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The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), successfully concluded a high-level panel discussion titled “Empowering Youth: Bridging Skills, Employment, and Sustainable Pathways” at the Qatar Pavilion during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP30). The session brought together international experts, private-sector leaders, and youth voices to explore how integrated skills development, apprenticeships, digital learning, and cross-sector partnerships can unlock meaningful employment opportunities, especially for marginalised young people, in the context of climate change.The panelists underscored that the twin challenges of youth unemployment and climate vulnerability demand holistic and collaborative solutions. The session opened with remarks from Mr Mahmoud Abdulaziz Al Marwani, Assistant Director of the Climate Change Department in Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, set the tone for a discussion focused on resilience, opportunity, and youth empowerment and Mr. Fahad Malik, Head of Engagement at the EAA Foundation’s Silatech Programme, highlighted the strategic importance of integrating youth economic empowerment into climate-resilient development.Contributions followed from Mr. Richard Choularton, Director of the Climate and Resilience Service at the World Food Programme (WFP); Ms. Olga Petryniak, Senior Director for Africa Resilience Programs at Mercy Corps; Ms. Mariana M. Rocha, Chief of Field Office at UNICEF Belém; and Mr. Kevin Chalhoub, CEO of EV Lab and Head of Brand at Chalhoub Group; Together, the speakers emphasised that bridging policy with practice requires aligning education systems, labour markets, and climate adaptation strategies to create real, sustainable opportunities for marginalised youth.Participants also showcased practical models that connect vulnerable youth to economic opportunities in climate-affected environments, illustrating how climate-smart livelihoods, private-sector innovation, and community-based interventions can accelerate inclusive growth. Personal reflections from Ms. Solange Sampaio dos Santos, a 1MiO Programme beneficiary further demonstrated the transformative impact of skills development and tailored employment pathways in enabling young people to transition successfully into the workforce.Across both thematic rounds, From Policy to Pathways and Future-Ready Youth, experts called for strengthened collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to scale proven models and ensure that young people, particularly those in fragile and rural settings, are not left behind. Panelists highlighted that equipping youth with market-relevant skills is essential not only for economic empowerment but also for advancing climate resilience and delivering on national and global commitments to sustainable development.Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, said: “Today’s discussion reaffirmed that young people are central to building more resilient, prosperous, and climate-smart societies. When we invest in their skills, creativity, and opportunities, we unlock the potential of entire communities. Guided by EAA’s mission to transform learning into real economic opportunity, from learning to earning, we remain committed, together with our partners, to ensuring that all young people, especially the most marginalised, are equipped to thrive in the green and digital economies of the future.EAA Foundation’s participation at COP30 contributes to global efforts to position youth economic empowerment at the heart of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. By sharing best practices, amplifying youth voices, and fostering new partnerships, the Foundation continues to champion inclusive, sustainable pathways that enable young people to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to climate-resilient development.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.orgFor media inquiries, please contact:Mohamed Al-AmriSenior Media Relations [email protected]+974-5000-9960Patience RusareSenior Media [email protected]+974-5993-1560

The Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Media Affairs Committee held a meeting Sunday under the chairmanship of His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan.The committee discussed the government's statement regarding the Council's proposal on the cultural legacy project associated with Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The committee decided to submit its report on the matter to the Shura Council.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), inaugrated the awareness and educational exhibition accompanying the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The inaugration was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry Maha Zayed Qaqaa Al Ruwaili and Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs Omar Abdulaziz Al Naama. The exhibition aims to introduce students to the importance of combating corruption, promoting a culture of integrity, and highlighting the State of Qatar's efforts in supporting international initiatives in this field. It also seeks to encourage students to adopt positive behaviors that promote integrity in their school and community environments. Al Ruwaili confirmed that the exhibition will receive student visits from Nov. 16-20 at the Ministry's headquarters, with the aim of consolidating the values ​​of integrity and transparency among students, and supporting educational and awareness efforts that contribute to building a generation aware of issues of combating corruption and its impact on society and development. For his part, Director of the Planning, Quality and Innovation Department at ACTA Eid Al Hajri confirmed that organizing the exhibition comes in conjunction with Doha's hosting of the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption. He noted that the conference, which Doha will host from Dec. 15-19, will bring together representatives from 192 member states, as well as UN bodies, regional organizations, civil society institutions, research centers, and private sector representatives. Al Hajri explained that hosting the conference, which is jointly organized by ACTA and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, is an international testament to the confidence in the State of Qatar's efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption. It also highlights the country's position as a center for international dialogue and development initiatives. He noted that this is not the first time Qatar has hostedthe conference, as it previously hosted the third session in 2009, which was the first session held in the Middle East region. He added that the conference is the most important global gathering held every two years for States Parties to the Convention, aimed at discussing global corruption-related challenges, reviewing efforts undertaken, and proposing practical solutions to enhance transparency and integrity.

