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Resilience, adaptability and a strong sense of purpose defined Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s Class of 2026, as graduates were celebrated for overcoming challenges and preparing to address complex global issues. University leaders and faculty said the group showed strong resilience amid regional and global uncertainty, adding that they are well prepared to face an increasingly complex world. Logan Cochran, acting dean of the College of Public Policy, emphasised that the university’s mission extends beyond academic achievement. “The College of Public Policy is committed to supporting future leaders,” he said. “We want our graduates to bring not only knowledge and skills, but also ethics and principles, courage and humility... so they can respond to the rapidly changing challenges around the world and do so serving the greater good.” Cochran noted that the graduating semester had been particularly demanding. “Our students persevered... they were dedicated to their studies despite the challenges they faced,” he said, adding that graduates leave with “traits of resilience” that will guide them throughout their lives. Echoing this sentiment, Provost Prabhat Hajela described the cohort as “remarkable” in the face of adversity. “We are all aware of the problems that we have faced both regionally and globally over the last several months,” he said. “This cohort has demonstrated a resilience that is really remarkable... in spite of everything that’s going on.” Hajela underscored the importance of adaptability and critical thinking, noting that students have learned how to navigate uncertainty. “You now know how to think,” he told graduates. “Stay true to your values... go out and create momentum and bring change to the world.” He underlined the HBKU’s distinctive academic environment, describing it as “an ecosystem... unparalleled” with strong interdisciplinary opportunities and a focus on applying knowledge to real-world challenges. From a faculty perspective, Sultan Barakat stressed that continuous learning remains central to the university’s philosophy. “Hamad Bin Khalifa is a learning university; we’re continuously updating ourselves and striving for the best,” he said, noting that each cohort builds on the experience of the last. Barakat pointed to the broader context shaping this year’s graduates. “This year has been particularly challenging because of the geopolitics around us,” he said. “I’m very proud of what the students have been able to achieve under relatively difficult circumstances.” He outlined key lessons for graduates, including “the importance of remaining resilient” and “the importance of learning continuously”. He added that “there is no time where you can stop learning”. For students, the journey has been equally transformative. Aisha Muthanna al-Malsouk, who graduated with a Master’s degree in Public Policy, highlighted the importance of self-belief. “I would say believe in yourself, listen to the voice inside you, and just follow your dreams,” she said. “As long as you have a big goal, you will achieve it.” Reflecting on her experience, she described her orientation day as a defining moment. “It was that day when I was 100% sure that this is what I want to do,” al-Malsouk said.  

His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi affirmed that Qatar has firmly established itself as a diplomatic force with a remarkable ability to open lines of communication and address complex global issues, through its key role in mediation efforts spanning multiple continents, demonstrating responsibility, commitment, and neutrality.During a press conference following the signing of the Doha Agreement, which aims to strengthen the commitment to peace between the Colombian government and the self-declared EGC group, HE al-Khulaifi highlighted Qatar's significant progress in resolving various conflicts. He pointed to Qatar's contribution to securing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza in collaboration with international partners. He added that Doha hosted a trilateral summit that paved the way for the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Washington. He pointed out that Qatar's efforts culminated in November with the signing of a peace framework between the Congolese government and the March 23 Movement, marking a historic step towards ending a prolonged conflict.He added that Qatar continues to maintain open communication channels with both Ukraine and Russia, with ongoing humanitarian efforts focused on reuniting children affected by the conflict with their families.In Afghanistan, Qatar's efforts have contributed to the release of 10 detainees of various nationalities this year, he pointed out.Qatar also played a role in resolving the ongoing disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating the signing of the Doha Agreement between the two countries in October, he added.RESPONSIBILITY BEYOND GEOGRAPHICAL BORDERSDuring the press conference, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that these achievements reflect Qatar's deep belief that the responsibility for ensuring security and stability goes beyond geographical borders. He expressed Qatar's commitment to working with regional and international partners to find practical solutions that end conflicts and promote lasting peace and security.He also noted that the developments witnessed today are an extension of these efforts and a responsible step towards peace and development, adding that this agreement is expected to open a political path for establishing sustainable peace within an agreed framework in Colombia. He pointed out that the agreement will create an opportunity to end the armed conflict between the two sides and will significantly reduce illegal human trafficking and drug trade in specific regions of Colombia.He added that Qatar remains committed to supporting dialogue and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He also praised the commitment, seriousness, and patience shown by both parties during the two rounds of mediation held in Doha. Since hosting the negotiations last September, both sides have made significant concessions to protect the Colombian people, prioritise their interests, and preserve the unity and stability of Colombia, he pointed out. He also expressed appreciation for the trust both parties have placed in Qatar's role as a mediator, facilitating these rounds and pushing them toward achieving security and stability.His Excellency al-Khulaifi highlighted the ongoing and crucial support provided by the delegations from Norway, Switzerland, and Spain, which contributed significantly to the success of this agreement. The agreement’s success stems from the trust both parties have in the mediators and their ability to navigate complexities with integrity and impartiality, he explained.His Excellency also explained that during Qatar's hosting of the first and second rounds of negotiations, both sides agreed on a series of measures to be implemented across 15 specific regions in Colombia. These measures aim to build trust between the parties, such as reducing drug production and replacing it with other legitimate economic resources. Additionally, they agreed to refrain from recruiting children and adolescents into armed groups and to designate areas for rehabilitating members of the armed group and reintegrating them into Colombian society.FOCUS ON REVITALISING LOCAL ECONOMIESHe emphasised that this agreement is primarily directed towards the friendly people of Colombia, ensuring their security, safety, and right to a dignified life. He noted that the agreement provides a framework for a responsible transition based on trust and mutual respect, aimed at protecting affected communities, revitalising local economies that have suffered from the prolonged conflict, and fostering the prospects of comprehensive peace.He further highlighted that this agreement represents a pivotal moment in the history of this phase, stressing that the direct responsibility for its implementation lies with both parties.Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Qatar's role as a mediator does not end today, adding that Qatar, in co-ordination with Norway, Switzerland, Spain, and other regional partners and specialised organizations, will remain committed to supporting the agreed-upon mechanisms and assisting both parties in overcoming any future challenges they may face.In closing his remarks at the press conference, he expressed his deep gratitude to the Organisation of American States for its steadfast and continuous support and involvement throughout all stages of the process. He called on all national institutions, civil society, and international partners to support this commitment and translate it into tangible achievements that positively impact the lives of the Colombian people.In turn, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Andreas Kravik; Assistant Foreign Minister of the Swiss Confederation, Tim Enderlin; and Assistant Foreign Minister of Spain, Alberto Ucelay expressed their appreciation for Qatar's efforts in facilitating the Doha Agreement to reinforce the commitment to peace between the Colombian government and the self-declared EGC group, in addition to hosting the two rounds of negotiations between the parties.During the press conference, they reviewed the efforts and roles they had undertaken in the past, acknowledging that diplomacy aimed at achieving peace requires broad and long-term political support, as well as acceptance of setbacks that may occur along the way. (QNA)OPT TRIMThey explained that their involvement in supporting the peace process in Colombia has been ongoing for years, and despite the challenges, the results signal the potential for establishing sustainable peace, which will improve the living conditions of the Colombian people.They confirmed their determination to continue supporting all parties in Colombia and assisting them in finding a path to end the conflict and achieve comprehensive peace, which will positively impact the country's stability and prosperity.They also emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between countries in the face of escalating global conflicts, affirming that mediation for peace will remain the key tool for resolving conflicts worldwide.  

His Excellency President of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and former High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Nasr, affirmed that the State of Qatar plays an active role and has become a key player in peace and development within the United Nations system.His Excellency noted that the speeches of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani before the General Assembly were comprehensive and expressed clear positions that reflect Qatar's commitment to peace and the strengthening of international cooperation, underscoring its active presence in various global issues.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Al Nasr explained that His Highness the Amir's speeches focused on three main messages in light of current international challenges, particularly the escalation of conflicts, the worsening impacts of climate change, and ongoing food and health security crises.The first message, he said, was a call for calm, preventive diplomacy, and the rejection of the logic of force in resolving disputes -- especially in volatile regions and countries experiencing wars and conflicts.HE Al Nasr added that His Highness the Amir consistently reiterates Qatar's firm position on the need to halt ongoing violations against the Palestinian people, support their just rights and aspirations, and reject all forms of occupation, particularly in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the importance of returning to the 1967 United Nations resolutions, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.In this regard, His Excellency emphasized that the continued occupation and bloodshed require urgent international action, pointing out that His Highness the Amir's speeches consistently call for halting Israeli violations, rejecting attempts to impose a fait accompli, ending the siege, stopping aggressive operations, and halting settlement expansion.HE Al Nasr said that the second message centered on the importance of multilateral action and strengthening the role of the United Nations as a unifying platform for achieving peace and sustainable development, at a time of mounting challenges and an urgent need to activate the role of the international organization.The third message, he noted, highlighted Qatar's commitment to the issues of the developing world, particularly in supporting development efforts, education, and youth empowerment. These priorities, he said, are areas where Qatar has demonstrated active engagement through pioneering national initiatives and institutions.The UNGA 66 President commended Qatar's distinguished position within the UN system, noting that its presidency of the 76th Session and assumption of numerous responsibilities as a permanent member of the organization reflect the country's remarkable development in recent years and its emergence as a key player in peace, security, and sustainable development.He further pointed out that Qatar's hosting of major international conferences and its humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives have strengthened its image as an influential and responsible state, regionally and globally, and contributed effectively to advancing the purposes of the UN Charter.On UN reform, His Excellency Al Nasr stressed that it has become an urgent necessity, particularly with regard to the Security Council and other responsibilities of the international organization. He considered Qatar well-placed to contribute to this process by supporting negotiating tracks for reform to make the Council more representative and just, while encouraging greater participation of developing countries in UN decision-making. He also highlighted Qatar's support for innovative partnerships between the UN, the private sector, and think tanks, within the framework of initiatives spearheaded by institutions such as Silatech, Education Above All, and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.Concluding his remarks to QNA, HE Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Nasr expressed pride in Qatar's growing role in the international system, voicing hope that its participation in the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly would continue the path of excellence and leadership it has pursued at both regional and international levels.