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Qatar is a thought leader in precision health and has the potential for several discoveries with the advantage of the genetic heterogeneity of its population, noted an international expert in precision medicine and genomics.“The unique genetic profile of the Qatari population provides an opportunity to discover gene variations in causing human diseases. Qatar has the talent and the means to mine these data in addition to the appropriate patient population,” Dr Edison T Liu, professor and special fellow of The Jackson Laboratory, USA told Gulf Times.Dr Liu was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ‘Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics Summit 2025’ orgnised by Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. Dr Liu is an international expert in cancer biology and human genetics and was the founding executive director of the Genome Institute of Singapore.“Qatar is already a leader in the field and the country can convert the upstream discoveries to directly affect patient care. It would be remarkable, when it happens. Qatar can expand this work into clinical implementation and the power of this fundamental science will directly improve patient outcomes,” he highlighted.Dr Liu said that he believes in small countries, not just to catch up, but to lead the field because of their uniqueness. “Population genetics is key, and genetic heterogeneity is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Since the genetic profile of Qatar differs from those from the West, new genes can be uncovered responsible for diabetes and therefore ideal for discoveries. The size of the population is less relevant than the quality of the data,” he explained.Dr Liu noted that the major challenge globally in this regard is to obtain appropriate funding to maintain the powerful genomic technologies.“I think Qatar is on its way of leading the research. I hope that the decision makers will step on the accelerator because there is a lot of competition now in the region,” he noted.“It is going to be Qatar and some other countries in the region that have such rich data. Qatar with its small size but with rich data can take it to the next level leading to clinical discoveries,” added Dr Liu. 

Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation ( QF) entity, began its three day Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics (PMFG) Summit 2025 Tuesday with an opening ceremony in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, highlighting the advancements in genomics and precision medicine.The opening ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health; senior officials and government leaders; diplomats as well as high-level representatives from international healthcare and academic institutions.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, chief executive officer, Sidra Medicine, noted that at Sidra Medicine, it is not about research alone.**media[389213]**Dr Tinubu-Karch explained: “It is about transforming lives through empathy, personalisation and innovation. Over the past few years, we have seen our vision taking shape and impacting thousands of lives in powerful ways.”“Our work is deeply aligned with Qatar's national priorities. Through precision medicine research and biotechnology, we are supporting economic diversification, the development of human capital, and a resilient health ecosystem, advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the ambitions of Qatar Foundation,” continued the CEO.The official noted that Sidra Medicine is part of a framework that is building a healthier future, not only for one patient, but for the nation and for future generations. “The real outcome is personalised, empathetic care. Together, let us shape a future where innovation, compassion, and national purpose converge, where healthcare is not only advanced, but deeply human,” she added.**media[389214]**Marking the start of the three-day summit, the opening ceremony featured keynote speeches by Julia Vitarello, founder and CEO of Mila's Miracle Foundation, and Prof Ed Liu from The Jackson Laboratory. It concluded with a summit flagship opening panel “From Personalised to Population-Scale: Building a Thriving Precision Medicine Sector in Qatar”.In his opening remarks, Prof Khalid Fakhro, chief research officer, Sidra Medicine said that Sidra Medicine stands as an integrated academic medical centre that combines research, education and clinical care bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications.**media[389215]**“It contributes to strengthening Qatar’s leading role in precision medicine and advanced therapies globally. Today, we take pride in seeing our scientists from various national institutions leading the way regionally and internationally, paving the path toward the medicine of the future—medicine built on personalised treatments that align with each individual’s genetic makeup and disease mechanisms,” stated Prof Fakhro.“Qatar has long recognised—through a far-sighted vision—that true progress can only be achieved through a solid base of science and knowledge. The fruits of this vision are evident in many places, most notably Education City, where schools, universities and research institutes have turned strategic vision into tangible reality, becoming beacons of science and innovation across diverse fields, while also serving as engines of the knowledge economy and pillars of sustainability,” he highlighted.The PMFG Summit 2025, focuses on three major transformative pillars: AI in Genomics, Clinical Trials and Real-World Implementation; and Precision Medicine Implementation/Population Genomics & Future Frontiers, mirroring a comprehensive direction to integrate research, technology, and clinical care into population-scale practice. 

