tag

The Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) concluded a high-level policy roundtable examining the implications of the Ukraine war for the Gulf region.Held at Education City’s Minaretein, the event titled “The Ukraine War Through a Gulf Lens” gathered experts, academics, and international observers to analyse critical intersections between the conflict and Gulf interests, particularly in food security, energy markets, and humanitarian diplomacy. The event was also attended by ambassadors and heads of mission from embassies based in Doha.The Ukraine war has created unprecedented global disruptions that resonate deeply across the Gulf region, which stands at the crossroads of global supply chain vulnerabilities and shifting geopolitical realignments. As major energy exporters and food importers, the Gulf states face both opportunities and risks as a result of this development.Additionally, Qatar's successful mediation efforts in various international crises uniquely position it to lead conflict resolution, particularly in addressing the humanitarian dimensions of family separation and civilian protection.Following opening remarks by ambassador Dr Mohamed Ali Chihi, executive director, GISR, proceedings moved on to a roundtable titled “Exploring Common Interests: Ukraine and the Arab States”. The session explored historical foundations and current Ukraine-Qatar relations, with a focus on Qatar's role as a mediator. It also analysed president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent diplomatic outreach on Palestine, Syria, and Sudan as a strategic bridge for engagement with Arab and Gulf states and mapping future areas for Ukraine-Arab collaboration. This was followed by a roundtable on “Lessons from Ukraine: Regional & International Security”.Dr Chihi stated: “This event holds particular significance as it reflects Qatar’s role as a major diplomatic actor, committed to advancing dialogue and peaceful solutions to some of the world’s most complex crises. In the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, it also reinforces HBKU’s position as a leading hub for public policy dialogue, championing independent analysis, engaging policymakers, and fostering a diversity of thought to address pressing global challenges through an Arab perspective and a forward-looking vision.”Another roundtable, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Energy Security in the Shadow of War,” spotlighted the impact of the war on global energy markets and implications for Gulf producers. It also assessed the geopolitics of energy infrastructure, examining the short and long-term impacts of primary and secondary sanctions on Russian oil and gas. A subsequent roundtable titled, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Food Security in the Shadow of War” assessed the impact of the war on global grain markets and Gulf food import strategies and explored regional cooperation mechanisms for crisis response.

The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has completed an intensive training programme for senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The course, designed under the theme ‘The Role of the State of Qatar in Mediation and the Resolution of Regional Conflicts’, equips officials with advanced skills relevant to the fields of diplomacy and conflict resolution, a statement said. The three-day training, delivered by CPP Prof Dr Sultan Barakat, was attended by around 25 participants holding high-ranking positions at MoFA, Ministry of Defence, and the armed forces. Dr Abdelaziz al-Hour, director of the Diplomatic Institute, stated: “The choice of subject reflects the strategic importance Qatar places on mediation, and we were delighted to have Dr Barakat share his extensive and global experience with our colleagues.” The curriculum explored the complexities of mediation strategies and concepts, analysed real-world case studies, and discussed tools for measuring the effectiveness of mediation, highlighting the importance of regional and international co-operation in peacebuilding. Additionally, participants were informed on how Qatar’s soft power influences policymaking during times of crisis, the impact of the state’s mediation on peace processes in various regions, as well as Doha’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations while maintaining neutrality.

The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), through its Hadaba initiative, recently held ‘Hadaba 25: Public Narrative & Data Storytelling’ forum at Minaretein, Education City. This year's theme was designed to advance innovation in policy design through narrative strategy and data storytelling. In doing so, it explores the intersection of data, which is transparent, accountable, and empirical, with storytelling providing the emotional resonance needed to engage people, build narratives, and communicate complex concepts. The two-day event brought together around 180 policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and students to develop practical, data-driven narratives that inform public policy. It blended collaborative training sessions, masterclasses, workshops, talks and keynotes to ensure participants are equipped with skills in data visualisation, policy communication, and collaborative storytelling. As part of the event, Unicef expert Priscillia Hoveyda delivered a talk on 'Storytelling in Humanitarianism,' emphasising the importance of promoting this medium among people facing displacement and humanitarian crisis. Representatives from Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council; Harvard Kennedy School, Weill Cornell Medical College and the Leadership Hub also led sessions and masterclasses across various topics. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology led a talk session which explored Qatar's public sector in the context of narrative. Commenting on the theme of the event and its significance, Dr Logan Cochrane, acting dean, CPP, said: “Authentic stories are more memorable than raw data, and this starts by understanding exactly what a narrative is, its parts, and how to align them to inspire action and inform decision-making. We recognise that storytelling grounded in data is not only a communication skill but a strategic policy tool.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will host a conference exploring the global ethical implications of AI technologies.Taking place on September 28-29 at Qatar National Convention Centre, the event on the theme ‘AI Ethics: The Convergence of Technology and Diverse Moral Traditions’ will consider the impact of AI on culture, tradition, and values.The conference brings together academics, policy makers, tech industry experts, ethicists, and others from around the world to explore how can AI efficiently and ethically serve humanity.The participants will explore the intersection of foundational and cross-cultural ethical principles with socially disruptive technologies while upholding rich moral legacies, centuries-long scholarship, and diverse perspectives of both secular and religious moral traditions.By blending advanced technology with deep ethical inquiry, the conference also creates a space where technological breakthroughs are measured against values, and progress is guided by purpose.The experts will explore the critical intersection of AI and ethics through six focused thematic tracks, including healthcare, urban design, security, education, finance, and the future of the workplace, reflecting the most pressing contemporary challenges and opportunities. Through these diverse yet interconnected lenses, the conference aims to shape a more just and human-centred technological future.Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president, HBKU, noted: “AI is reshaping every part of our lives, offering immense opportunities while raising urgent ethical questions. Our region’s strong religious foundations and rich heritage uniquely position us to actively contribute to the global dialogue on AI ethics and to offer humanity alternative ethical frameworks. Through this conference, Hamad Bin Khalifa University is bringing global voices together to ensure that AI serves humanity responsibly, guided by values rooted in fair moral traditions.”

