tag

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad held a phone call with the Ministry of State at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare of the Republic of Sudan, Dr. Salma Ishaq Al Khalifa, who is also responsible for the issue of violence against women. The call discussed the humanitarian situation in Sudan, particularly the latest developments in El Fasher city, and the need to protect women and children.

The Protection and Social Rehabilitation Center (Aman), part of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, wrapped up the Light Exhibition held in partnership with Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar.The month-long exhibition showcased Aman’s awareness workshops, engaging students from kindergartens and both public and private schools.In this context, Aman Center’s Acting Executive Director Fadel Mohammed al-Kaabi said the Light Exhibition aimed to foster public awareness and education on social protection, while strengthening child safety measures and nurturing children’s creative and innovative abilities.He emphasised that the exhibition provided an educational environment and a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills using new tools such as light and shadow.Al-Kaabi further noted that more than 20 schools were invited, targeting over 300 students from primary levels in both public and private schools, in addition to students from the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, children from Dreama Center for Orphan Care, and children benefiting from Aman Center’s internal care services.He explained that the exhibition received positive feedback from educational staff, including social workers and teachers accompanying the students, particularly in how Aman’s awareness workshops were integrated with the exhibition tools. He affirmed that these tools help unleash children’s potential in discovering their identities and creative abilities.For her part, Head of the Communication and Information Office at Aman Center Hanan al-Ali stressed the centre’s commitment to activating community partnerships with various entities and sectors across the country, noting that child protection is a shared responsibility.She added that the collaboration with Dadu Museum marks the beginning of a series of awareness events aimed at children, highlighting the museum’s dedication to delivering information and education through play.

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) announced that its president, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, has been awarded the honorary title of ‘International Ambassador for Social Responsibility’ by the Regional Network for Social Responsibility.The recognition celebrates Dr Al-Naemi’s exceptional and longstanding contributions to social responsibility and sustainable development, both nationally and across the Arab region, a statement said. The Regional Network for Social Responsibility is a professional non-profit organisation with global memberships in leading international institutions such as the UN Global Compact, the International Rehabilitation Organisation, and the International Union for Social Responsibility.Dr Al-Naemi was selected for the honour in recognition of his impactful leadership in embedding social responsibility principles within every institution he has served, it was explained.“This recognition is a reflection of the collective effort at UDST to champion social responsibility and sustainability,” Dr Al-Naemi said. “As educators and leaders, it is our duty to integrate these values into our academic and community initiatives, inspiring others to contribute to the well-being and development of society,” he added.During the ceremony in Doha, Prof Dr Ali al-Ibrahim, vice-president of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility stated that Dr Al-Naemi embodies the model of an academic leader who believes that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge, but a mission to build individuals, advance communities, and strengthen values.“Under his leadership, the University of Doha for Science and Technology has become a beacon of innovation, integrating education, social responsibility, and sustainability. Its initiatives have significantly contributed to national development, youth empowerment, and capacity building in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.”The recognition is part of the Network’s International Ambassadors for Social Responsibility programme, launched in 2014 to honour distinguished figures from around the world who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing social responsibility.With this accolade, Dr Al-Naemi joins a select group of Arab and international leaders recognised for their influence, dedication, and leadership in promoting ethical, inclusive, and sustainable practices at both the national and global levels, the statement added.

Qatar Foundation for Social Work signed a co-operation agreement with the Akhlaquna initiative of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Launched by Chairperson of the Board of Directors of QF, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the initiative represents a model for strengthening the relationship between science and ethics. The agreement aims to enhance co-operation between the Qatar Foundation for Social Work and the Akhlaquna initiative in implementing joint awareness and media campaigns and disseminating positive values ​​​​in society. This is part of the ‘Thank You 2025-2026’ campaign, which kicks off this year under the theme of gratitude and appreciation. It also seeks to activate community and media partnerships to serve the public interest and highlight the developmental role of the Foundation and its affiliated centres in promoting values ​​​​and ethics in Qatari society through participation in events and activities and the production of joint awareness content. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work by Director of the Communication Department at the Foundation, Noor Saleh al-Mohannadi, and on behalf of the Akhlaquna initiative by Project Manager at QF’s Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, Sheikha al-Zeyara, at the headquarters of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work. On this occasion, al-Mohannadi emphasised that this co-operation falls within the framework of the foundation’s vision to enhance joint work with national entities aimed at serving the community and instilling positive values ​​among its members. She explained that the co-operation with the Akhlaquna initiative represents a distinctive model of integration between national institutions in spreading ethical awareness and promoting positive behaviours. She noted that this step falls within the Qatar Foundation for Social Work’s approach to supporting national initiatives that contribute to strengthening community cohesion and support its mission to empower the beneficiaries of its centres. For her part, Sheikha al-Zeyara appreciated the constructive co-operation with the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, noting that it represents an extension of the positive relations between the two parties in the areas of community awareness. She also stressed that this co-operation complements the positive results achieved over the past years between the foundation, its centres, and the Akhlaquna initiative.

