tag

Class of 2024 Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) graduate Fatima Yunusa has won the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship — the world’s oldest and most competitive international scholarship.A Nigerian public policy researcher, Yunusa is one of three recipients of the 2026 Rhodes Scholarship in West Africa. She is also among more than 30 other Georgetown students and alumni who have received the scholarship, and the third graduate of Georgetown’s Qatar campus to receive the award in the past five years, joining the likes of Khansa Maria (SFS’21), and Asma Shakeel (SFS’24).The scholarship selects promising young people from around the world who demonstrate integrity, leadership, character, intellect and a commitment to service to study at the University of Oxford.“Fatima’s commitment to uplifting others combined with her focus on public policy and public service exemplifies Georgetown’s highest ideals, and we look forward to seeing what she will accomplish,” said Georgetown Interim president Robert M Groves.As a Rhodes Scholar, Yunusa wants to build on her skills through public policy and public policy research graduate programmes in order to advance her home country’s national development.“I’m concerned about poverty eradication, poverty, and how it prevents people from living a life of dignity. My interest in development comes from recognising that high-quality jobs and opportunities are the most sustainable way for poverty alleviation,” said Yunusa, adding: “It’s a huge opportunity. I’m excited to learn from people who know public service from around the world.”Yunusa grew up moving across different parts of Nigeria. Along the way, she noticed how highly skilled individuals often lacked meaningful employment opportunities. She also saw people she loved struggle with these challenges in professions that hardly made ends meet. Her experiences made her question what she could do to empower communities to maximise their skills and talents.“While talent development initiatives exist in the country, they are not sustainable enough to yield the scale of transformation necessary to secure the country’s future. Existing initiatives are fragmented across sectors, often outdated, or tied to political administrations rather than lasting institutional mandates,” she said. “Nigeria must align its talent, market needs, and position within the international economy to advance.” 

Qatar Chamber hosted Monday the activities of the ‘2nd Conference on Environmental, Social, and Institutional Governance (ESG) Qatar 2025’, organised by Hawkama Centre for Public Relations, in cooperation with the Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) in England and Qatar Chamber as a strategic partner.Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali bin Saud al-Thani, president of the conference, affirmed that ESG has become a major driver of business worldwide. He stressed that companies seeking to strengthen their competitiveness in global markets and attract foreign direct investment must adhere to the highest international standards, with ESG now forming an integral component of these standards.He noted that Qatar holds a leading position in adopting ESG frameworks, guided by a proactive vision that places sustainability at the core of its national priorities. He explained that ESG standards serve as a fundamental pillar for building sustainable sectors such as tourism, financial services, and technology.Sheikh Dr Thani emphasised that ESG has evolved into a strategic tool for managing risks, generating growth opportunities, enhancing reputation, and attracting capital and talent. He warned that companies neglecting these standards risk falling behind in an increasingly dynamic and rapidly changing global economy.Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri said the conference plays a key role in raising awareness about the implementation of ESG standards across economic sectors. He noted that the event provides an important platform for showcasing best practices in governance, reporting, financial integration, and innovative approaches to sustainability.Alan Darby, Corporate Partnerships manager at ISEP–UK, said Qatar plays a leading role in integrating ESG standards, noting that ISEP co-operates with various Qatari entities and companies to implement best practices in this field.He also affirmed that the risks associated with climate change will have direct impacts on the economy, businesses, and supply chains. He noted that while these challenges pose significant risks, they also open the door to new economic opportunities, with the private sector expected to play a key role in addressing and leveraging them.Engineer Abdulwahab Bukshaisha from the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said Ashghal works to integrate ESG standards across all stages of its projects, placing community safety and quality of life at the top of its priorities.He noted that Ashghal is committed to developing facilities and urban infrastructure that enhance security and safety while promoting best practices. He stressed Ashghal’s commitment to working with a spirit of innovation to support the future of the State and reinforce the principles of sustainability.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) participated in the forty-eighth session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which was recently held in Rome, the Italian capital, with representatives from member states and international organisations concerned with establishing global food standards.MoPH participated in strengthening international efforts to establish unified scientific standards and references for food safety and quality, and to promote fair trade in food products, in line with the State's commitments to international bodies, especially the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.During the meetings, a decision was made to adopt a standard for fresh dates as an international standard and to introduce a standard for pasteurised camel milk as a new work item on the Codex Alimentarius agenda.This represents support for the regional proposal led by the Codex Committee for the Near East, which includes the State of Qatar within its regional framework.The meetings also included participation in the review of the code of practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, the setting of maximum limits for lead in spices and herbs, and the updating of standards for food additives and chemical contaminants.MoPH's Food Safety Consultant Dr. Muna Al Olan affirmed that the Ministry's participation in the meetings is part of national efforts to enhance Qatar's presence in international forums concerned with food safety, and to contribute to the formulation of global decisions and standards that help raise the level of protection for local consumers and develop the national food safety system in line with the latest international practices and standards.She also praised the active role of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in unifying international efforts to ensure food safety and achieving the highest levels of transparency and trust between countries, stressing the Ministry's keenness to maintain close cooperation with international and regional partners in this field.

