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Youth ambassadors from Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Akhlaquna initiative took part in a panel discussion at the WISE 12 Summit, which explored the impact of non-classroom learning experiences on shaping students’ character and ethical values.The summit – held every two years by QF’s global education initiative WISE – saw the students share their personal journeys and key moments from their experiences both inside and outside the classroom, emphasising the role of non-classroom activities in building skills, strengthening confidence, and reinforcing ethical values, and how these experiences contribute to making a meaningful difference in learners’ lives.Moza Abdulla al-Fakhroo, 19 , spoke about her experience in the session, saying: “I’ve learned that real education isn’t limited to what we receive in the classroom, it’s shaped by every experience we live outside of it.“Being part of the WISE Summit came with a strong sense of responsibility, as it gave us students, a platform to share our experiences. Over the course of my journey, I realized that what truly shaped my character wasn’t grades or assessments, but the initiatives and volunteer work I pursued out of personal motivation and without any reward. These experiences refined me, strengthened my confidence, and gave me the courage to take bigger steps in my path.”“I also realised that values and ethics are not lessons we simply learn from books, they are daily practices that reflect who we are and shape our impact on society. I hope everyone understands that a student is shaped by ethics, experiences, and opportunities just as much as by academics, and that true learning is what helps us discover ourselves and create positive change around us.”Fatima Saad al-Muhannadi, 18, said: “What distinguishes this edition of the conference is its focus on human values, values that are not secondary elements of society, but the foundation upon which we build our relationships, decisions, and daily responsibilities.”During the session, al-Muhannadi highlighted the practical role of ethics in everyday life, beyond theoretical concepts, saying: “Many of the behaviours we practice, whether at home, in school, or in our daily interactions, carry ethical values that influence us and those around us more than we realise.“Through the stories and experiences we shared, it became clear that even simple actions can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and the wider community.”Al-Muhannadi emphasised that successful societal policies must be built on a strong ethical foundation, saying: “Young people are capable of contributing to and even leading the shaping of policies. When ethics form the basis of these decisions, their impact becomes far more positive and sustainable.”Abdulla Mohammad al-Biri, 14, spoke about the impact of student participation on building confidence and responsibility, saying: “I believe that initiatives and activities outside the classroom are not a luxury, but an essential part of a student’s development.“They provide us with skills we cannot gain from classroom learning alone, and introduce us to values such as commitment, respect, and responsibility.”Registration for the 2026 edition of the Akhlaquna initiative is open until January 11. More information is available at www.akhlaquna.qa 

The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) has launched the WISE Education Index at an expert consultation workshop attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.The WISE Education Index is a framework to rethink how the effectiveness of the world’s education systems is assessed. The Index was presented at WISE 12, the latest edition of WISE’s global biennial summit, where leading researchers, economists, and policymakers convened to review and discuss the framework ahead of its pilot phase.The workshop was also attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and saw the participation of Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed al- Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education.The Index addresses a critical gap: while education systems across the world are adapting to rapidly shifting demographics, technological change, and economic transformation, the many current global indicators that measure access, literacy, employability, and national performance fail to capture the full continuum of education from the conditions that shape early learning to long-term processes that influence wellbeing, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning.Unlike traditional approaches that centre on static outcomes often correlated with national wealth, the WISE Education Index seeks to recognise that education systems do not begin from the same starting point. The Index will aim to offer a holistic and process-oriented, rather than input-driven, framework that helps explain not only what education systems achieve, but how they improve over time.“The WISE Index has the potential to become a powerful tool for policymakers, so long as it stays aligned with national priorities, remains clear and practical, and reflects the true purpose of education,” said Nofe al-Suwaidi, secretary general of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, speaking at the high-level consultation workshop. “If designed thoughtfully, it can help us monitor where we stand, where we must go, and how to build systems that nurture learning, equity, and human values.”The Index aims to challenge the long-standing “data-rich but information-poor” reality of global education measurement and support more equitable, evidence-driven approaches to education reform. It aims to support governments and education leaders as they design policies that champion social-cultural integration, innovation readiness, equity and human flourishing.Its multidimensional structure examines systems through the interconnected lenses of inputs, processes, and outcomes, enabling decision-makers to identify the conditions that exist, how resources are used, and which practices down to the classroom level generate the greatest impact.“The Index introduces a new lens for a new era, one that measures education systems not by narrow outputs, but by the full continuum that enables human flourishing. This Index aims to redefine global understanding of what effective, equitable, and future-ready education truly looks like.” said Selma Talha-Jebril, director of Policy and Research at WISE.A global Request for Proposals led to the selection of SUMMA, an education research and innovation lab, as WISE’s research and statistical partner following a rigorous scoring and review process by seven international experts, including representatives from Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.The roundtable brought together global experts to refine the Index’s framework. Their insights will inform a 2026–27 pilot study, during which WISE and SUMMA will collect primary and secondary data across a diverse group of countries. This will test the Index’s domains, dimensions, and indicators and will form the foundation for the inaugural publication of the WISE Education Index publication in late 2027. 