The Qatar Social Work Foundation (QSW) and its affiliated centres have welcomed the issuance of Law No 22 of 2025 on persons with disabilities, calling it a significant step toward ensuring a dignified and high-quality life for all members of society.The foundation emphasised that the new legislation reflects the State’s steadfast commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities, in alignment with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.QSW chief executive Rashid Mohammed al-Hamda al-Nuaimi stated that the law demonstrates the wise leadership’s vision to empower individuals and strengthen the social welfare system.He noted that the new legislation marks a significant advancement in the development of support and empowerment frameworks in Qatar, reaffirming the importance of disability issues as a central component of the country’s social development agenda.Al-Nuaimi said that the law promotes greater integration and co-ordination across national social work initiatives, and opens new avenues for collaboration between government entities and social institutions.This, he said, will help build an inclusive environment that enables persons with disabilities to participate fully in all areas of life.The official added that the QSW, through its affiliated centres, will align its programmers and initiatives with the law’s new national directives to support the empowerment, independence, and well-being of persons with disabilities.Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities executive director Maryam Saif al-Suwaidi described the law as a qualitative leap in the nation’s efforts to enhance the rights of persons with disabilities.She emphasised that the legislation reflects the leadership’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable society that upholds human dignity, independence, and active participation for all.Al-Suwaidi highlighted the law’s comprehensive provisions, which include the right to inclusive education, healthcare, rehabilitation, employment, adequate housing, marriage and family life, as well as participation in cultural, sports, and political life, and access to justice and public services.Al-Noor Centre for the Blind executive director Mishal Abdullah al-Nuaimi noted that the new law embodies a holistic national approach to empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring their full inclusion in all spheres of life.He pointed to key measures included in the law such as job quotas in both the public and private sectors, the creation of a national database to streamline access to services, the issuance of identification cards to facilitate benefits, and tax and fee exemptions on assistive devices and services. – QNA