Her Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater met, separately, with ambassador of the Republic of Ukraine Andrii Kuzmenko; ambassador of the Republic of Italy Paolo Toschi; ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Walid Fahmy El Feki; and Charge d'Affaires of the United States Embassy Stephanie Altman Winans.**media[381440]**Discussions during the meetings, focused on prospects for co-operation in education, higher education, and research, as well as ways to strengthen and expand partnerships between academic institutions in Qatar and their counterparts in the respective countries.

With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming every industry, including education, teachers around the world are navigating a complex new era. Despite growing enthusiasm for AI, many teachers remain underprepared to use it effectively; in Qatar, only 30% of surveyed teachers reported a strong understanding of how AI works in education.“This highlights a critical knowledge gap that must be addressed through targeted professional development,” said Reem al-Sulaiti, manager of Research and Policy at WISE, a global education think tank and an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF).Studies led by WISE in collaboration with USC Rossier School of Education, MIT Open Learning, and QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University offer a comprehensive view of how educators in diverse contexts are adopting AI tools to personalise learning, manage classrooms, and prepare students for an AI-driven future.These studies, spanning countries such as Qatar, the US, India, the Philippines, Colombia, Ghana, and Uganda, reveal both the promise and the pitfalls of AI in education. Qatar stands out in WISE’s global research as a country with advanced infrastructure and strong enthusiasm for AI in education, yet it still faces critical challenges in teacher readiness and equitable integration.“Despite Qatar’s robust digital infrastructure, the WISE research study in partnership with MIT found that many AI tools are not well integrated into Arabic-language platforms or aligned with local curricula,” al-Sulaiti said.“Teachers emphasised the need for culturally relevant and linguistically accessible tools that support differentiated instruction for diverse learners, including multilingual students and those with special needs.” Although across all five countries in the WISE research study in partnership with USC, 60% of teachers reported that AI helped them tailour instruction to meet diverse student needs – from adjusting content and pace to providing targeted support as enables more personalised learning experiences – many teachers noted that existing AI tools are poorly aligned with local curricula and cultural contexts.“We need AI that reflects our languages, our learners, and our goals,” al-Sulaiti said. WISE’s research also underscores the ethical complexities of AI in the classroom. Teachers expressed concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI to reinforce existing inequalities.In the Global South, inconsistent access to devices, internet, and electricity means that AI tools often benefit high-performing, well-resourced students while leaving others behind. “Equity gaps don’t stem from AI itself but from whether teachers receive training in equitable, inclusive integration,” al-Sulaiti said. Teachers called for AI tools that support struggling learners, multilingual students, and those with special needs. They also stressed the need for institutional policies on data safety, academic integrity, and ethical AI use.

Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented wave of cultural, economic, and sports activities in November, as Doha prepares to host a series of international conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and championships, highlighting its position as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and excellence.From Sustainability Week to the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Doha Film Festival, and Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism, the events cover sectors such as sports, economy, health, education, and culture, reflecting Qatar's vision of promoting international dialogue and supporting sustainable development.Nov 1-7: Qatar Sustainability Week led by Earthna, 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week will highlight sustainability efforts.Nov 3-27: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Qatar is set to host its third global tournament under the supervision of FIFA, after it has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 World Cup November 4-8: KIDS EXPO 2025 Under the theme "Our Children are the Greatest Treasure," the second edition of the Expo will be held to raise awareness about children's rights.Nov 5-8: Qatar Boat Show 2025 Held at the Old Doha Port, the second edition of Qatar Boat Show 2025 will combine heritage, luxury, and innovation in yachting.Novr 11-13: Qatar Medicare 2025 Qatar Medicare stands as Qatar's first International Healthcare and Medical Trade Exhibition and Conference, convening an extensive network of healthcare stakeholders.Nov 17-19: Rowad 2025 Conference Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding," Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 is considered the most influential event in the State of Qatar's entrepreneurship sector. This year's edition will focus on the requirements for international growth and expansion beyond local markets.Nov 20-22: 17th Gulf Heart Association Conference The conference will cover numerous topics of advanced and general cardiology. It aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and research on all aspects of heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.Nov 20-23: 5th Qatar Taekwondo Open Championships The Championship will bring together international athletes.Nov 20-28: Doha Film Festival Doha Film Festival upports talent, promots cultural dialogue, and showcases innovative visions.Nov 24-25: 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) centers around the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education." WISE 12 aims to deepen discussions on the purpose of education and its pivotal role in serving humanity.Nov 24-26: Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism 2025 (QTM 2025) QTM 2025 is a prominent platform in the field of travel and tourism, bringing together leading global destinations to showcase the latest trends in sports tourism, conferences and exhibitions tourism, business and cultural tourism, and leisure tourism.Nov 25-26: MWC Doha 2025 MWC25 Doha is the first-ever edition of the GSMA's MWC Series to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event marks a key milestone in positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation and transformation.The conference will explore three key themes: AI Nexus, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in powering innovation; Intelligent Economies, centered on secure digital infrastructure and next-generation networks; and Connected Industries, highlighting the growing impact of emerging technologies on daily life and economic systems.Nov 27-29: 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC Qatar 2025) The Conference brings together specialists, policymakers, and researchers to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of primary health care.Nov 28-30: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship It is one of the season's most anticipated races.This vibrant calendar underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to solidifying its position on the global events map, attracting international expertise, and affirming its leadership in building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Education Above All (EAA), and King's Trust International (KTI) have signed an agreement to tackle global youth unemployment and empower young people worldwide, with the aim of reaching over 51,000 youth.In a statement, QFFD said that the signing ceremony, held on the sidelines of King's Trust International's 10th anniversary celebrations in London, and was signed by Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, Mohammed Saad al-Kubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Education Above All Foundation and Will Straw, Chief Executive Officer of King's Trust International.This partnership, with QFFD as a principal benefactor, will advance KTI's Generation Potential campaign and expand the reach of programmes across Pakistan, Jordan, Nigeria, Ghana and the Caribbean, focusing on promoting youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and gender equality.These efforts aim to equip the next generation with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly complex job market, while placing a particular emphasis on youth in fragile and underserved communities, especially young women and marginalised groups, empowering them to play an active role in driving sustainable development and building resilient, inclusive societies.Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, stated: "At the heart of our mission at QFFD lies a deep belief in the potential of young people to shape a better and more sustainable future for all. Through this partnership, we are investing in youth as catalysts of development, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to lead positive change within their communities. Empowering youth is an investment in peace, prosperity, and shared humanity, and together we are reaffirming our collective commitment to ensure that no young person is left behind."Mohammed al-Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, said: "At Education Above All Foundation, we believe that empowering youth with the skills and knowledge to navigate the green economy is fundamental to achieving sustainable development. With the support of our strategic partner, Qatar Fund for Development, and through our collaboration with The King's Trust International, we are creating opportunities that not only transform individual lives but also drive collective action toward a more equitable and resilient world."Will Straw, Chief Executive of King's Trust International, added: "We are deeply grateful to Qatar Fund for Development for their visionary support. This partnership enables us to reach more young people than ever before, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to shape their own futures. Young people today face enormous challenges, from economic instability to the climate crisis. But they also represent our greatest hope. Through this partnership with QFFD, we are not only investing in their potential but are amplifying their voices, unlocking their talents, and standing alongside them as they build a better future for us all."This partnership reflects the enduring bilateral relations and shared vision between Qatar and the United Kingdom, united in their commitment to advancing human development, fostering social inclusion, and expanding economic opportunity, thereby contributing to a more equitable and sustainable global future.