Qatar Foundation (QF) will unveil Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum to the public on Friday, a new addition to the arts and cultural landscape of Qatar, celebrating the life and work of the iconic modern artist Maqbool Fida Husain.The museum is described as a dynamic space where art meets learning, located in Education City. Jowaher al-Marri, manager of Communications Outreach at QF, said: “Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum embodies what Education City stands for – a place where curiosity is encouraged, connections are made, and learning continues throughout life. By bringing Husain’s work into our community, we are creating a space that is open, accessible, and collaborative – where art becomes a catalyst for dialogue and discovery.“The museum reinforces Qatar’s role as a regional and global hub for culture and creativity, inviting people to explore ideas that inspire, challenge, and unite – and we look forward to opening its doors to the world and to audiences from all walks of life.”Syeda Deeba a fourth-year Interior Design student at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar said: “The opening of Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum feels incredibly inspiring. The museum enriches Qatar’s cultural landscape by celebrating one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, and for young designers and artists, it offers a space to study the relationship between art, space, and culture.”Reflecting the openness and inclusivity of Education City, the museum complements existing cultural offerings across Qatar Foundation’s ecosystem, as well as its schools, universities, research centres, and community initiatives. This creates a natural environment for cross-collaborative learning, where people can connect, interact, and collaborate in enriching, unexpected ways.“Education City thrives on collaboration across fields design, engineering, science, medicine, and the arts. A museum dedicated to a major global artist adds a cultural anchor that everyone can access,” Deeba says.“The museum becomes a shared space where students from all disciplines can learn, reflect, and find inspiration. Whether someone is studying architecture, AI, business, or design, Husain’s work opens conversations about history, innovation, identity, and storytelling. It will encourage more cross-campus interactions, workshops, joint projects, and cultural exploration.”Housed in a building inspired by Husain’s own sketch – and brought to life by architect Martand Khosla – the museum offers a unique insight into the artist’s creative vision and multidisciplinary approach. Visitors can explore one of the most comprehensive collections of Husain’s later works, many of which draw on themes from Arab civilisation and Islamic culture, as well as his final masterpiece, Seeroo fi al ardh, which now forms part of Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum.Alongside paintings, films, tapestries, and photography, the museum will host workshops, conversations, artistic programmes, and interdisciplinary encounters. In doing so, it reinforces Education City’s mission to create opportunities that are accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone, enriching the landscape as an active, living space. 

The Al-Attiyah Foundation’s latest sustainability research paper warns that the race to protect food production in fragile environments in the Mena region is accelerating and the window for meaningful action is narrowing.The report, “Sustainable Agriculture in Arid Countries”, paints a sobering picture.Mena holds just 1% of the world’s freshwater yet supports 6% of the global population.For many farmers, this scarcity is no longer an abstract statistic. It is the reason crops yield less, reservoirs dry earlier each year, and groundwater wells sink deeper into deficit. Climate driven droughts have already reduced harvests by 10-30%, threatening both food security and household incomes across the region.Across the Middle East and North Africa, farmers, families and entire communities now stand at a defining crossroads.In the world’s driest region, where every drop of water carries the weight of a livelihood, rising temperatures, deepening droughts and shrinking freshwater reserves are reshaping daily life.“Amid these challenges, there are signs of hope”, Al-Attiyah Foundation noted.Countries such as Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in technologies that give farmers a fighting chance.Precision irrigation, solar powered desalination, climate-smart greenhouses and digital farming tools are helping communities make the most of the water they have.Qatar’s ‘HAIAT’ precision agriculture project, for example, uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to guide farmers on exactly when and how much to irrigate. These innovations show what is possible when science and sustainability work hand in hand.However, many farmers in the region remain in the margins.High upfront costs keep modern irrigation and protected farming systems out of reach for smallholders, the very people who grow a significant share of the region’s food. Despite carrying the greatest climate burden, they receive less than one percent of global climate finance.The report calls for new financial lifelines such as blended finance, concessional loans and climate insurance that can help farmers stay afloat when droughts strike. A recent $7.9mn drought insurance payout in Syria, which supported one hundred and twenty thousand people, shows how powerful these tools can be when designed well.Al-Attiyah Foundation concluded that the region was entering a race for resilience. The countries that will thrive are those that scale water efficient technologies, strengthen governance and unlock climate finance not only for major producers but for the countless small farmers whose resilience keeps food on tables across the region.