Qatar University (QU)’s Ibn Khaldon for Humanities and Social Studies Centre, in co-operation with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, has inaugurated the ‘1st Annual Conference on the Qur’an and Human Knowledge’, along with the ‘1st Forum of Ummah Writers’.The opening was attended by HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem; Dr Omar al-Ansari, president of QU; several vice-presidents; and senior officials from various ministries; as well as academic and governmental sectors.Dr al-Ansari highlighted that the conference aligns with QU’s strategic plan and research priorities, which include emphasising research in the humanities and social sciences to foster scholarly focus on cognitive, human, social, and cultural issues, thereby promoting ethical, value-based development and sustainable growth in our societies. He also highlighted the conference’s role in cultivating human knowledge awareness in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Qur’an.Sheikh Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani, director of the Department of Islamic Research and Studies at the Ministry of Endowments, also delivered a speech welcoming the attendees.He emphasised the significance of the occasion, which combines the conference and the forum, stating that the conference is part of broader efforts to restore the important role that Qur’anic knowledge has historically contributed to guide human sciences and methodologies, as well as in connecting researchers to it in both approach and objective.Sheikh Dr Ahmed also emphasised the significance of the ‘1st Forum of Ummah Writers’, which highlights the Kitab Al-Ummah series, a rich Qatari cultural and intellectual legacy that has been published for more than four decades since its inception.During this time, it has strived to achieve its intended goals, including rebuilding the Muslim character, reviving the concept of ‘Fardh Kifayah’ (communal obligations) and the importance of specialisation, contributing to the development of a righteous elite, and promoting awareness of the significance of the approach that address’s the cosmos’ signs and laws using the knowledge of divine revelation as its primary reference and source.Dr Badrane Benlahcene, director of the Ibn Khaldon Centre at QU, stated that the conference aligns with the centre’s dual objectives of bridging and localisation. Bridging aims to intellectually connect various disciplines to address human and social issues in an integrated and precise manner. Localisation, meanwhile, involves re-evaluating contemporary sciences, knowledge systems, and theories to ensure they align with religious and cultural identities and resonate with societal contexts, as well as methodological and practical requirements, thereby ensuring community benefit.The conference aims to reaffirm the central role of the Holy Qur’an in shaping contemporary discourse on human and social knowledge. It seeks to bridge the gap between Islamic sciences and the humanities and social sciences by connecting researchers from diverse disciplines with the Qur’an, enabling them to utilise it as a framework for understanding and guiding various human and social phenomena.Additionally, the conference encourages scholars in Islamic disciplines to engage systematically with the humanities and social sciences and to contextualise these fields while considering Qur’anic guidance.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, launched the "Testaahel" card to support social security beneficiaries. The move aims to alleviate living costs, enhance beneficiaries' sense of belonging and community participation, and enable them to access essential services more easily and at a lower cost. Marking the occasion, His Excellency Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai said that, based on the Ministry of Defense's commitment to supporting social security beneficiaries, the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, announces the granting of the "Testaahel" card to social security beneficiaries, with the aim of improving the quality of life and alleviating the living burdens on beneficiaries, in addition to enhancing social solidarity and achieving sustainable development for the beneficiary groups. His Excellency emphasized that the Ministry of Defense continues to support national initiatives that serve the community, particularly with regard to social and livelihood empowerment for deserving groups. For his part, Director of the Social Security Department at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Mohanna Abdullah Al Nuaimi said that the launch of the 'Testaahel' card represents a practical interpretation of the ministry's vision to empower social security beneficiaries and improve their quality of life through tangible facilities that contribute to reducing burdens and achieving societal stability. Al Nuaimi added that the card allows beneficiaries to access services and discounts from a number of government and private entities, emphasizing that the initiative represents a successful model of integration among state institutions in supporting deserving groups. He commended the Ministry of Defense's efforts and its effective cooperation in implementing the initiative, praising its role in facilitating coordination procedures and providing technical and logistical support to launch the card in record time. Al Nuaimi pointed out that the Social Security Department continues to develop its programs and initiatives, in line with the Ministry of Social Development and Family's objectives to build a cohesive society that achieves social justice and equal opportunities. The "Testaahel" card offers discounts ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent on a wide range of services and products, including healthcare, education and training, catering and food supplies, transportation and communication, and entertainment services. The card is one of the initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups in society by facilitating their access to their daily needs, enhancing financial independence, and supporting the country's economic and social development efforts. The card also allows its holders to benefit from offers and discounts via a constantly updated smart electronic application.

The General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) will participate in the World Social Security Forum (WSSF 2025), organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 29 to October 3, under the theme "Shaping Social Security for a World in Transition." His Excellency Director-General of GRSIA, Ahmed bin Ali Al Hammadi, will lead the Authority's delegation to the forum, which is expected to bring together official delegations and experts from more than 150 countries. The event will feature plenary sessions and interactive workshops on global transformations in social security, innovation and digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence in insurance management, enhancing the financial sustainability of pension funds, and ensuring inclusive services for all groups. The forum will also include the 35th General Assembly of the ISSA and conclude with the Social Security Summit for an Inclusive and Sustainable World. GRSIA's participation in this prominent international gathering underscores Qatar's role in supporting global efforts to advance retirement and social insurance systems, while keeping pace with modern trends in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The International Social Security Association, the world's largest organization specializing in social security, brings together more than 320 member institutions from 160 countries with the aim of promoting excellence and innovation in social protection systems through the exchange of expertise and international standards.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that progress had been made on many issues, including trade and the approval of a TikTok deal with China.In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump said that he had a "very good" phone call with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. He said: "We appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC."Trump also indicated that he will visit China "early next year" and that the Chinese president will visit the US "at a later date."For his part, the Chinese president said that his country and the US can achieve mutual success, but he stressed that the US side must avoid unilateral trade restrictions. He called on the US to provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.He added that the Chinese government respects the will of companies and is pleased to see them conduct trade negotiations in accordance with market rules and reach solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations and a balance of interests.