The 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC), Qatar 2025 organised by the Primary Health Care Corporation ( PHCC) concluded Saturday with ten key recommendations to advance primary healthcare in Qatar and beyond.Some of these recommendations include: Enhancing research skills among clinical doctors and decision-makers; a comprehensive law on professional ethics; developing a multidisciplinary workforce in primary healthcare and promoting adolescent mental health among others.Addressing the concluding ceremony, Dr Mariam Abdul Malik, managing director, PHCC said that the three-day conference held under the theme: “Inspiring Tomorrow: The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care” saw the spirit of teamwork with integration among institutions and experts for a promising and healthy future.“We have completed numerous scientific sessions and workshops, distinguished by rich discussions reflecting everyone’s commitment to safeguarding human health, tackling global challenges, and envisioning a future rooted in innovation and health transformation,” explained, Dr Abdul Malik.“These efforts have culminated in valuable scientific outcomes. Among these, we are proud to present the key recommendations—fruits of collaboration between participants from Qatar and around the world,” she remarked.The first recommendation is enhancing research skills among clinical doctors and decision-makers, and providing complete resources to the primary healthcare institution so that it directly contributes to policy formulation, resource allocation, and planning for primary healthcare and preventive health services.The next one suggests reviewing, updating, and unifying health legislation in Qatar to work towards a comprehensive law on professional ethics that benefits all parties in collaboration with relevant institutions, while learning from the experiences of countries in the region.The conference has advocated establishing comprehensive support for lifestyle, obesity, and self-management across the life stages through organised, digitally supported lifestyle programmes, treating obesity as a chronic disease that requires psychological and social care, and implementing the therapeutic patient education model.Meanwhile, the conference suggests developing a multidisciplinary workforce in primary healthcare with empowerment, through organised partnerships between academic institutions and the health sector, enabling them to fulfill their roles to the fullest extent of their authority, improve and provide necessary patient care, and contribute to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 health service goals.It also proposes to strengthen a strong culture of employee well-being that prioritises mental safety, a comfortable work environment, and stress management, to prevent burnout and ensure high-quality healthcare.The next suggestion aims at promoting adolescent mental health through early detection of mental health disorders in children and adolescents, within a clear national policy and defined referral pathways.It further advocates the establishment of national policies that integrate complementary medicine into the healthcare system in a safe and sustainable manner.Next item among the recommendations is the expansion of digital health services through the National Center in the Ministry of Public Health for health information exchange, clinical decision support systems, and patient applications, making services faster, safer, and more adaptable.Another suggestion is the integration and enhancement of artificial intelligence systems in the use of electronic medical records, particularly regarding early screening and follow-up, while ensuring privacy, fairness, and clinical accountability.Lastly, the conference, aims to enhance medication safety by standardising procedures across the healthcare system.The conference saw broad participation of about 1,000 experts, physicians, and specialists from various countries, making it one of the most prominent scientific gatherings in the region and an important platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge. 

The sixth International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC) started Thursday in the presence of His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud at the Ritz Carlton Doha exploring the latest advancements and innovations in primary health care. A large number of dignitaries and officials as well as international experts and speakers took part in the opening session of the conference. The three day conference organised by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) with the theme ‘Inspiring Tomorrow; The Power of Collaboration in Primary Health Care’ is exploring many of the current topics and the advancements of technology in primary health care sector. About 1,000 experts, speakers, doctors, speakers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, educators, students, and stakeholders from across the globe are sharing their knowledge and best practices in primary health care over the course of the conference. Speaking at the opening session, Dr Mariam Abdul Malik, managing director of the PHCC said that the conference is an embodiment of Qatar’s firm commitment to developing the health sector. “Primary health care in Qatar has become an advanced model at the regional and international levels, thanks to the strategic investment in human health and the building of an integrated system that provides high-quality preventive, curative and rehabilitative services in a safe and competitive environment.” she explained. Dr Abdul Malik highlighted that everyone in Qatar enjoys an advanced health system and what has been achieved in terms of healthcare services is clearly reflected in the satisfaction of community members and visitors to health centres, with visitors' satisfaction level reaching above 80% in the recent surveys. “This conference is not just a scientific event, but a platform that stimulates creativity, inspires health work teams to share knowledge and experiences, and explore innovative solutions that contribute to establishing a more prepared, flexible and sustainable health system for a healthier and more prosperous tomorrow for the nation and society,” she added. Speaking at the opening session, Prof Lord Ara Darzi, co-director, Imperial College London and the executive chair of the World Innovation Summit for Health highlighted the huge advancements made by Qatar in healthcare and praised the country for its vision. He said: “ Primary care is the bedrock, the unshakeable foundation upon which all resilient health systems are built. It is the centre of trust, continuity, and human connection that cannot be outsourced or automated. This is not about episodic interventions. It is about generational care.” After the opening session, the Minister of Public Health along with other dignitaries toured the exhibition accompanying the conference. A lot of healthcare professionals, including local and international companies, providers of medical services, supplies and devices, are participating in the exhibition to showcase their latest innovations in the healthcare sector, along with various educational and technological entities. The conference showcases a wide range of advanced topics in primary healthcare through panel discussions and workshops led by a select group of international speakers and experts. It will also provide researchers with an opportunity to present their research and the findings of recent studies that can be applied to improving primary healthcare services both within Qatar and internationally. 