The World Innovation Summit for Education ( WISE12) got underway Monday with Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), calling for a shared global commitment to “education that strengthens the values of truth, justice, and beauty” in the age of Artificial Intelligence.**media[385838]**The opening plenary of the summit was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson of QF, several global dignitaries, ministers and other invited guests with over 4,000 delegates from around the globe.**media[385839]**Held under the theme ‘Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education’, WISE 12 has brought together leaders, policymakers, educators, innovators, and other education stakeholders. Over the two days of the conference they will examine how bold but human-centered systemic changes can ensure education remains adaptable, accessible, and relevant for the learners and societies of the present and future.**media[385835]**Opening the summit, Her Highness Sheikha Moza highlighted the value and human role of education, especially amid the rapid changes in the field of Artificial Intelligence. “Here at the WISE Summit, we believe that education is not a public sector service like any other; instead, it is an indisputable and inalienable right. It is a fundamental pillar upon which humanity, justice and progress are built. Education should not be treated as a commodity, nor as a privilege, nor as a favor granted from one person to another,” said Her Highness Sheikha Moza.**media[385834]**“By placing human values at the heart of the educational process, we embark on a restoration project, both for science and for humanity: for science, by ensuring it does not become a force for harm; and for humanity, by reclaiming the essence of our humanity and dignity. Our shared commitment is an education that strengthens the values of truth, justice, and beauty, and our ultimate goal is a science in service to humanity – science that liberates, not enslaves.” Her Highness continued.**media[385833]**The biennial international gathering of education expertise and innovation is advancing the conversation on education’s purpose, its role in serving humanity amid rapid technological progress, and how equity, empathy, and human dignity can remain at the core of its future transformation.**media[385832]**Addressing the gathering at WISE 12’s opening session, Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, said: “We meet in a world where technologies are accelerating to the point where they seem to outpace humanity itself, while in reality they are an extension of humanity’s constant quest for understanding. From this quest, ideas were born.**media[385831]**“From ideas, tools were made, and from these tools, the technology that we today consider a revolution was formed, which is essentially a reflection of the human mind in its attempt to understand, innovate, and leave its mark on this world.”**media[385840]**Following a performance from Syrian singer-songwriter Faia Younan, who also reflected on being an artist in the age of AI, the opening session saw keynote speaker Mo Gawdat, former chief business officer at Google X and now a bestselling author, reflected on why education can be the point at which human values and the technological possibilities of AI align for the good of humanity.And in a discussion with the opening plenary’s moderator, filmmaker and journalist, Amjad Alnour, acclaimed Moroccan-American author Laila Lalami shared her thoughts on how education can safeguard human voices in a time when AI has become a storyteller itself; and intertwining art and education to preserve language, emotion, and empathy in a fast-moving, fast-changing world.The summit will conclude today with a closing plenary where the winner of the WISE Prize for Education 2025 will be announced.