At least 17 protesters were killed Monday when Nepal police dispersed young demonstrators in Kathmandu demanding the government lift its social media ban and tackle corruption.Several social media sites -- including Facebook, YouTube and X -- have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannon and batons when the demonstrators pushed through barbed wire and tried to storm into a restricted area near parliament. "Seventeen people have died," Shekhar Khanal, spokesman for the Kathmandu valley police, told AFP.Khanal said about 400 people were injured, including over 100 police.Following the violence, home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned at a cabinet meeting in the evening, local media reported."I had been there for a peaceful protest, but the government used force," said Iman Magar, 20, who was hit in his right arm."It was not a rubber bullet but a metallic one, and it took away a part of my hand. The doctor says I need to undergo an operation."Sirens wailed through the city as the injured were taken to hospitals."I have never seen such a disturbing situation at the hospital," said Ranjana Nepal, information officer at the Civil Hospital, which received many of those wounded."Tear gas entered the hospital area as well, making it difficult for doctors to work," she told AFP.The United Nations demanded a swift and transparent probe of the violence."We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement."We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces."Amnesty International also called for an investigation, and said live ammunition had been used against protesters.The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city, including the parliament, the president's residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the prime minister's office.Some of the demonstrators had climbed over the wall into the parliament premises and its gate was vandalised.Similar protests were organised in other districts across the country.Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news and business."We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here," said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24."We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal."Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting the "authoritarian attitude" of the government."We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation," she told AFP.Demonstrators had started their protest in Kathmandu with the national anthem and waving the country's flag, before chanting against the social media stoppage and corruption.There have been several corruption cases reported in the last few years involving ministers, former ministers and high-profile officials.Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating."There have been movements abroad against corruption, and they are afraid that might happen here as well," said protester Bhumika Bharati.The cabinet decided last month to give the affected social media firms seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact and designate resident grievance and compliance officers.The decision came after a Supreme Court order in September last year.In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to "creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use".Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past.The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.UN urges probe The United Nations demanded a swift and transparent investigation on Monday after a rights group accused police in Nepal of firing on people protesting against corruption, social media ban, killing at least 17. "We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.

The Centre for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), affiliated with the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has resumed the activities of its day clubs with the start of the new academic year. The aim is to continue the mission of providing distinctive programmes and services to empower and care for seniors, enhancing their quality of life, and strengthening their active presence in society. The clubs include three women’s branches in Izghawa, Al Wakra, and Al Shamal, in addition to a men’s club. Ehsan is also preparing to open the Men’s Seniors’ Majlis in Katara to enrich the community activity system. These clubs have transformed into vibrant environments that combine recreation, empowerment, and social interaction, providing members with opportunities to engage in diverse activities that foster independence and strengthen their connections with their surroundings. During the previous season, Ehsan organised 477 activities, including 104 handicraft and skill-based workshops that highlighted the talents of seniors in arts and crafts, 197 awareness lectures covering social, health, family, and psychological issues, and 163 empowerment courses across various fields such as Holy Qur’an memorisation and recitation, e-learning, physical fitness, and others. These activities effectively contributed to enhancing members’ knowledge and refining their experiences. In addition, 13 trips and external visits were conducted, which offered enriching social and cultural experiences and strengthened community ties among the seniors. Ehsan’s partnerships with governmental and community institutions, including the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar Museums, the Primary Health Care Corporation, Mada Centre, and Doha University of Science and Technology, have played a key role in the success, continuity, and diversity of these activities. Sheikha Ahmed al-Hareeb, acting director of Ehsan’s Awareness and Community Department, stressed that restarting the clubs with the new school year marks a fresh milestone to build on past achievements. She noted that the upcoming phase will feature more innovative initiatives tailored to the needs of seniors, supporting their sustainable integration into society. “Ehsan clubs have become platforms for empowerment and development,” she said. “Through them, we focus on several goals, most notably enabling seniors to carry out their daily activities independently, maintaining their physical and psychological well-being, activating their developmental role and benefiting from their experiences, as well as strengthening their integration with different segments of society and expanding partnerships with governmental and civil institutions to ensure sustainable services.” Ehsan offers membership in its clubs under certain conditions, including being 60 years old or above, whether citizens or expatriates with a valid residency permit. Applicants must provide a medical report confirming their health stability, in addition to completing the membership form and submitting the required documents via the centre’s website or by visiting its headquarters.

The State of Qatar participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Economic and Social Council in its regular 116th session, which was held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League in the Arab Republic of Egypt.Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Saud bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.The agenda of this session included a number of important items, such as the economic and social file of the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level (35), the latest developments regarding the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, and progress on the Arab Customs Union.The meeting also included discussions on the Arab platform for small and medium-sized enterprises, support for the Palestinian economy, as well as the unified Arab statement for the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.In addition, the session addressed matters related to Arab organisations and institutions of joint Arab action, investment in Arab countries, and sustainable development, along with the follow-up on the implementation of the resolutions from the 115th session of the Economic and Social Council, as well as other economic and social topics included on the agenda.Qatar's participation comes within the framework of its commitment to strengthening joint Arab economic and social cooperation, supporting efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development, and deepening integration among Arab countries across various areas of mutual interest.