger literacy skills and build confidence to succeed in school and beyond,” she added.
The Rasekh Village offered an immersive experience that translated the model’s principles into practice. Through interactive exhibits and educational pavilions presented by QF entities and participating schools, visitors explored approaches that promote balanced bilingual education, cultural identity, and localised global learning.
The event also featured a Storytelling Platform, where students, educators, and community organisations shared inspiring educational journeys through dialogue, performance, and interactive sessions, emphasising the power of storytelling in nurturing values, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Complementing the public celebrations, the Thunai Conference was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, promoting bilingual education models that balance cultural and linguistic identity, particularly Arabic, with global engagement through English. The conference brought together regional and international experts to explore approaches that prepare students to thrive in diverse global environments while remaining rooted in their cultural values.