Qatar is a symbol of ambition, innovation and human progress, noted, Prof Lord Ara Darzi, co-director, Imperial College London and the executive chair of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) highlighting the advancements made by the country in healthcare. “Qatar doesn’t just plan, it builds, transforming vision into verifiable reality. This nation is a model for the world, demonstrating what is possible when visionary leadership aligns with unwavering purpose,” said, Lord Darzi at the opening session of the sixth International Primary Health Care Conference organised by the Primary Health Care Corporation. He said that health systems globally are under extraordinary pressure as life expectancy has improved and with it a surge in chronic disease. “WHO estimates a global health workforce shortfall of over 11mn professionals by 2030. These challenges are universal, but so are the opportunities. Advances in artificial intelligence, genomics, and digital health have the power to shift care from hospital corridors to our homes and communities,” explained Lord Darzi. He pointed out that the question is no longer whether we can transform, but how quickly. “Qatar, with its visionary leadership and agility, is poised to lead in that way. The case for change is urgent. The old model of reactive care is clinically, economically, and morally unsustainable,” he remarked. According to him, primary care must evolve from being the front door of the health system to becoming its central nervous system. He emphasised: “Primary care is the bedrock, the unshakeable foundation upon which all resilient health systems are built. It is the centre of trust, continuity, and human connection that cannot be outsourced or automated. This is not about episodic interventions. It is about generational care.” “For Qatar, this shift aligns perfectly with the National Health Strategy and Vision 2030. PHCC is already showing the world how it can be done. Building on this vision, we can identify seven innovation pathways that empower this foundation,” he continued. Lord Darzi noted the seven pathways are: Genetic intelligence; the digital health ecosystem; personalised medicine; continuous health monitoring; population genomics; intelligent healthcare systems and precision robotics. “This is an extension of the care continuum, coordinated by primary care teams to ensure seamless preparation and faster data-driven recovery at home. These innovations stand on the bedrock established already by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation,” he highlighted. “Our collective duty now is to translate these powerful assets, which Qatar has invested in over a decade and more, into tangible health value for all,” added Lord Darzi. 

 A study conducted by a group of Qatar based researchers has highlighted the importance of integrating screening of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) into the primary health care settings as per Qatar’s experience in this regard. The study titled ‘Insights on primary care-based non-communicable diseases screening for adults in Qatar: A narrative review’ and conducted by some researchers from Hamad Medical Corporation, the Primary Health Care Corporation and Qatar University points out that this will help in early detection and continuous monitoring of the NCDs. The research published recently on Qscience.com notes that NCDs represent a major health challenge in Qatar, prompting the integration of screening programmes within primary health care settings. It points out to key national initiatives, including annual health checkups, cancer screening, and mental health assessments in Qatar. “Annual health checkups have revealed high prevalence rates of prediabetes, hypertension, and obesity, highlighting the importance of early detection and facilitating timely, personalised interventions,” says the study. According to the study, cancer screening programmes for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers have played a vital role in the early detection of these diseases in Qatar. Although participation rates declined during the Covid-19 pandemic, recent data indicates a gradual increase in the number of participants. As per the latest statistics, participation rates in the breast cancer screening programme have rebounded, reflecting renewed public engagement and enhanced service delivery. The research further highlights that mental health screening has also expanded in response to growing concerns about psychological well-being. “The integration of tools such as the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 assessments into routine care has enabled earlier diagnosis and treatment, contributing to improved mental health outcomes,” highlight the researchers. The study also points out to some of the challenges in this regard despite several advancements. It says that participation rates across various programmes need further improvement, and ensuring continuity of care through streamlined referral pathways is very essential. Another area where more efforts are needed is the increased public awareness about such facilities and initiatives. Expanding public awareness campaigns and enhancing access to digital health tools can further strengthen these initiatives. The research recommends that future efforts should focus on sustaining programme growth, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring equitable access to care, ultimately reducing the national NCDs burden and improving health outcomes.

Both Qatar and Japan can take advantage of each other to provide assistance for Gaza and Syria in many areas such as education, reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, noted the Japanese ambassador, Naoto Hisajima. Hisajima was interacting with Waleed Ziad, associate professor of History at Georgetown University in Qatar ( GU-Q) , after he addressed a gathering at the university as part of GU-Q’s “Ambassador Speaker Series.” “Japan has been continuing its humanitarian assistance for a long time in Palestine and Syria. The reconstruction of the infrastructure will take years in Gaza and Syria. And there are many areas that Japan is good at, particularly, like education and building schools, or health sector and hospitals,” said the ambassador. “So, there are many opportunities, actually, for Japan to contribute to the reconstruction and humanitarian relief in both Gaza and Syria. And Qatar is obviously a neighbouring state and very active in this region. We know the parties in question very well. So, there are many chances for two countries taking advantage of the strength of each country and supporting Palestine and Syria,” said the ambassador. During his talk, ambassador Hisajima highlighted the long-standing relationship between Qatar and Japan and prominent areas of collaboration between the countries. “Japan was the first country to import Qatar's LNG in 1997. And not just Japan importing Qatar's LNG, Japan also co-operated with Qatar to develop Qatar's natural gas resources so that it could be exported to foreign countries,” he highlighted. “And since then, Qatar has been a longtime stable and reliable supplier and partner for Japan. Other than the relationship regarding natural gas, Japan's co-operation with Qatar in economic areas is particularly seen in the building of various infrastructure. There are some examples as Japan has collaborated with Doha Metro, Hamad International Airport, water desalination projects and both power plants,” he said. The Japanese envoy also highlighted that the number of visitors from Japan and Qatar is on the rise as there is a steady increase in the number in recent years with Qatar Airways operating daily flights between Japan and Qatar. “It is such a convenience that we have direct flights between Japan and Qatar. I myself have had the privilege of being on the plane direct from Tokyo to Doha. And there are daily four flights between either Tokyo, Osaka, and Doha,” added the ambassador. **media[383100]** The lecture was followed by a ‘Japanese Cultural Evening' event, where Japanese food, martial arts, drum performances and several other cultural performances took place.