The theme for WISE 12 is Human Values at the Heart of Education, and the title is ‘Humanity.IO’ The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12), a global education initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF), will take place from Monday with with over 4,000 participants from around the globe at Qatar National Convention Centre. "The two-day summit gathers over a large number of speakers and delegates and more than 4,000 participants.We had to close the registration because we exceeded the 6,000 registrations. So actually, we are fully packed and we expect over 4,000 participants to take part in the summit over the two days of conference,” said Shahïn Ammane, Director, Advocacy and Community Development, WISE.Ammane was speaking to Gulf Times at a special Media Day event organised by WISE to highlight the activities of WISE 12. Officials from WISE, QF and Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, finalists of the WISE Prize for Education as well as the jury members of the WISE Prize for Education were present on the occasion.The official said that the theme for WISE 12 is Human Values at the Heart of Education, and the title is ‘Humanity.IO’. “ In every technology evolution, we have always to think about the human first. What is the place of the human in this evolution as well as what is the place of the human in AI area? We think mainly about what is the future of AI, but we don't think about the future of the human within AI. So it is going to be one of the main themes to be discussed during WISE 12,” he explained.Ammane noted that the summit will examine how bold system-level change, anchored in human values, can ensure education remains adaptable, accessible, and relevant. As for the participants in the summit, Ammane said that the highest number of attendees are from Qatar. “It highlights their interest in what is happening in education in Qatar .Some of the discussions that are going to take place during the summit will actually shape the future of education in Qatar and the world,” he continued. Meanwhile, Mana Mohammed al-Ansari, chief economic empowerment officer at the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, said that EAA is participating in the summit as it is a hugely important global event. “At WISE, ideas, innovation and action all come together to reshape the future of learning. At EAA, our mission is to remove the barriers that prevent children and youth from accessibility,” said al-Ansari. Al-Ansari noted that EAA has six programmes and all of them align with education, environment sustainability and economic empowerment of the youth and the marginlised communities.He stated: “EAA will hold seven sessions during WISE 12 which are highly relevant in the current scenario. Through these sessions, the EAA Foundation will highlight cutting-edge solutions that expand access to education, empower youth, and drive inclusive social and economic development.” “Through its participation at WISE 12, EAA Foundation reaffirms its global mission to ensure equitable, innovative, and human-centred education for all, championing solutions that bridge learning with opportunity, safeguard children's and youth's rights, and build sustainable future for vulnerable and marginalised communities around the world,” he added. According to Dr Hend Zainal, executive director, Strategy Management and Partnerships at the Higher Education Division, Qatar Foundation, WISE 12 is a great platform to interact with higher education as well as K-12 education experts from all over the world. “We are going to hear from these experts and discuss the future of higher education and some of the issues that we are all facing right now.QF Higher education also will sign four MoUs at the summit. It also includes a cultural exchange programme with students from George Mason University who will be visiting Qatar next year.” “We, at QF want our students to not only be part of the future, but be part of actually what the future is going to look like.So, it is really important to bring students with such professionals who are participating in the summit. We are holding a few sessions at the summit that are led by higher education experts, people from QF higher education, as well as our partner universities,” added the official.

The Protection and Social Rehabilitation Center (Aman), one of the centers operating under Qatar Foundation (QF), launched the interactive game "Aman Journey" on Tuesday. The event was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and the Doha Bank Group (DBG), marking the celebration of World Children's Day 2025, observed annually on November 20.The launch took place in a dedicated QF pavilion, with Assistant Undersecretary for Special Education Affairs, Omar Abdulaziz al-Naama, alongside several of Aman's partners from various sectors in attendance. Acting Executive Director of Aman, Fadhel bin Mohammed al-Kaabi, emphasised that the center is committed to producing innovative interactive programmes for children, noting that the game aims to strengthen children's awareness of social protection issues, imbue them with skills to hold off all kinds of violence, and reinforce personality building and positive behavior.It is essential to merge technology with awareness projects targeting women and children alike. This approach aligns with Qatar National Vision and efforts to support innovation, as well as the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, which emphasizes digital economy advancement and leveraging technology more broadly to serve the community, al-Kaabi highlighted.He stressed the need for concerted efforts among relevant agencies in the educational and health sectors to ensure a safe environment for children and to push back against violence directed at them, considering them the cornerstone of the future. Director of Community Awareness at Aman, Bukhita al-Ghiathin, explained that the game is an interactive digital platform available on the MoEHE’s Qatar Education portal, targeting children aged 4 to 8 years.The game takes the child on a journey through landmarks in Qatar, delivering awareness content in a question-and-answer format, away from conventional methods, thereby strengthening the child's understanding of social protection mechanisms and how to safeguard themselves at home and in public spaces, outlined al-Ghiathin.Director of the Office of Communication & Media at Aman, Hanan al-Ali, underscored the importance of community partnership in the success of the project, noting that DBG provides prizes for participants, selecting the best player who applies healthy behavioral practices in interactions with others.The game will be available to all public and private schools via the Qatar Education Platform and will be introduced through Aman's awareness workshops in schools, alongside a dedicated pavilion to showcase and operate the game for visitors, as well as promotion through social media platforms, she said.

