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His Excellency the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud inaugurated the second edition of Qatar’s International Healthcare and Medical Exhibition and Conference (Qatar Medicare). Qatar Medicare brings together 100 local and international companies under one roof, 64 local and 36 international exhibitors.Organised by IFP Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Chamber (QC) and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health, the event continues until Thursday, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).Chair of the Health Committee at Qatar Chamber Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani said: “The Qatar Chamber is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Qatar Medicare reflects the strong public-private collaboration driving Qatar’s healthcare landscape.”According to estimates by Fitch Solutions, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, Qatar’s healthcare sector is projected to experience accelerated growth, with total health expenditure expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 14% by 2029, reaching $11.5bn (QR41.86bn).This expansion is set to position Qatar as the third-largest healthcare market in the GCC and the tenth-largest in the Mena region.Commercial and Operations Director at IFP Qatar Hayat Bayan commented: “Qatar Medicare includes daily one-on-one meetings between exhibitors, visitors, and major hospitals from both the public and private sectors, in addition to panel discussions and workshops featuring more than 55 speakers, 25 presentations, five dialogue sessions, four workshops, training sessions, and an Open Stage segment that allows professionals two minutes each to share their work and expertise. The event will conclude with the Qatar Medicare 2025 Healthcare Excellence Awards, honouring 15 categories of outstanding healthcare institutions and individuals.”Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Scientific Advisor at Qatar Cancer Society and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the International Cancer Patients Alliance, emphasised: “The QCS is participating as a Silver Sponsor to enhance its awareness efforts on cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of public education.”“It will also explore the latest technologies and potential partnerships to improve and innovate healthcare practices, contributing to raising community awareness and improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families,” he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tore into nations for their failure to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as Brazil hosted world leaders for a summit ahead of the COP30 climate conference in the rainforest city of Belem. Scientists have confirmed the world is set to cross the 1.5 C warming threshold around 2030, risking extreme warming with irreversible consequences. "Too many corporations are making record profits from climate devastation, with billions spent on lobbying, deceiving the public and obstructing progress," Guterres said in his speech. "Too many leaders remain captive to these entrenched interests." Countries are spending about $1tn each year in subsidising fossil fuels. Leaders have two clear options, Guterres said: "We can choose to lead — or be led to ruin." The COP30 conference marks three decades since global climate negotiations began. In that time, countries have curbed the projected climb in emissions somewhat, but not enough to prevent what scientists consider extreme global warming in the next few decades. The World Meteorological Organisation announced this year would likely be the second- or third-warmest on record, with the temperature average through August being 1.42 C above the preindustrial average, after record heat in 2023 and 2024. "The alarming streak of exceptional temperatures continues," WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said with the report's release. Outside of the conference venue - still under construction ahead of next week's summit start — a small group of indigenous people marched in a circle while singing and urging protection of the world's forests and their people. A flotilla bringing indigenous leaders and activists down rivers of the Amazon Basin to the conference was delayed and would not arrive until next week. During the leaders' summit Thursday and today, about 150 heads of state, subnational leaders and international organisations were due to deliver speeches that would be televised across the world. Missing from the lineup are the leaders of four of the world's five most-polluting economies — China, the United States, India and Russia — with only the leader of the European Union showing up. The US administration has opted to send no-one to the talks, unlike the others. Instead, top US officials were in Greece alongside fossil fuel giant Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) Thursday as it signed a new deal to explore offshore for natural gas. Some said the absence of the United States from COP30 may free countries to discuss action without any one player dominating the outcome. "Without the US present, we can actually see a real multilateral conversation happening," said Pedro Abramovay, vice president of programs at Open Society Foundations and a former justice minister under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula planned to hold bilateral meetings Thursday with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after meeting one-on-one on Wednesday with the Chinese vice premier and leaders from Finland and the European Union. "In a moment in which a lot of people are kind of claiming the death of multilateralism, I think there is a new space for a multilateralism that is not built in a top-down way from powerful countries towards poor countries," Abramovay said. Brazil is hoping the World Leaders Summit will deliver at least $10bn of its overall target of $125bn for its newly launched Tropical Forest Forever Facility, estimating that would be enough to start generating funds for conservation. China, Norway and Germany were expected to announce contributions in Belem, after Brazil offered the first investment and Indonesia matched that pledge. But the United Kingdom, which helped to frame the way the fund works, delivered an early disappointment on Wednesday, disclosing that it would be offering no cash.