In a significant step forward for the peace process, the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) was signed Saturday during a special ceremony at the Sheraton Doha.The signing took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His Excellency Dr al-Khulaifi affirmed that the framework agreement represents an important milestone in efforts to consolidate peace and stability in eastern DRC.**media[381877]**He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to supporting the peace process until a comprehensive and lasting settlement is achieved for the Congolese people. Speaking at a press conference alongside Massad Boulos, US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, His Excellency the Minister highlighted the genuine political will and responsible engagement demonstrated by both parties, noting that these qualities made the agreement possible.**media[381882]**He also expressed appreciation for their confidence in Qatar’s role in facilitating and advancing the peace efforts. His Excellency Dr al-Khulaifi recalled that Qatar’s mediation efforts began when His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani hosted President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Doha, and when President Tshisekedi subsequently opened the door for dialogue with the AFC/M23 movement.This latest agreement marks a new and important milestone in the ongoing peace process led by Qatar, building on the progress made with the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on 19 July. The Framework reaffirms the parties’ shared commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict through structured dialogue, confidence-building measures, and a phased approach to de-escalation and stabilisation.**media[381878]**It emphasises the protection of civilians, respect for human rights, the safe and dignified return of displaced persons, and the promotion of national reconciliation and unity.Serving as the foundational reference document for the broader peace process, the Doha Framework sets the stage for a series of forthcoming protocols, annexes, and technical arrangements that the parties have agreed to develop.**media[381880]**These instruments will address operational details such as ceasefire consolidation and verification, troop disengagement modalities, humanitarian access, reintegration mechanisms, and support for national dialogue.Once adopted, these protocols and annexes will form an integrated and harmonised part of the Doha Framework for Peace, ensuring coherence, clarity, and phased implementation. Qatar commended the constructive engagement of both parties and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of regional and international partners supporting the process.**media[381881]**In particular, Qatar acknowledged the contributions of the US, Togo, and the African Union Commission, whose sustained support has played a key role in advancing the peace efforts.

The National Action Plan 2024-2030 to combat diabetes is being properly implemented with the aim of managing and preventing the condition, said a top official of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) today.“Qatar has a real action plan, a serious action plan for diabetes for 2030. We are implementing it properly to make life expectancy grow in Qatar with lower deaths from non-communicable diseases,” said Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani, director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programmes, MoPH.**media[381732]**Sheikh Dr Mohammed was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the walkathon organised by Diabetes Qatar (DQ) at Aspire Park to mark the World Diabetes Day, held annually on November 14 which saw a huge turnout. Officials from MoPH, DQ as well as various other organisations led the walkathon and took part in the activities.As for the latest statics regarding the prevalence of diabetes, the official said that currently it is stable. “It is not going higher. It is stable. People are living healthier with this complication than before. And we are planning to fight not only diabetes but even obesity. Now the time is for controlling obesity with increased physical activity,” he explained.**media[381731]**“We believe now that diabetes is not a high risk as before if you take proper care about it. Discipline and self-care and doing the right steps help you grow better in fighting diabetes,” continued Sheikh Dr Mohammed.He noted that by marking the World Diabetes Day, more people are getting better awareness and literacy about diabetes and the need to prevent and mange it.Meanwhile, hundreds gathered at the Aspire Park and took part in the walkathon around the lake at the park. The Walkathon attracted individuals who are decision-makers, health leaders, school and university students, as well as the general public. The participants also engaged in various physical activities which included several games for children as well as activities for the general public.**media[381730]**This year’s World Diabetes Day campaign focuses on several key aspects such as daily challenges for employees living with diabetes; the role of a supportive workplace, organisations and employers and the collective awareness and peer collaboration.DQ campaign has many other activities including the annual scientific conference, taking place on November 21–22 at Qatar National Convention Centre. This year’s conference will be held under the theme "Diabetes and Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Health “. The event will focus on advancements in diabetes treatment, management of related complications, integration of innovative technologies and strategies for prevention and lifestyle improvement.The conference covers topics including new policies and strategies for diabetes control, prevention, and management, innovative approaches to managing diabetes complications, the latest research on diabetes in children, the latest insulin therapies and pump therapy, and other important topics. The conference brings together senior attendees including diabetologists, endocrinologists, diabetes educators, neurologists, general practitioners, cardiologists, and dieticians.

