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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.

Highlighting that education is the core pillar for development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, United Nations Advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Founder of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) noted Tuesday that there can be no development amidst discrimination, no stability with marginalisation, no prosperity amid exclusion.She was delivering the keynote address at the high-level session on 'Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract for Social justice and Development' at the Second World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD2) being held at Qatar National Convention Centre.**media[377721]**Her Highness noted that the world must never accept the reality that there are 272mn out-of-school children, according to 2023 Unesco figures.She explained: “The grim figures and statistics carry with them a distressing message, one that appeals to the conscience of humanity. They call for our immediate mobilisation to transform policies and mandates into actions and achievements. Social development is not a fixed matrix, nor is it a set of hollow rhetoric, or a publicity stunt, or a façade masking veiled truths. Rather, it is the story of an individual who uplifts their community when given a fair chance, and who achieves the extraordinary when granted a genuine opportunity to innovate.**media[377720]**“Education is the core pillar for development; there can be no development without knowledge and no renaissance without an enlightened mind. Education is not a luxury, nor a privilege, nor a favour to be granted. It is a right, a responsibility, and a tool to liberate the mind, build human capacity, safeguard our values and generate ideas to reshape our world. To achieve a real sustainable development as we envision it, education must be recognised as equal in importance to development itself, advancing together on the same track.”The founder of EAA Foundation said that much is said about development, but people often refrain from closely examining its true essence.**media[377717]**“Its most prominent pillar is human beings themselves, who make up the heart of social development and its ultimate purpose. If we consider human beings our most valuable assets, then education remains the most enduring form of capital investment. They are the spring from which the streams of progress flow and the foundation upon which the pillars of sustainable development are erected,” Her Highness highlighted.She said that success in achieving sustainable development is not only reserved for those with more abundant resources, but for those who possess the wisdom to invest and manage it effectively.“This is the vision that drove us in Qatar to establish a path of development that places young people in their rightful role as shapers of the future, as learners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and citizens engaged in decision-making. This inspiring vision has led to remarkable achievements by Qatar: successfully utilising natural resources, empowering human capital, and generating meaningful job opportunities that replace traditional job duplication. With a deep-rooted belief that the Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected, Qatar has exerted every effort to instill the foundations of peace and the pillars of diplomacy as the cornerstones of its social development goals,” stressed the QF Chairperson.**media[377718]**She noted that education is the sum of all sectors saying: “There can be no economy, politics, healthcare, culture or even a sustainable ecosystem without education. And if we fail to advance education with innovative sustainable solutions that align with the accelerating technological advancements of our world, then no development project, be it economic, cultural, or social, will succeed, and we will remain trapped in the cycle of failure, regression, and powerlessness, and we will lose our footing in the landscape of development. To the extent that we invest in education, we can better shape a future for humanity.”“This is an ongoing effort that enables the individual to demand from their nations what is unattainable elsewhere: a sense of contentment in belonging and the legitimacy to dream: To dream of a future with unlimited potential, one that encompasses the breadth of the human condition, everything from the primordial cave to the mysterious frontiers of space, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Let us dream of a more luminous dream—a shared all-encompassing dream: the dream of development,” Sheikha Moza.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered another keynote address at the session, highlighting that education is the foundation of a renewed social policy, anchored in human rights, social justice, and inclusion.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) and Education Above All Foundation (EAA), met Monday with the visiting Colombian President Gustavo Petro.Talks during the meeting centred on the ongoing projects with EAA in Colombia, aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children, alongside co-operation with QF in the domains of innovation, scientific research, and sustainability.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), Wednesday attended the 15th anniversary celebration of HEC Paris, Doha, a QF partner university, at a landmark event at the iconic Museum of Islamic Art. The celebration was also attended by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, in addition to the leadership team of HEC Paris as well as other distinguished guests, alumni, faculty, and partners. Marking the occasion Her Highness said: “Today we celebrate 15 years of a thriving partnership between Qatar Foundation and HEC Paris in Doha – a collaboration established in line with QF’s vision to foster an ecosystem of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. That vision is now being realised through the impactful contributions of HEC Paris in Doha alumni, who are driving economic transformation and meaningful societal progress across Qatar and the region.” HE Sheikha Hind, an alumna of HEC Paris, Doha, said: “Over the past 15 years, HEC Paris, Doha has played a transformational role in advancing Qatar’s vision for a knowledge-based economy. The presence of this world-renowned business school in Qatar has strengthened the nation’s position as a regional hub for executive education and innovation. “Through its collaborations with local institutions, and its focus on developing entrepreneurial talent, HEC Paris, Doha has been instrumental in supporting national priorities such as human capital development, sustainability, and economic diversification. “By empowering entrepreneurs and leaders with world-class education, HEC Paris, Doha has contributed immensely to the diversification and growth of Qatar’s workforce while making an invaluable contribution to capacity-building and knowledge generation across the region’s business landscape. We are proud to celebrate this milestone for a valued and longstanding partner in education, and look forward to continuing to cultivate excellence in education, innovation, and leadership for future generations together.” During the event, HEC Paris, Doha unveiled its new motto, 'Dare the Impossible', reflecting its ambition to inspire leadership, innovation, and transformative impact. A centerpiece of the evening was the debut of ‘Innovation Majlises’: six creative showcases highlighting alumni-led ventures that reflected HEC Paris, Doha’s entrepreneurial spirit, and the transformative impact of its graduates on Qatar’s business landscape. Since 2010, HEC Paris, Doha has enrolled more than 1,500 professionals, 41% of whom are women and 53% of whom are Qatari, and delivered 181 customised programmes to over 5,000 executives across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. Beyond academic programmes, HEC Paris, Doha has strengthened Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through initiatives like the Business Research Lab and the creation of case studies on sustainability, digital transformation, and diversity. It has also published a comprehensive entrepreneurship guidebook to empower the next generation of innovators. Today, its alumni hold leadership positions in ministries, boardrooms, and entrepreneurial ventures, advancing Qatar’s development. Professor Éloïc Peyrache, Dean of HEC Paris, reflected on the business school’s journey in the region, saying: “When Qatar Foundation invited us to establish a campus in Doha, it opened a new chapter for HEC Paris – one shaped by the Middle East’s extraordinary transformation. Since then, our Doha campus has been offering world-class executive education and building bridges between Europe and the Gulf. Today, we are proud of the impact we have achieved together, and excited for what lies ahead.”