Senior government officials, academics, and innovation leaders have explored how Public Innovation Labs (PILs) can help governments improve service delivery, foster citizen engagement, and build agile institutions.Eman al-Kuwari, director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), underscored how MCIT is reimagining the role of government in the digital age, citing the TASMU Innovation Lab.“Technology is the means, not the end; we created the Innovation Lab to offer a safe environment for experimentation. It’s a space where we can test emerging technologies, validate ideas, and include the wider ecosystem.“That includes startups, academia, and private sector partners. We’re reimagining how government works — and that starts with giving teams the confidence to try,” al-Kuwari pointed out during the inaugural ‘Ibtechar Majlis’, a new dialogue series launched earlier by Qatari innovation firm Ibtechar.She added that innovation must be embedded in the culture of public institutions: “It’s not just about infrastructure or policy — it’s about building a mindset. We want government teams to be able to experiment, to test, and to learn. That’s how we bring real value to public services.”Nejoud M al-Jehani, executive director of Strategy & Programmes at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, offered a strategic framing of innovation, distinguishing between internal reform and ecosystem-wide transformation.“We differentiate between government innovation and public innovation. Government innovation is about improving internal processes — policies, service delivery, operations. Public innovation is broader. It’s about creating value for society by mobilising the entire ecosystem: government entities, corporates, startups, and universities,” al-Jehani explained.Emphasising the dual role of government in this landscape, she continued: “As an adopter, government defines challenges and becomes the first customer. That builds market confidence. As an enabler, it sets standards, opens partnerships, and creates the conditions for innovation to thrive across sectors.”Hissa al-Tamimi, director of Governmental Innovation at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), spoke about the launch of Qatar’s first government accelerator and its role in bridging national priorities with operational realities.She said, “We’re rethinking how services are designed and how operations are managed. The accelerator helps us connect national projects with the day-to-day work of government entities.”Al-Tamimi also addressed the cultural challenge of embedding innovation in public institutions, saying, “If innovation were just about systems, adaptation would be easy. But when you’re dealing with people, that’s where the challenge lies. Innovation pushes us beyond our comfort zones. It’s not a privilege — it’s a way of living. That’s the only way we can advance.”Dr Georgios Dimitropoulos, professor and associate dean for Research at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Law, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and government: “Academia brings ideas and evidence. The government brings implementability. The two sides need each other.”Citing historical examples to illustrate the power of this partnership, Dimitropoulos said: “Think of the Manhattan Project, the COVID vaccines, and the Internet. These were all born from collaboration between government and academia. Qatar’s AI strategy is a local example. It was developed with HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute, and it positioned the country as an early adopter.”Ibtechar co-founder and CEO Nayef al-Ibrahim, who moderated the discussion, framed the Majlis as a culturally rooted space for dialogue and co-creation, adding that it is “an integral part of Qatari culture.”“Public Innovation Labs continue that spirit. They offer governments safe spaces to test ideas, co-create with citizens, and deliver agile services. In a small state, a model that combines centralised coordination with decentralised experimentation brings significant value. It allows for flexibility, inclusion, and scale—all while maintaining coherence,” he added.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued a circular requiring pharmaceutical companies to print essential information about human medicinal products in Braille on their outer packaging. Implementation will be introduced gradually and will become compulsory for all pharmaceutical products available to the public from November 2027.The requirement stipulates that the name of the medicine, its active ingredient and strength must be printed in Braille in both Arabic and English.The MoPH has also issued the Guideline on the Braille Requirements for Labelling Information of Medicinal Products for Human Use, which defines the technical and regulatory standards for implementation.Dr Ghanim Ali Al Mannai, Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Regulatory Affairs at the MoPH, affirmed that this measure forms part of the Ministry's efforts to enhance medication awareness across all segments of society, and to facilitate safe access to and use of pharmaceutical products by people who are blind or visually impaired. He noted that this aligns with the priorities of the National Health Strategy (NHS), which seeks to improve population health and wellbeing, deliver excellence in healthcare services and patient experience, and promote quality, key enablers and sustainability.Dr Al Mannai added that the Ministry also aims to ensure the safe use of medicines and to improve access to information about medical products for people with visual impairments.He further explained that the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department at the MoPH will monitor implementation at all stages of pharmaceutical product registration, including new registrations, renewals, and modification requests. Compliance will also be verified during inspection and regulatory visits carried out by the Department's teams to pharmacies and drug warehouses.

The Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' has announced the completion of main works for the Design and Build Project for the TSE Seasonal Storage Lagoons - Phase 1. The project comes as part of the Authority's efforts to promote environmental sustainability and make optimal use of treated water and renewable water resources, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.The project engineer from the Drainage Networks Projects Department at Ashghal Eng. Waled al-Ghoul stated that the first phase of the project included the construction of five reservoirs (lagoons) with a total storage capacity of 22.5mn cubic metres, in addition to an evaporation pond with a capacity of 8.7mn cubic meters.He added that these reservoirs will be supplied with treated water from the Doha South Sewage Treatment Plant through the rising main (D-Line). Eng. Waled al-Ghoul explained that the project aims to balance the usage of treated water quantities produced throughout the year.Surplus water is stored during the winter season for reuse during the summer months when demand for treated water increases for irrigating green spaces, ornamental plants in public parks and along roads, and for supplying fodder farms.The treated water can also be used in cooling systems and dust control at work sites. Eng. Waled emphasised Ashghal's commitment to implementing construction practices that contribute to enhancing environmental sustainability within the project. More than 8mn cubic metres of recycled excavation materials were reused to construct the storage lagoons, thus reducing resource waste.The project also contributes to providing an attractive natural environment for migratory birds such as pink flamingos, plovers, and other wild birds. The project included the construction of a 6km access road and a 25 km-long internal road network.A total of 8km of water pipelines were also laid, including the necessary hydraulic components for supplying the reservoirs and transporting water between them. In addition, 8 buildings were constructed for operation and maintenance, along with electrical substations and other facilities.It is worth noting that Ashghal achieved 10mn man-hours without a lost-time injury (LTI) during the implementation of the first phase of the project, which included deep excavation works carried out at depths of up to 10 metres below the ground, thanks to the authority’s keenness to apply the highest standards of occupational safety and health in all stages of implementation.

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.