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Saturday with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Jonatan Vseviov, on the sidelines of the 2025 Manama Dialogue Conference held in the Bahraini capital, Manama. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.

Commitment to promoting education and protecting world cultural heritage Qatar affirmed its commitment to supporting and promoting education and protecting world cultural heritage.This came in a speech delivered by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education and Chairperson of the Qatari National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater during her participation in the 43rd session of the General Conference of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the participation of ministers and officials from various countries around the world.At the outset of her speech to the conference, HE AlKhater expressed Qatar's gratitude to the government of Uzbekistan for its hospitality and excellent organisation, and commended the selection of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2025.She emphasised that the world faces increasing humanitarian and technological challenges that require collective action to reorder priorities and place humanity at the heart of development.She also reiterated Qatar's unwavering support for the brotherly Palestinian people and the preservation of their cultural heritage. She emphasised the importance of Unesco redoubling its efforts to protect educational and cultural institutions in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Palestine and Sudan, where historical and educational sites are suffering widespread destruction that threatens our shared human heritage.HE the Minister also commended the signing of the updated agreement between Qatar and Unesco concerning the Multi-Sectoral Regional Office in Doha, noting that its entry into force in February 2025 will contribute to strengthening regional co-operation in education, culture, and science.She explained that Qatar, under the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, launched its third development strategy (2024-2030), which places education at the heart of sustainable development and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. She highlighted Qatar's achievements in this field, including hosting the 14th Conference of Arab Ministers of Education and preparing for the 5th Regional Conference on Higher Education in May 2026, as well as Doha Municipality winning the Unesco Learning Cities Award for 2024.HE AlKhater also reviewed Qatar's global contributions to supporting education through the Education Above All Foundation, which has provided learning opportunities to more than 14.5mn children and young people in over 60 countries, in addition to the efforts of the Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity in supporting education in conflict zones.In the cultural sphere, she noted Qatar's accession to the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, the inscription of date palms and henna on Uneco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Qatar's hosting of the Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World in October 2025.She affirmed Qatar's commitment to continued co-operation with member states to achieve Unesco's goals and its noble mission of building a more peaceful and humane world.HE AlKhater also participated in a closed ministerial session entitled "Transforming Tomorrow Today: On the Skills Needed for a Sustainable Future," during which she emphasised that Qatar National Vision 2030 places human beings at the heart of sustainable development and seeks to build an educational system that strengthens national identity and embraces global engagement. She said: "Our goal is not only to prepare learners for the jobs of tomorrow, but to empower them to shape tomorrow itself, so they can be a force for good, knowledge, and development."The conference brought together over 2,800 representatives from 190 countries, marking the first such event held outside Unesco headquarters in Paris in over forty years.Dr Khaled El-Enany was elected as the new Director-General of Unesco, succeeding Ms Audrey Azoulay, becoming the first Arab to hold this prestigious position.Qatar's participation in the 43rd session of the Unesco General Conference underscores its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 on quality education, and aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human beings at the heart of comprehensive development.