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Ability Friendly programme, under Pre-University Education, organised a two-day swimming competition aimed at promoting inclusion through sport and empowering people with disabilities.The competition brought together around 70 participants and their families as part of an initiative that reflects Ability Friendly programme and its commitment to providing sports and recreational activities that offer participants equal opportunities to showcase their skills and build self-confidence.The event was sponsored by Sasol, reaffirming its commitment to empowering people with disabilities.The partnership with the QF aims to promote sports as a platform for rehabilitation, empowerment, and community inclusion.“At Sasol, we believe that true progress is measured not only by innovation and growth, but by how inclusive and equitable our communities become,” said Sasol vice-president (Qatar Country Management) Lourens Jacobs.“Through our long-standing collaboration with Qatar Foundation and our Accessible Qatar initiative, we continue to champion opportunities that empower every individual to participate fully and equally in society,” he said. “This Ability Friendly Swimming Competition reflects a shared belief that when barriers are removed, talent, courage, and determination shine through.”Jacobs emphasised that sport serves as a universal language, one that celebrates ability, strengthens communities, and inspires change.He highlighted that the athletes competing in the event demonstrate that inclusion is not about accommodation, but about creating environments where everyone can excel.Aisha Jassim al-Ali, the mother of Jassim al-Sulaiti, one of the participants with autism, said: “For Jassim, swimming has become a source of confidence and independence. He joined the Ability Friendly programme eight years ago, and since then, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in his personality, one that has had a positive impact on his daily life, behaviour, and self-confidence.”“The Ability Friendly programme is a true outlet for our children,” she said. “It’s no longer just about playing sports for recreation, but about preparing champions who can compete in local tournaments.”“Today, I see Jassim competing alongside his peers with confidence and pride,” al-Ali added.

With Gaza's education system shattered by two years of gruelling war, Unicef's regional director says he fears for a "lost generation" of children wandering ruined streets with nothing to do."This is the third year that there has been no school," Edouard Beigbeder, the UN agency's regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, told AFP in Jerusalem on Thursday after returning from the Palestinian territory."If we don't start a real transition for all children in February, we will enter a fourth year. And then we can talk about a lost generation."The devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas reduced swathes of Gaza to rubble, displaced the vast majority of its population at least once and crippled public services.The destruction "is almost omnipresent wherever you go," Beigbeder said."It is impossible to imagine 80 percent of a territory that is completely flattened out or destroyed," he added.A US-brokered ceasefire which came into effect earlier in October has allowed Unicef and other education partners to get about one-sixth of children who should be in school into temporary "learning centres," Beigbeder told AFP."They have three days of learning in reading, mathematics and writing, but this is far from a formal education as we know it," he added.Beigbeder said that such learning centres, often located in schools or near displacement camps, consisted of metal structures covered with plastic sheeting or of tents.He said there were sometimes chairs, cardboard boxes or wooden planks serving as tables, and that children would write on salvaged slates or plastic boards."I've never seen everyone sitting properly," he added, describing children on mats or carpets.Despite the ceasefire, Beigbeder said the situation for Gaza's education system was catastrophic, with 85 percent of schools destroyed or unusable.Of the buildings still standing, many are being used as shelters for displaced people, he said, with the situation compounded by the fact that many children and teachers are also on the move and looking to provide for their own families.Gaza's school system was already overcrowded before the conflict, with half the pre-war population under the age of 18.Of the schools managed by the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority alone, Beigbeder said that some 80 out of 300 were in need of renovation.He said 142 had been completely destroyed, while 38 were "completely inaccessible" because they were located in the area to which Israeli troops have withdrawn under the ceasefire.The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said on October 18 that it was launching a "new e-learning school year" with the aim of reaching 290,000 pupils.Beigbeder said it was vital to put education "at the top of the agenda" and rebuild a sense of social cohesion for Gaza's children, almost all of whom are traumatised and in need of psychological support.Unicef said one of the priorities was getting permission at border crossings to bring in materials to set up semi-permanent schools, as well as school supplies which have been blocked as they're considered non-essential.Israel repeatedly cut off supplies into the Gaza Strip during the war, exacerbating dire humanitarian conditions, with the UN saying it caused a famine in parts of the Palestinian territory.The World Health Organisation said Thursday there had been little improvement in the amount of aid going into Gaza since the ceasefire took hold -- and no observable reduction in hunger."How can you rehabilitate classrooms if you don't have cement? And above all, we need notebooks and books ... blackboards, the bare minimum," said Beigbeder."Food is survival. Education is hope".