Katara Cultural Village has organised a Turkish cultural evening in collaboration with Katara-chaired Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), the Turkish embassy in Doha, and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre.A number of ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, an audience from the Turkish community, and lovers of oriental music in Qatar were in attendance.The evening, marking the Turkish Republic Day commemoration, featured interaction from the public, rejoicing to the cultural atmosphere, with Turkish singer Zehra Ozgelik performing heritage and contemporary song compositions that ranged from *muwashshahs to patriotic songs, reflecting the cultural identity of Turkiye and its artistic richness.Addressing the event, Turkish ambassador Dr Mehmet Mustafa Goksu said that everyone celebrates this day as Turkiye approaches its second centennial, at an event elevated by the distinguished presence and patriotic spirit of attendees, creating an unforgettable occasion.Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre (Doha) director Anwar Cidek highlighted that music is a global language that unifies peoples and brings cultures together.He noted that through its programmes, the centre strives to promote cultural exchange between Turkiye and Qatar.The evening is part of a series of joint cultural events that Katara holds with the Turkish embassy and the centre in Doha, manifesting the depth of historic and humanitarian ties between the Qatari and Turkish peoples, aiming to shore up bilateral cultural dialogue through arts and innovation. – QNA

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 Ministry of Public Health has launched the Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years), as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the health and quality of life of mothers and children.The guidelines aim to support the health of mothers and their children through scientifically based recommendations covering the stages before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout the early years of a child's life.The guidelines were developed with the participation of a group of experts and specialists in nutrition and health.The guidelines consist of seven chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including diet, lifestyle, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and other important subjects. Each chapter is designed to empower individuals to adopt healthy habits and make informed decisions.These guidelines serve as an educational and informative tool that helps raise public health awareness across the community, thereby contributing to improving maternal and child health and ensuring healthy child development. They also act as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and a reference point for the development of future health policies and programmes.Director of the Health Promotion Department at the MoPH Dr Salah Alyafei said: "Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years) play a vital role in fostering a healthy society by establishing strong health foundations for individuals from an early age."He added that the MoPH developed the guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and internationally recommended best practices, while considering the cultural and social context of Qatari society.He noted that proper nutrition during pregnancy and throughout the first five years of a child's life is among the most important factors directly influencing a child's health. It also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases in the future and ensuring better health for both current and future generations. (QNA)

As discussions for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas reach a pivotal stage, new findings from CNN data expert Harry Enten reveal a dramatic change in how Americans view the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.For the first time in over four decades of polling, a greater number of Americans now express support for Palestinians than for Israelis.“Back in October 2023, public opinion favored Israel by a wide 48-point margin,” Enten explained. “Today, that balance has flipped — Palestinians are ahead by a single point. We've never seen anything like this.”According to Enten, this marks the first recorded lead for Palestinians in U.S. sentiment regarding the long-standing Middle East dispute — a shift he described as “historic in its scale.”Democratic Voters Drive the ChangeThe most significant transformation has occurred within the Democratic Party. In 2023, Democratic voters leaned toward Israel by 26 points. That has now reversed, with Democrats backing Palestinians by 46 points — a massive 72-point swing.“It’s not just a shift — it’s a full-scale reversal,” Enten noted, adding that the war in Gaza, especially its toll on civilians, has had a strong impact on younger generations.Republican Views Split by AgeWhile Republican support for Israel remains strong overall, there's a clear generational divide emerging. Among Republicans over 50, Israel holds a 66-point advantage in sympathy. But that lead shrinks dramatically to just 25 points among Republicans under 50.“That’s a striking 40-point difference,” Enten said. “Younger Republicans are noticeably more open to the Palestinian perspective compared to older members of the party.”Majority of Americans Want Conflict to EndAlongside this shift in sympathy, there’s broad public backing for peace efforts. Recent polling shows that over 80% of Americans favor a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas:51% say it’s very or extremely important meanwhile, 31% consider it somewhat important“With negotiations underway and the possibility of hostages being released, the American public is clearly hoping for a resolution,” Enten said. “People want this war to come to an end.”

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.”