Under the auspices of HE the Minister of Interior, Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Police Academy Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the 14th Conference of Heads of Arab Security Training and Rehabilitation Institutions kicked off in Doha Wednesday. Hosted by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Police Academy, the two-day conference is drawing broad participation from representatives of the ministries of interior in the Arab countries, alongside representatives of relevant regional and global organisations and institutions. These organisations are UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South‑West Asia and the Arab Region, Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI), International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS), Arab Interior Ministers’ Council-General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers. The opening ceremony was attended by HE Legal Adviser to HE the Minister of Interior and General Supervisor of the Police Academy Major General Dr Abdullah Yousef al-Mal, Secretary-General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council Dr Mohammad Ali Kuman, and President of the Police Academy and Chairman of the conference Brig. Gen. Abdul Rahman Majid al-Sulaiti. Addressing the conference, Dr al-Mal said the Police Academy is proud of hosting this event with the participation of a distinguished group of leaders and experts from across the Arab world, alongside partners from specialized international organiSations, convened to exchange expertise and bolster collaboration in training and capacity-building, a fundamental pillar of security and stability. The contemporary security challenges have become more intricate and interlinked, making persistent outstanding training indispensable for capacity-building and helping security personnel keep up with developments and confront risks by proactively leveraging state-of-the-art techniques, Dr al-Mal said. Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar has given foremost priority to the advancement of education and security training systems, in its belief that enduring security begins from the highly qualified human, he underlined. For his part, Ali Kuman affirmed that the conference convenes in Doha Thursday as part of the tremendous interest Qatar gives to the rehabilitation of Arab security apparatuses to be further capable of fully discharging their duties. He heaped praise on the initiative proffered by the Ministry of Interior in Qatar to allocate two annual scholarships at the Police Academy in the name of the late Arab security luminary HRH Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for students from member states. This move is a gesture that embodies fidelity to the legacy of the architect of Arab security cooperation and reflects an unflagging commitment to providing member states with access to the academy’s elevated level of training and professional excellence, Ali Kuman underlined. Ali Kuman further added that hosting this conference by the academy, along with the field visit to its premises, would be an invaluable opportunity to have a glimpse of this premium level, as long as the academy abounds with outstanding scientific programs. The constructive discussions of the agenda would yield consequential outcomes that strengthen Arab cooperation in the areas of security training and rehabilitation, in support of building the capabilities of Arab security apparatuses to deal with a variety of criminal threats, he highlighted. On the first day, the conference explored a flurry of critical subjects on the agenda, including advancing the technological skills of police and security personnel to combat cybercrimes, a benchmark model plan for preventive security training and qualification, alongside a benchmark model plan for security training and qualification in crisis and emergency management. The Police Academy presented a primer on the Virtual Security Operations Center (vSOC), in implementation of the recommendation issued by the Board of Trustees of the Prince Nayef Arab Security Award to present the award-winning pioneering security programs at the relevant meetings convened under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers. The Police Academy's vSOC in Qatar was awarded first place in the category of pioneering security programs for 2024. The vSOC performs a critical role in conducting virtual security exercises based on advanced simulation systems that mimic realistic and complex security scenarios. It also innovates unconventional remediation solutions, in addition to developing the mechanisms of operationalizing the joint operations chambers among different stakeholders to foster security integration and elevates the readiness of the national response system.

The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2026) has signed a co-operation agreement with Barzan Holdings, under which the company will serve as the Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor of the prestigious event for the fourth consecutive edition. Held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces, the ninth edition of Dimdex will take place from Jan 19-22, 2026, at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The event will be held under the theme: "A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow." The enduring partnership between Dimdex and Barzan Holdings underscores the commitment of national entities to supporting major events hosted by Qatar. It further reflects the notable advancement of the country's defence industries, while providing Barzan Holdings with a unique platform to present its innovations to global markets and to engage with the wealth of expertise the event attracts. The signing ceremony was held at the Qatar Ministry of Defence in the presence of HE Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lt. Gen. (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed al-Mannai and Chief Investment Officer at Barzan Holdings Mohammed Ahmad al-Mulla. The agreement was officiated by Chairman of the Dimdex Organising Committee Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh al-Ansari and Chief Commercial Officer at Barzan Holdings Omar Fahad al-Qadi. In this regard, al-Mannai said: "The Qatari Armed Forces takes great pride in organising and hosting the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, which serves as a platform that reflects our commitment to excellence in the military field. Our partnerships with national bodies and institutions play a vital role in the success of this event and in enhancing its international impact. By combining expertise, innovation, and strategic vision, we work together to strengthen Qatar's position across various security and defense