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that more than 8,000 of its teachers in the Gaza Strip are ready to assist in helping children to return to learning and resume their education. In a statement posted on its official account, UNRWA stressed that it is the largest humanitarian organization operating in the Gaza Strip and must be allowed to carry out its duties without obstacles. It affirmed that the children of Gaza have been deprived of education for far too long, stressing the need to enable them to return to school as soon as possible. The Israeli aggression has severely impacted all service sectors in the Gaza Strip, including the education sector. Over 785,000 students have been deprived of their right to education, with the war destroying approximately 95 percent of educational institutions.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has launched the quality assurance guide for education centres as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance performance and improve efficiency, ensuring comprehensive quality and institutional excellence.In a statement, the ministry said that the guide sets clear procedures, tools, and standards that enable it to accurately evaluate the performance of education centres, thus, enabling constant improvement to their outcomes and operations.It added that the quality assurance guide establishes a mechanism to evaluate and classifying centres into four categories: Excellent, Good, Acceptable, and Weak.The statement said that this classification is based on both internal and external evaluation processes that ensure accuracy and objectivity.The MoEHE indicated that the guide also helps monitor centres’ compliance with laws and licensing regulations, and assessing their performance based on five specific national standards:Leadership and managementHuman and material resourcesEducational and training environmentMonitoring and evaluationLocal and international partnershipsThese standards cover 11 areas and include 29 performance indicators.The guide outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Educational Services Centres, the evaluation committee of education centres, and education centres themselves, ensuring co-ordination and alignment in achieving set goals.In a related context, the ministry announced a training programme scheduled for November, targeting a number of pilot education centres involved in implementing the quality assurance guide, in preparation for its nationwide rollout.The guide was reviewed and validated by several national institutions, including the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), the Community College of Qatar (CCQ), Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE), and the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation, in addition to the Educational Planning, Policy and Innovation Department, and the School Evaluation Department.

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education has announced the opening of registration for the 2026 edition of its Akhlaquna initiative, including the Akhlaquna Award, which recognises youth and community projects that embody and promote ethical and human values in Qatar and beyond.Registration will continue until January 11, 2026. Applicants can apply across four established categories: the Junior Award (ages 7–14), the Youth Award (ages 15–18), Individual Contributions – Qatar, and Individual Contributions – GCC (ages 25–45). This year also marks the launch of a new category – the Al-Shabab Award – which aims to broaden participation and empower young people to showcase their initiatives.Al-Shabab Award highlights morally driven initiatives that create a positive impact on society. It is open to individuals and groups (aged 18–25), encouraging young people to present projects with a clear ethical dimension, whether developed individually or collaboratively.This year also marks the launch of the annual Akhlaquna campaign under the theme “Thank You”. The campaign seeks to foster a culture of gratitude, recognition, and meaningful appreciation, encouraging communities to practice thankfulness not only through words but also through actions and initiatives that strengthen social bonds.Ahmad Yousef al-Malki, project manager and member of the Akhlaquna team, said: “Over the years, the Akhlaquna initiative has become a cornerstone in encouraging ethical initiatives within our society. The initiative continues to provide a platform for highlighting and honouring projects that bring about positive change and inspire individuals to integrate moral values into their daily lives.”Speaking about this year’s campaign, al-Malki explained: “‘The theme of this year’s campaign, reflects QF’s vision of instilling a culture where gratitude and appreciation are not only expressed but also practised in ways that make a tangible impact. By promoting this value, we aim to strengthen relationships and encourage individuals to contribute positively to their communities.”“Our goal is to empower young people and the wider community to adopt ethical values as a guiding principle in their lives. By recognising and supporting them, we contribute to creating a growing impact that extends beyond the award itself, helping build a society where ethics and humanity shape our shared future.“We have high hopes for this edition, especially with the introduction of the new category. Our aim is to reach more young people committed to promoting ethical values and making a difference in their communities.“The Akhlaquna initiative aspires to leave a lasting legacy by encouraging ethical behaviour in society, inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and by honouring initiative leaders as role models for others.”As part of Akhlaquna activities, school visits and student engagement sessions were held across QF schools and beyond, introducing students to the award’s objectives and categories and encouraging them to participate with their ethical initiatives. These sessions also included the implementation of this year’s campaign, “Thank You”, through interactive and practical activities that strengthened the value of gratitude within the school environment and encouraged students to practice thankfulness in their daily lives, both inside and outside the classroom.More information about the Akhlaquna Awards is available at www.akhlaquna.qa