Educate A Child programme under Education Above All (EAA) Foundation has provided quality education for over 14.5mn out-of-school children so far, disclosed a senior official of the organisation.“We have enrolled over 14.5mn out-of-school children into quality primary education in over 50 countries. The work continues and lots and lots of people are interested in us. And we work with over 50 organisations globally,” Mary Joy Pigozzi, chief education officer, EAA told Gulf Times.Pigozzi was interacting with Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ongoing Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) where EAA is showcasing its activities and taking part in several events of the summit.According to the official, EAA has awarded more than 10,500 scholarships to disadvantaged youth to enable their pursuit of higher education and equipped nearly 4mn youth with skills and economic opportunities for employment since it was founded in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.“I think what is good about having been around for more than a decade is that people know that there is one programme which is Educate A Child that focuses specifically on out-of-school children. We have that unified and unitary focus,” noted the official.The official said that EAA has just started a new strategy. She explained: “What we are trying to do now is to try to link our different programmes a little more coherently. So we are looking to work in some countries where more than one programme will be working together. And we will be working in unison. So that is a slightly different approach than we have had in the past.“The point of the new unified approach is to work with countries to support greater impact at the national level through our work across different levels of education to employment,” continued, Pigozzi.She noted that EAA works with various organisations of the UN and have many partnerships with UN agencies such as Unicef, Unesco as well as UNDP.“I think we will continue to work with them in various fields. And as we look at the relationships between education and other sectors, we are also likely to be involved with organisations such as World Food Programme,“ highlighted Pigozzi.The chief education officer said that the EAA has been providing support for the families in terms of income generation through initiatives such as setting up small enterprises as it will help the families and enable them to support their children’s education.Pigozzi stated that the major challenges in providing education to the out of school children are related to the economic factors. “It is poverty and it has many faces. There are many ways that it can be overcome. There are certainly challenges but there are also many opportunities.“Among the opportunities that are encouraging are the engagement of ministries in making more flexible education systems and the engagement of communities and families,” highlighted the official.EAA will hold a session Thursday at the summit on the role of education as a key to social development. “The real focus is how education is a significant key to sustainable development. Education is the real foundation because what is realised through education is not just going to school but learning how to live,” added Pigozzi.

The United Nations on Wednesday launched a new global initiative focused on youth mental health on the margins of the Second World Summit for Social  Development held in Doha.The initiative intends to bolster the cognitive and psychological well‑being of young people, enabling them to confront the mounting challenges in a world characterised by uncertainty and rapid development.Briefing the media about the salient features of the initiative, Felipe Paullier, assistant secretary-general for Youth Affairs at the United Nations Youth Office said the initiative was launched at the summit as it was linked with social development.“It is just the start of something very big. We believe that when we are talking about mental health, well-being, it is really about social development and it is really about the societies we are shaping. And this summit is really about renewing hope, rebuilding trust, and that starts by building communities that embed care, connection, and compassion in our social fabric,” said Paullier. He was accompanied at the press conference by Tanatswa Chikaura, young leader for the SDGs and mental health advocate and founder of Ndinewe Foundation.Paullier noted that young people are not only demanding better mental health support and care, they are demanding transforming the systems and inclusion.“For too long, mental health has been understood primarily as a medical issue. But for young people, the absence of illness does not mean that they are well. Well-being is about much more than a treatment. It's about dignity, it's about belonging, and it's about living with purpose and connection,” he elaborated.He highlighted that true progress requires to shift from narrow focuses on treating symptoms to building systems that nurture inclusion, creativity, and care in the schools, at the workplaces, in the communities, and in the digital space.“And this is even more important at this time of history, where young people are navigating a time of profound uncertainty, living within economic instability, within conflict, within raising inequalities, climate anxiety, and a digital culture that often amplifies isolation instead of connection,” he continued.Paullier said that WHO atlas on mental health shows that one in seven young people live with a mental health condition and suicide remains as one of the leading causes of death among young people. “And the trends are not positive. But if we go beyond the numbers, there are lived realities of millions of young people whose potential to thrive is being stiffed by systems that fail to support this well-being,” he highlighted.The official noted that the new initiative is about taking a different approach, and building that at a global level from an advocacy effort.He highlighted:“ It is about taking an ecosystemic approach to mental health and well-being, grounding it in the realities of young people, and proposing a model which is inclusive, holistic, youthful, and youth responsive. The initiative is grounded in three simple but powerful principles. The first one, mental health is a human right. The second one, there is no future without well-being. The third principle is that care, connection, and community are the real building blocks of the future of our societies.” Chikaura hoped that with the UN Youth Office's flagship initiative on mental health and wellbeing, there could be empathy-led communities that prioritise inclusion, and resilience.“We should not act because people have died by suicide. We should act to prevent people from dying by suicide. I have hope for the future of youth mental health, and I invite everyone to be a part of the solution. Let us make a collective effort to create safe spaces in our communities,” she concluded.