Hamad Bin Khalifa University's (HBKU) College of Law, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, hosted the second edition of the conference on 'The Role of ADR, IP Protection, and Innovation in Advancing FDI for Sustainable Development'. The meeting was held at Minaretein, Education City.The two-day event convened an impressive assembly of top legal scholars, industry experts and policymakers to underscore the pivotal role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in intellectual property (IP) issues. In doing so, the gathering highlighted the effectiveness of ADR mechanisms in enhancing collaboration, particularly in sectors critical to sustainable development.Speakers also examined the intersection between sustainability policies and promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as strategies that foster entrepreneurship and SMEs across critical economic sectors. Panelists also elaborated on how robust IP protection can catalyze innovation in specific sectors, achieving the National Development Strategy (NDS3) and contributing to Qatar National Vision 2030.In addition, attendees gained insights into the latest advancements in IP rights protection both regionally and globally, underscoring the need to adapt legal frameworks to support innovation in an increasingly interconnected world. A dedicated session examined dispute resolution and IP protection in sports, where participants discussed the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a case study for regional and global leadership on this issue.Dr. Susan L. Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, HBKU, added: "This conference addresses the critical issue of IP protection and ADR in a fast-changing world. Mediation provides a confidential, efficient, and flexible means of resolving IP disputes, while ensuring business continuity. Qatar has been proactive in promoting mediation, aligning its IP laws with international standards reflecting its commitment to strengthening its dispute resolution framework and promoting a thriving business environment."For his part, Ignacio de Castro, Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, said: "Mediation and arbitration have proven to be effective in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property. This is evident from the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. By working with our partners in Qatar, we shared our experience and WIPO's tools that complement court procedures and help foster innovation in this field."Leveraging multidisciplinary and international partnerships, HBKU continues to foster impactful innovations by inspiring dialogues about contemporary challenges, promoting research mechanisms, and aligning its efforts with Qatar's strategic development goals. (QNA)

As Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) embarks on the 2025-2026 academic year, we celebrate the admission of our largest cohort since the university’s establishment. This year, HBKU has welcomed a record number of Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, reflecting the institution’s growing global appeal and commitment to fostering transformative education. This year’s cohort of students from around the world highlights HBKU’s role as a hub for excellence in interdisciplinarity, where global scholarly impact meets local societal impact. One of the most exciting aspects of this admission cycle is the introduction of several innovative academic programmes designed to address pressing global challenges. Among them is the Master of Global Health Policy, a two-year professional degree that equips students with expertise in international health policy, economics, and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Equally innovative is the Master of Science in Biopsychology and Neuroscience, which focuses on the biological foundations of neurological and psychiatric conditions, preparing graduates to advance mental health research and therapies. The Master of Arts in Translation for the Creative Industries stands out by training translators and cultural mediators for dynamic markets in media, entertainment, and digital content creation. Rounding out these additions is the Master of Science in Economics, focusing on data-driven decision-making in an era of big data and sustainability-conscious decision-making. These programmes not only expand HBKU’s portfolio but also attract a cohort eager to tackle issues in impactful areas like public policy, economics, sustainability, and personalised medicine through cutting-edge research and curricula. At HBKU, we take pride in our unique academic and student support services, which go beyond the curriculum. Our students benefit from personalised mentoring, state-of-the-art research facilities, and holistic wellness programs that ensure their success. Central to this is the HBKU mindset that instils depth in knowledge and research alongside breadth in professional attributes. Graduates emerge proficient in communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, empathy, and leadership. This multifaceted approach empowers them to navigate complexities with confidence. A key strength of HBKU lies in its location within Education City, offering unparalleled access to courses and resources from partner institutions. This ecosystem provides students with flexible pathways, granting them greater agency over their educational journeys. Whether through cross-enrolment opportunities, joint research projects, research mentoring, or collaborative events, learners can tailor their experiences to align with personal and professional goals. Interdisciplinarity is woven into the fabric of all HBKU’s academic programmes. By blending fields like AI, sustainability, personalised medicine, social progress, and progressive education, we prepare graduates for an increasingly complex world in which jobs of the future remain unimagined. Our emphasis on these core areas ensures that students are not just knowledgeable but adaptable, ready to drive innovation in uncertain landscapes. Reflecting on this landmark cohort, I’m inspired by the potential it holds. These students embody HBKU’s mission to cultivate global leaders who will address humanity’s greatest challenges. As they begin their journeys, we remain committed to supporting their growth, fostering a community where curiosity thrives and impact is inevitable. To our latest cohort of students, welcome to HBKU where the future is shaped.