sectors, and to build partnerships that contribute to fostering security and achieving sustainable development." For his part, al-Ansari said: "Our longstanding partnership with Barzan Holdings represents a cornerstone in delivering another exceptional edition of Dimdex. The company's pivotal role in advancing the defence industry and introducing cutting-edge technologies to the State of Qatar is fully aligned with our aspirations to build a future defined by sustainable security for generations to come. Dimdex continues to serve as a premier platform for showcasing these innovations, fostering dialogue between government decision makers, industry leaders and exhibitors, and enabling the establishment of strategic partnerships that shape the future of defence and security regionally and globally." Group Chief Executive Officer of Barzan Holdings Eng. Mohammed bin Bader al-Sadah said: "As long-time partners of Dimdex, Barzan Holdings is proud to return as a Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for the 2026 edition. Over the years, our collaboration has been central to advancing Qatar's defence and maritime security goals. One of our main objectives in this edition is to showcase our capabilities, products and services to the international market, and Dimdex provides us with a strategic avenue to achieve that. Dimdex remains a vital platform for us to connect with industry leaders, showcase our latest technologies, and explore new partnerships that drive innovation and contribute to regional security. Together, we are shaping a safer and more secure future through collaboration, technology, and shared expertise." The Barzan Holdings pavilion at Dimdex 2026 is anticipated to be a focal point of interest for visitors, where the company will present its most recent achievements and contributions to the maritime defence sector. As a national leader in the defence and security sector, Barzan Holdings serves as a key gateway for defence industry trade in Qatar. The company actively fosters global co-operation and influential partnerships aimed at advancing knowledge-sharing and investment in innovative defence technologies, thereby consolidating Qatar's position at the forefront of opportunities in the current and future defence markets. Dimdex reaffirms Qatar's commitment to providing a world-class platform to showcase advanced defence innovations, strengthen long-term partnerships, and create new business opportunities. The event further contributes to supporting local economic growth by attracting thousands of participants and visitors in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar’s 3rd Qatar Proteomics Conference brought together world-renowned academic scientists, researchers and scholars for a dynamic exchange of the latest findings, technologies and innovations in proteomics and bioinformatics.This year’s conference featured engaging sessions, focused on groundbreaking technologies and the critical health challenges of our time, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, infectious diseases, and more.Proteomics is the comprehensive study of proteins, focusing on their structure, function, and interactions within an organism. Key topics included mass spectrometry-based technologies, affinity-based platforms, and their applications to investigation of complex health conditions. Additional sessions explored the transformative role of proteomics in population health, showcased insights from the Human Proteome Organisation and highlighted regional developments shaping the field of proteomics in the Gulf region.Leading national, regional and international scientists appeared as expert speakers at the conference, sharing their latest findings and experiences in proteomics and highlighting new developments in the field. The conference was co-ordinated by WCM-Q’s Dr Frank Schmidt, director of the proteomics core and associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics; and Dr Karsten Suhre, professor of physiology and biophysics, assistant dean for intercampus research partnerships, and director of the bioinformatics core, along with members of their team, including instrumentation supervisor Dr Sunkyu Choi, and laboratory supervisor Muna al-Noubi. Dr Schmidt and Dr Suhre were both among the expert speakers at the conference, as was Dr Khaled Machaca, WCM-Q professor of systems & computational biomedicine and vice dean for research, innovation and commercialisation.Dr Schmidt said: “We were very pleased to welcome so many world-class proteomics researchers to Qatar to share their expertise, discuss the latest developments in the field, and explore future collaborative projects. The potential for combining proteomics with other -omics technologies to increase our understanding of complex diseases is vast, and this can pave the way for improved diagnostic techniques and more effective treatment strategies.”The conference also featured poster presentations and networking opportunities, creating a collaborative environment designed to bridge disciplines and accelerate discovery. The Qatar Proteomics Conference has become a landmark regional event at the forefront of global proteomics and cross-omics research, fostering collaboration, innovation and impactful scientific exchange.Dr Suhre said: “We are very happy that the conference has helped to build upon Qatar’s leading role in proteomics research, drawing attention to the country’s growing position as a regional and global hub for very high-quality science in this rapidly developing field. Bringing world-class experts in proteomics together here in Qatar to share their experiences is a very effective way to foster collaboration and drive advances in discovery.”

The State of Qatar participated in the Ukraine Mine Action Conference, held in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on Oct. 22–23, with the participation of senior representatives from more than fifty countries and international organizations. The Qatari delegation was headed by His Excellency Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan Jaber Jaralla Al Marri, with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Defense. The conference, organized by the Government of Japan in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations, aimed to raise awareness and promote partnerships and international cooperation in the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Ukrainian territories. The State of Qatar's participation in this international event reflects its continued commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts, enhancing international peace and security, and maintaining its active role as a partner in multilateral initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of conflicts and promoting global stability.