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the graduation of 24 high school students from its first Future Doctor Programme, an immersive educational initiative to introduce young learners to the world of modern medicine.The Future Doctor Programme is hosted at Sidra Medicine’s state-of-the-art Simulation Centre and offers students a structured, five-day experience that mirrors real clinical environments. Led by a team of Simulation instructors and cross-departmental clinical educators, the programme includes interactive workshops, multi-station simulation training using advanced manikins, and guided clinical exposure.Prof Ibrahim Janahi, chief medical officer and chair, Medical Education at Sidra Medicine, said: “Nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is a core pillar of our mission at Sidra Medicine. The Future Doctor Programme provides students with real, hands-on exposure to the world of medicine and research.We are incredibly proud of the 24 graduates who have demonstrated passion, curiosity, and commitment to learning, playing a role in redefining the future of healthcare in Qatar.” As part of the curriculum, students completed Basic Life Support and CPR accredited by the American Heart Association, alongside introductory skills in first aid, emergency response, and patient communication.The programme is delivered by Sidra Medicine’s clinical and technical experts, ensuring that participants learn in a safe, supportive, and highly specialized environment. Dr Murtada Hammad, director, Medical Education Operations at Sidra Medicine, added: “This programme reflects our belief that early engagement is key to inspiring young people to pursue careers in healthcare. Through simulation, clinical observation, and skill-building activities, students can connect theory with practice in a meaningful way.”

Stars of Science, an initiative hosted at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, is marking its 17th season, celebrating its evolution from a televised competition into a leading scientific and creative movement that is helping shape the region's innovation ecosystem.Since its launch in 2009, the initiative has supported the development of 55 innovative projects and partnered with hundreds of educational institutions, inspiring thousands of young people to pursue their ideas. Its alumni now play an active role in mentoring new participants, reinforcing the sustainability of the region's innovation cycle.To date, 175 graduates from 18 Arab countries have produced impactful innovations in health technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and education.The winner of Season 17, Dr Laid Dardabou of Algeria, exemplifies the programme's legacy. His innovation, ViDa — a smartwatch system that estimates Vitamin D levels and helps prevent related mental health symptoms — secured top public votes and earned the judges' praise for its integration of biotechnology and emotional well-being.

Stars of Science, an initiative hosted at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, is marking its 17th season, celebrating its evolution from a televised competition into a leading scientific and creative movement that is helping shape the region's innovation ecosystem.Since its launch in 2009, the initiative has supported the development of 55 innovative projects and partnered with hundreds of educational institutions, inspiring thousands of young people to pursue their ideas. Its alumni now play an active role in mentoring new participants, reinforcing the sustainability of the region's innovation cycle.To date, 175 graduates from 18 Arab countries have produced impactful innovations in health technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and education.The winner of Season 17, Dr. Laid Dardabou of Algeria, exemplifies the program's legacy. His innovation, ViDa -- a smartwatch system that estimates Vitamin D levels and helps prevent related mental health symptoms -- secured top public votes and earned the judges' praise for its integration of biotechnology and emotional well-being.

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 Foundation’s Doha Debates brings together global thinkers and students for a thought-provoking conversation on whether hard work and talent still determine who rises, or whether “earned success” conceals deeper inequities.Daniel Markovits, Guido Calabresi, professor of law at Yale Law School, argues that the system meant to promote fairness has instead entrenched inequality.“Meritocracy has become the principal obstacle to equality of opportunity, at least in the rich countries of the world,” he says, warning that competition built on elite education and inherited advantage has replaced real mobility.Bryan Caplan, professor of economics at George Mason University, offers a contrasting view. “Meritocracy is pretty real if we actually had open borders where anyone could work anywhere,” he says. For Caplan, prosperity depends on personal responsibility and freedom of movement, not structural intervention.From a human-centred perspective, Dr Poornima Luthra, associate professor at Copenhagen Business School, challenges the idea that opportunity is equally accessible.“Meritocracy is a belief, a system where people are assumed to have opportunity solely on merit,” she says.“In reality, people experience bias and discrimination across many aspects of their identity.”Offering a global outlook, Parag Khanna, founder and CEO of AlphaGeo, sees potential in redefining meritocracy. “Meritocracy can work if the most qualified people are making decisions about the shape and direction of society,” he says, citing governance models that reward expertise and mobility.Adding their voices, students from universities across Qatar reflect on how these ideas resonate with their generation. Sundus Saeed, 26, a social sciences student at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, says, “The system often ensures that people stay out, and if someone rises, hurdles are placed in their way to maintain the status quo.” Carl Jambo, 22, studying international economics at Georgetown University in Qatar, takes an opposing view, saying: “Meritocracy gives you the platform to prove yourself, an individual against the world.”