Highlighting that education is the core pillar for development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, United Nations Advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Founder of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) noted Tuesday that there can be no development amidst discrimination, no stability with marginalisation, no prosperity amid exclusion.She was delivering the keynote address at the high-level session on 'Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract for Social justice and Development' at the Second World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD2) being held at Qatar National Convention Centre.**media[377721]**Her Highness noted that the world must never accept the reality that there are 272mn out-of-school children, according to 2023 Unesco figures.She explained: “The grim figures and statistics carry with them a distressing message, one that appeals to the conscience of humanity. They call for our immediate mobilisation to transform policies and mandates into actions and achievements. Social development is not a fixed matrix, nor is it a set of hollow rhetoric, or a publicity stunt, or a façade masking veiled truths. Rather, it is the story of an individual who uplifts their community when given a fair chance, and who achieves the extraordinary when granted a genuine opportunity to innovate.**media[377720]**“Education is the core pillar for development; there can be no development without knowledge and no renaissance without an enlightened mind. Education is not a luxury, nor a privilege, nor a favour to be granted. It is a right, a responsibility, and a tool to liberate the mind, build human capacity, safeguard our values and generate ideas to reshape our world. To achieve a real sustainable development as we envision it, education must be recognised as equal in importance to development itself, advancing together on the same track.”The founder of EAA Foundation said that much is said about development, but people often refrain from closely examining its true essence.**media[377717]**“Its most prominent pillar is human beings themselves, who make up the heart of social development and its ultimate purpose. If we consider human beings our most valuable assets, then education remains the most enduring form of capital investment. They are the spring from which the streams of progress flow and the foundation upon which the pillars of sustainable development are erected,” Her Highness highlighted.She said that success in achieving sustainable development is not only reserved for those with more abundant resources, but for those who possess the wisdom to invest and manage it effectively.“This is the vision that drove us in Qatar to establish a path of development that places young people in their rightful role as shapers of the future, as learners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and citizens engaged in decision-making. This inspiring vision has led to remarkable achievements by Qatar: successfully utilising natural resources, empowering human capital, and generating meaningful job opportunities that replace traditional job duplication. With a deep-rooted belief that the Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected, Qatar has exerted every effort to instill the foundations of peace and the pillars of diplomacy as the cornerstones of its social development goals,” stressed the QF Chairperson.**media[377718]**She noted that education is the sum of all sectors saying: “There can be no economy, politics, healthcare, culture or even a sustainable ecosystem without education. And if we fail to advance education with innovative sustainable solutions that align with the accelerating technological advancements of our world, then no development project, be it economic, cultural, or social, will succeed, and we will remain trapped in the cycle of failure, regression, and powerlessness, and we will lose our footing in the landscape of development. To the extent that we invest in education, we can better shape a future for humanity.”“This is an ongoing effort that enables the individual to demand from their nations what is unattainable elsewhere: a sense of contentment in belonging and the legitimacy to dream: To dream of a future with unlimited potential, one that encompasses the breadth of the human condition, everything from the primordial cave to the mysterious frontiers of space, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Let us dream of a more luminous dream—a shared all-encompassing dream: the dream of development,” Sheikha Moza.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered another keynote address at the session, highlighting that education is the foundation of a renewed social policy, anchored in human rights, social justice, and inclusion.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stressed the need for targeted actions by governments world over to help over 400mn people to escape poverty in its latest report published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WWSD2) 2025 being held in Doha.At press conference during the WWSD2 today, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator said that rethinking traditional poverty measures by defining 'prosperity floors' can help vulnerable communities cope with shocks without falling back into poverty.As many as 411mn people worldwide could move from poverty to basic security by 2030 if governments adopt context-specific ‘prosperity floors’ and focus on job-intensive growth, adaptive social protection systems and policies that increase wagesXu said : “Crossing a $3-a-day threshold is not enough if families are still one emergency—one illness, job loss, or climate crisis—away from being unable to afford housing, food, and essential services. Our report demonstrates that, by 2030, 411mn people could move from poverty to basic security—if governments act together, and act now.”The report, titled Poverty-to-Prosperity Transitions highlights strategies to ensure not just poverty reduction but sustained prosperity for low-to-middle income households across the globe. According to the report, established poverty measurements identify people who cannot meet minimum needs.By contrast, a ‘prosperity floor’ identifies the minimum needs for people not only to subsist, but also to be able to withstand unexpected shocks such as a natural disaster or economic downturn.The report also points out that the new benchmark will not only track progress in escaping poverty but also help safeguard against future setbacks, ensuring people remain secure and resilient in the face of unexpected emergencies.UNDP analysis across 126 developing countries finds that more than one-third of people in developing countries live below their prosperity floor. This means these individuals remain vulnerable, with a single crisis threatening to push them back into poverty.The report cautions that relying solely on traditional poverty alleviation policies, such as cash transfers and cash-for-work programmes, will not sustain progress. Instead, UNDP urges governments to adopt a system-wide strategy that fosters job inclusive growth, adaptable social protection, and fairer income distribution to leave no one behind.Across every region, progress on poverty reduction has slowed, and disparities have deepened. While the share of people living in extreme income poverty has fallen globally, nearly 1.1bn people still experience acute multidimensional poverty, lacking access to education, health, and decent living standards.Two-thirds of the world’s population live in countries where income inequality has increased over the past decade. Poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings, and the effects of climate change and demographic pressures are compounding these vulnerabilities.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the warring factions in Sudan for immediate end of the conflict and expressed his deep concern about the continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza.Speaking at a press conference at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WWSD2) 2025 today, Guterres said that the horrifying crisis in Sudan is spiralling out of control as for over 18 months, El Fasher and the surrounding areas in North Darfur have been an epicentre of suffering, hunger, violence and displacement.He said: “I once again call for an immediate end to this unimaginable violence. I call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. Since the Rapid Support Forces entered El Fasher last weekend, the situation is growing worse by the day. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped by this siege. People are dying of malnutrition, disease and violence.”“I call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all civilians in need. I call for an end to the flow of weapons and fighters into Sudan — which is making a desperate situation even worse,’ Guterres appealed.“We need an immediate cessation of hostilities. I call on both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to work with my Personal Envoy for the Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, towards a negotiated settlement. Come to the negotiating table. Bring an end to this nightmare of violence — now. It is time for peace,” he stressed.The secretary general continued that he was deeply concerned about the continued violations of the ceasefire in Gaza.“They must stop and all parties must abide by the decisions of the first phase of the peace agreement. And let’s not forget the need to establish a credible political path towards ending the occupation, realising the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, and leading to a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security," he said.He also highlighted that Qatar has long been a committed friend and partner of the United Nations and generous supporter of humanitarian relief around the world.Guterres remarked: “An advocate of education — including for girls in Afghanistan, where Qatar is providing financial aid and technical support to keep girls learning while also hosting the multilateral Doha Process to support the international community’s engagement with Afghanistan. And a peacemaker in the Middle East and globally — including as a permanent mediator in the Gaza conflict and in brokering a peace agreement between the government of the DRC and the M23 armed group,”He also noted that as the host of the Second World Summit for Social Development, Qatar is once again playing a decisive global role as the summit represents a renewed commitment to place people, dignity, and social justice at the heart of sustainable development.Guterres said that the Doha Declaration emerging from the Summit is a clear and bold commitment by the global community to speed up the progress.“The Doha Declaration represents a people’s plan. Today, I am calling for action in four key areas to bring this people’s plan to life: Accelerating our fight against poverty and inequality; Bringing a laser focus to job-creation and employment; Supercharging global efforts to finance development and A people’s plan must include all people, leaving no one behind” he added.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stressed the need for targeted actions by governments world over to help over 400mn people to escape poverty in its latest report published ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development ( WWSD) 2025 being held in Doha.At press conference during the WWSD today, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator said that rethinking traditional poverty measures by defining 'prosperity floors' can help vulnerable communities cope with shocks without falling back into poverty. 411mn people worldwide could move from poverty to basic security by 2030 if governments adopt context-specific ‘prosperity floors’ and focus on job-intensive growth, adaptive social protection systems and policies that increase wagesXi said : “Crossing a $3-a-day threshold is not enough if families are still one emergency—one illness, job loss, or climate crisis—away from being unable to afford housing, food, and essential services. Our report demonstrates that, by 2030, 411mn people could move from poverty to basic security—if governments act together, and act now.”The report, titled Poverty-to-Prosperity Transitions highlights strategies to ensure not just poverty reduction but sustained prosperity for low-to-middle income households across the globe. According to the report, established poverty measurements identify people who cannot meet minimum needs. By contrast, a ‘prosperity floor’ identifies the minimum needs for people not only to subsist, but also to be able to withstand unexpected shocks such as a natural disaster or economic downturn.The report also points out that the new benchmark will not only track progress in escaping poverty but also help safeguard against future setbacks, ensuring people remain secure and resilient in the face of unexpected emergencies.UNDP analysis across 126 developing countries finds that more than one-third of people in developing countries live below their prosperity floor. This means these individuals remain vulnerable, with a single crisis threatening to push them back into poverty.The report cautions that relying solely on traditional poverty alleviation policies, such as cash transfers and cash-for-work programmes, will not sustain progress. Instead, UNDP urges governments to adopt a system-wide strategy that fosters job inclusive growth, adaptable social protection, and fairer income distribution to leave no one behind.Across every region, progress on poverty reduction has slowed, and disparities have deepened. While the share of people living in extreme income poverty has fallen globally, nearly 1.1bn people still experience acute multidimensional poverty, lacking access to education, health, and decent living standards.Two-thirds of the world’s population live in countries where income inequality has increased over the past decade. Poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings, and the effects of climate change and demographic pressures are compounding these vulnerabilities.

A large number of residents and citizens gathered at the second edition of the global event 'Relay for Life 2025' organised by Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) Friday at the Aspire Indoor Track.QCS officials and several prominent community leaders led the event in which hundreds took part to honour cancer survivors and raise awareness about cancer.**media[375732]**This event, held in more than 30 countries worldwide, was a humanitarian occasion dedicated to celebrating life, honouring cancer survivors, remembering those we have lost, and reaffirming the community’s collective commitment to continue the fight against cancer.The event featured a diverse programme of educational and entertainment activities suitable for all ages, making it a special social experience for families and friends. The event brought together cancer survivors, caregivers, and families to celebrate life, honour those we’ve lost, and provide support to cancer patients.**media[375733]**During the event, there were inspiring stories from cancer survivors, who shared their courageous journeys of confronting the disease with strength and determination, becoming a source of hope and encouragement for others going through similar experiences.The event also included touching tributes to loved ones who have passed away, in heartfelt moments that express gratitude and embody the values of compassion and unity – the essence of this global initiative.**media[375734]**“Relay for Life” is characterised by its humanitarian and awareness-driven spirit, as participants engage in a continuous four-hour walk – a powerful symbol of the ongoing battle against cancer and the determination and hope shown by patients, survivors, and their families.The event was as an opportunity to unite efforts and strengthen community solidarity by building an integrated support network that empowers patients and encourages society to adopt healthy lifestyles.**media[375736]**Furthermore, there were awareness and educational sessions to promote the importance of prevention and early detection, highlighting methods of psychological and social support for patients and their families, and shedding light on the latest developments in treatment and healthcare.Relay for Life is one of the largest global events dedicated to supporting cancer patients and survivors. The event reflected the QCS’s mission to support cancer patients and raise public awareness about the disease.