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation met Monday with Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.During the meeting, the two parties discussed ways to enhance existing partnerships between EAA and Nigeria, to reduce the number of out-of-school children, and empower the youth through employment and training opportunities.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), has hailed the launch of Global Autism Advocacy Coalition at UN General Assembly (UNGA).A call to join an action-driven global alliance focused on building a more inclusive future for people with autism around the world has been sounded by Qatar, alongside international partners, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.**media[362112]**“I welcome the launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition, marking a milestone that shifts our efforts beyond awareness to collective action,” Her Highness Sheikha Moza said. “This platform urges the international community to embrace its shared responsibility in addressing autism. As the first coalition of its kind, it will ensure autism becomes an international priority.”“The State of Qatar’s commitment to the causes of autism extends beyond its national border, and is rooted in our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life,” she continued.“On this occasion, I urge governments, stakeholders, and development partners to move beyond awareness and commit to concrete collective action, including the meaningful allocation of necessary resources,” Her Highness Sheikha Moza added.**media[362110]**The launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC) – announced at an event led by Qatar, together with the QF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), Unicef, and Autism Speaks, during the UN General Assembly’s International High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health – marks an opportunity for the international community to shape a unified worldwide approach to supporting those with autism and their families.Calling on decision-makers to move beyond advancing autism awareness, and to commit to allocating the necessary resources and taking collective steps to address the world’s shared autism challenge, the GAAC aims to advance a global autism agenda encompassing policy, advocacy, collaboration and knowledge sharing – including in the fields of research, technology, and education – co-ordinated outreach, and the formation of strategic partnerships that generate autism solutions.The GAAC has issued an invitation to government bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), philanthropic organisations, companies, and others to join, and to be part of an international collaboration that advances the social integration, economic prospects, and wellbeing of people with autism worldwide.“The Global Autism Advocacy Coalition is a beacon of what can be achieved when nations unite for good,” HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud said. “By working together, we can improve the lives of millions of individuals with autism, helping them reach their full potential and showing the world that collective action delivers hope, dignity, and opportunity.”“This moment reflects the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose leadership has long advanced dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with autism,” said HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi. “It was through her efforts that, in December 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139, designating April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.”“Qatar has long been a regional pioneer in supporting autistic children and their families,” she said. “In 2017, it launched its first national autism strategy, creating a foundation for inclusive policies and services.”“Since then, Qatar has championed the rights of the autistic community through early diagnosis, education, and community services – ensuring inclusion at every stage of life,” HE al-Nuaimi added.Areas identified by the GAAC as being in need of globally unified resources, investment, and action include early diagnosis of autism, innovation, inclusive education, adult services, employment, and community integration, as highlighted at the event by Dr Dena al-Thani, associate professor at the QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University and co-founder of the A-sense Centre of Excellence, which focuses on innovative technology in autism assessment and intervention.Dr Hilal Lashuel, the Research, Development, and Innovation adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at the QF, said: “We take pride in the leading role that Qatar Foundation, together with its partners, has played in establishing this coalition.”“Having a global voice for autism and launching supportive platforms for individuals with autism has become a global necessity, not a choice,” Dr Lashuel said. “Autism has become a worldwide challenge that requires a global response and resources that exceed the capacity of any single country or institution.”Her Highness Sheikha Moza is a leading global advocate for greater autism awareness and support.In 2007, her proposal for the establishment of World Autism Awareness Day – now held on April 2 each year – was adopted without a vote by the UN General Assembly, and QF programmes, centres, and educational methodologies are increasing inclusivity for people with autism, including within its specialised school Renad Academy.