As part of efforts to advance the implementation of the Government Resource Planning and Management System Project, members of the project’s steering committee took part in the Oracle Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Las Vegas in USA.The conference is one of the world’s leading platforms showcasing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, and AI governance.The delegation’s participation aimed to explore the latest international applications and experiences in human and financial resource management systems, artificial intelligence solutions, cloud technologies, and big data analytics, supporting Qatar’s drive to enhance digital transformation and unify national systems across government entities.The visit came within the framework of Qatar’s agreement with global technology giant Oracle, marking a key step in developing the country’s digital infrastructure and leveraging Oracle’s expertise to build integrated smart systems powered by AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics. The partnership seeks to strengthen institutional integration and improve the efficiency of government resource management.Mashaal Ali al-Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Government Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Chair of the Committee, said: “This visit reflects our commitment to building an integrated digital ecosystem through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders. It supports our efforts to enhance the efficiency of government resource management and improve the quality of public services.”Al-Hammadi added that the collaboration with Oracle represents a pivotal step toward adopting AI and cloud technologies in managing human and financial resources, and in developing intelligent systems that support decision-making and institutional performance, in line with the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030 and the country’s vision for a fully data and knowledge-driven government.On the sidelines of the conference, committee members held several bilateral meetings with Oracle executives and representatives of other global technology firms to review leading international experiences in AI and cloud computing applications. The discussions focused on opportunities for development, knowledge exchange, and aligning best practices with the needs of Qatar’s national project — contributing to faster implementation of digital transformation initiatives and improved efficiency in government operations.The Oracle Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 provided a dynamic platform for these engagements, highlighting the latest global trends in AI and cloud technologies. It showcased how advanced data analytics can drive innovation and enhance institutional performance, with sessions focusing on intelligent cloud applications in human resources, finance, and supply chain management, as well as the future integration of AI and cloud computing as key drivers reshaping business and service models worldwide.The Steering Committee delegation for the Unified Government Resources Planning (UGRP) was established by a Cabinet decision and includes representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau.

Qatar University (QU) participated in the 19th QatarEnergy LNG Engineering Conference, which featured leading experts, professionals, and decision-makers from around the world.The QU pavilion presented a wide range of research projects and technological innovations that highlight QU’s efforts in supporting sustainable energy and digital transformation. Among the innovations was a hybrid energy harvesting system combining piezoelectric and electromagnetic technologies for remote sensing in oil and gas pipelines and nondestructive testing solutions.The system using ultrasonic waves assesses sustainable construction materials such as recycled fibre-reinforced concrete and 3D printing technologies.QU revealed several technical solutions that support sustainability and industrial safety. These included the innovative ClearExhaust device, capable of reducing diesel engine emissions by up to 30%; a smart vibration isolation system using hybrid magnetic materials; the automated Raqeeb platform for heat stress monitoring; and a high-efficiency car radiator designed for hot climates. In the field of smart and robotic technologies, QU presented advanced innovations that improve performance in industrial and environmental sectors. Highlights included HazBot, a robot for inspections in hazardous environments; robotic systems for inspecting gas tanks and complex pipelines; the MasterPi system for developing automation solutions; and a spherical photovoltaic solar system designed to enhance solar energy efficiency.Faculty members and students also participated in scientific sessions and presentations, in addition to showcasing research posters addressing themes such as innovation, technology, sustainability, integrity, operational reliability and safety, and best practices in operational excellence.