A single bout of resistance training (RT) as well as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can contribute to a lower risk of recurrence of breast cancer among the survivors, a global study has highlighted.A recent article published by a group of global biomedical experts on PubMed, an openly accessible, free database primarily for Medline database, notes the need for strategies to mitigate recurrence and mortality among breast cancer survivors and recommends the high intensity interval training or resistance training as effective options.Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women globally and according to the website, https://www.breastcancer.org, in 2025, approximately 316,950 women could be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.According to Qatar National Cancer Registry, breast cancer is among most common cancers among women, making up 17.39% of all cases which highlights the importance of early detection of breast and bowel cancer.The study titled ‘A single bout of resistance or high-intensity interval training increases anti-cancer myokines and suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro in survivors of breast cancer’ notes that 32 survivors of breast cancer were randomly allocated to a single bout of resistance training or high-intensity interval training. The study examined the effects of a single bout of RT versus HIIT on anti-cancer myokines and in vitro cancer cell suppression.32 blood samples were collected before, immediately post the exercise and 30 minutes post the exercise. The researchers measured the serum levels of decorin , interleukin 6 (IL6) , secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine and oncostatin M and cell growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro using real time cellular analysis at each time point.The results revealed that decorin, IL-6, significantly increased (9 to 47 %,) from baseline in both groups. IL-6 remained elevated in both groups at 30 minutes post-intervention while certain other levels were elevated only in the RT group at 30 minutes post the exercise.The study has concluded that a single bout of RT or HIIT can increase levels of anti-cancer myokines and reduce the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro in survivors of breast cancer, potentially contributing to a lower risk of recurrence. The researchers therefor have highlighted the importance of exercise as a treatment with promising anti-cancer effects.

Mental health is a fundamental human right, HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud has stressed, and it must remain at the heart of the public policy and collective action.“As a result of the complex interplay of genetic predispositions, social and environmental factors, economic hardship, humanitarian emergencies and the long-term effects of conflict, the need for effective and accessible mental health services is increasing worldwide,” he said. “This reflects our conviction that mental health is a fundamental human right, and it must remain at the heart of our public policy and collective action.”HE al-Mahmoud said this after inaugurating the two-day Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, held for the first time in the Middle East, at the opening session of the summit.Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the ceremony was attended by ministers, representatives of states, international and regional organisations concerned with mental health, as well as global experts and specialists.HE al-Mahmoud stressed the importance of the summit, saying that it is an opportunity “to work together to advance mental health in all regions of the world, through a shared vision of a healthier and more inclusive future”.“Qatar, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, places great importance on public health as part of its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of the population,” he stated. “We are intensifying efforts to safeguard the population’s physical and mental health and have launched dedicated strategies and national frameworks to promote good mental well-being among the population, including the development of an integrated system that ensures access to appropriate care at the right time and in the right place.”The minister noted that, as part of the “Health in All Policies” approach, Qatar has worked to integrate mental health across all sectors and society as a whole.“We have also aligned our national efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being,” he said.“At the international level, and through our country’s active role in promoting security and stability worldwide, Qatar is committed to working with its international partners to prevent international crises, to address them when they arise, and to mitigate their impact,” HE al-Mahmoud continued. “Our country also supports long-term development policies to serve the population, with particular focus on those most in need of care.”“The summit will strengthen our shared journey and mark a significant step forward that builds on the achievements of previous summits,” the minister stressed. “These summits have fostered international co-operation, forged effective partnerships, and underscored the urgent need to increase investment in mental health as a foundation of public health, social justice and sustainable development.”In a recorded address, United Nations deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed stated that the reality of mental health at the global level highlights the need for decisive action to improve mental health for all and to make it a fundamental pillar of universal health coverage.She emphasised the importance of investment, innovation and digital solutions, while affirming that mental health is a universal human right and a shared responsibility.In a recorded message, World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed that the issues under discussion at the summit reflect many of the key challenges facing global mental health, including harnessing digital technology while preventing its negative impacts, and financing and scaling up effective mental health interventions, particularly during emergencies and humanitarian crises.The WHO chief emphasised that the summit provides an important platform for moving these commitments forward by advancing concrete solutions, identifying investment priorities and enhancing international collaboration, adding: “There is no health without mental health.”The Ministerial Mental Health Summit features a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions, six workshops and several accompanying activities.Officials, policymakers and specialists will discuss pressing mental health issues in order to develop strategies at the global level.The summit brings together 64 local and international speakers.