Qatar Museums (QM), under the patronage of HE the Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, and in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and a number of regional and international partners, is preparing to organise the 27th Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, on October 28-30 in Doha, under the theme *Sustainability of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies for the Future.The QM announced on its Facebook account that the conference is being held as part of efforts to enhance Arab co-operation in the field of protecting and preserving cultural heritage and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing this vital sector.The QM said that the conference is aimed at highlighting the importance of environmental, technological, and social sustainability of cultural heritage in light of global change, while working to develop future strategies based on scientific methods and innovative practices.It also seeks to enhance the status of heritage as a source of inspiration and knowledge, and a key driver of sustainable development.The conference focuses on key objectives, most notably: addressing environmental and human challenges affecting archaeological and heritage sites in the Arab world; contributing to the development of long-term visions and strategies that ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage; supporting Arab co-operation in the field of heritage preservation and the exchange of expertise between cultural institutions; and ensuring that cultural heritage remains a marker of identity and history, and a source of inspiration and creativity for current and future generations.The conference will address a wide range of vital issues, including concepts, mechanisms, and approaches to sustainability in cultural heritage; the natural, environmental, technological, and human challenges facing heritage sustainability; sustainability strategies and the development of effective approaches to heritage preservation; digital transformation and its role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations; the role of cultural tourism in enhancing the sustainability of heritage sites; and the experiences of Arab countries in protecting and sustaining cultural heritage.The concept of contemporary heritage as a bridge linking the past to the future will also be discussed.The conference will include a high-level opening session featuring representatives of the organisation's Arab member states, keynote addresses by ministers and prominent figures from the Arab world and international organisations, and papers from the organising committee and the Young Researchers Forum.On the sidelines of the conference, the QM will organise the Youth Forum on October 26-30 as a key initiative paving the way for the launch of the conference activities.The forum targets young people and university students specialising in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, providing an interactive platform for young researchers to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.This embodies the "Doha Youth Declaration 2025”.The forum will conclude with the launch of the visions and aspirations of the new generation of Arab researchers toward a more sustainable future for cultural heritage.The declaration will represent an open call to unify efforts among cultural and academic institutions in the Arab world, affirming the role of youth in leading future cultural work with a spirit of innovation and responsibility.

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the 6th Session of the Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers (ICLM) concluded Saturday in Doha, reaffirming the commitment of member states to strengthen cooperation on employment, social protection, and human capital development.Chaired by HE Minister of Labour and Chair of the 6th ICLM, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, the closing session brought together labour ministers, heads of delegations, and representatives from international and regional organisations, alongside experts and civil society, to adopt the final communique of the conference.In his remarks, HE Dr. Al Marri praised the "constructive engagement and shared vision" demonstrated by all delegations, which, he said, had "enriched the discussions and strengthened the spirit of partnership among OIC member states.""The exchange of ideas and best practices over the past two days has shown that when we work together, we can turn shared challenges into shared progress," he said. "Our collective efforts today lay the foundation for fairer, more resilient labour markets across the Islamic world."Dr. Al Marri expressed appreciation for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretariat, the technical committees, and all participating institutions whose contributions ensured the success of the conference. He also reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast support for collaborative initiatives that advance labour standards, job creation, and sustainable development.The final communique welcomed Qatar's proposal, in partnership with the OIC Labour Centre, SESRIC, the Arab Labour Organisation, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to launch joint regional training programmes aimed at developing unified regional guidelines for the recognition of professional skills and qualifications.The document underscored the importance of investing in skills development, promoting decent work, and supporting private sector growth to enhance competitiveness among OIC member states. It also encouraged closer cooperation in the fields of occupational safety and health, agricultural skills development, and the use of digital technologies to shape the future of work."The Islamic world stands at a turning point in the transformation of labour markets," Dr. Al Marri said. "Embracing innovation while upholding the dignity of work will be key to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth for all."The ministers reiterated their collective support for Palestine's right to full membership in the International Labour Organization and other international bodies, highlighting the importance of ensuring decent work and economic opportunities for the Palestinian people.Delegates also commended SESRIC for its regular assessment of the OIC Labour Market Strategy, which helps track progress, identify challenges, and promote knowledge exchange among member states.The final communique further welcomed initiatives to foster networks of small and medium enterprises, women-led cooperatives, and investment promotion agencies, aimed at empowering entrepreneurship and women's economic participation.The conference called on member states to leverage artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance labour market governance, while ensuring ethical and inclusive approaches to technological change.In closing, the participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Government of Qatar for its generous hospitality and excellent organisation of the 6th ICLM, which they described as a milestone in advancing cooperation and solidarity among OIC member states."Qatar is proud to host this platform for dialogue and unity," Dr. Al Marri concluded. "Together, we are shaping a future of work that is just, inclusive, and centred on human dignity."