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On the second day of the third Government Communications Forum, a panel session discussed the role of sport as a unifying narrative that helps inspire individuals and institutions and reinforces shared values within society.The panel examined how sporting values, national identity, and emotional attachment to sport can be leveraged to build influential narratives that transform audience engagement from mere spectatorship into active and meaningful community participation.In this context, participants viewed sport as an effective tool for strengthening national belonging and entrenching values of co-operation, discipline, and teamwork, noting its ability to unite different segments of society around common goals, thereby positively reflecting on social cohesion.They also agreed on the importance of government communication in highlighting the social and human dimensions of sport and shedding light on initiatives and programmes that make it a platform for promoting civic participation and encouraging the public to engage positively with national issues.The director of the Sports Sector at Qatar Olympic Committee, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani, affirmed that the committee plays a pivotal role in organising and managing sporting events in the country through its supervision of various sports federations in Qatar and the organisation of the annual sports calendar.He said that the committee established some two years ago a specialised department for sporting events, tasked with organising events in co-operation with the relevant federations.HE Sheikh Khalifa noted that the current sports calendar includes 83 sporting events throughout the year, reflecting Qatar’s status as a leading destination for hosting major events.The official said that preparing sporting events requires long-term efforts extending for months and sometimes years, and stressed that communication is a key element in the success of events, whether with international, continental, and Gulf federations, or through co-ordination with relevant entities within the country.The chief executive of the Local Organising Committee for Football Events, Jassim Abdulaziz al-Jassim, said that the success of hosting tournaments is based on the integration of communication and co-ordination systems among various entities, in a way that reflects a positive image of the country and enhances its global standing.He praised the role played by communication and media bodies, such as the Government Communications Office, the International Media Office, and media institutions, explaining that media co-ordination helped highlight the organisational successes of the tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the Arab Cup.Al-Jassim noted that Qatar has successfully hosted several tournaments simultaneously, reflecting the country’s capacity for integrated organisation with the participation of all sectors, including security, airports, and border crossings.He added that sporting tournaments have brought about a positive social transformation, through higher rates of family attendance and female participation, increased involvement of children and youth, and the enhanced status of national team stars as socially influential role models.Senior Ooredoo Qatar director of marketing communications Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari noted that the Doha Marathon represents a prominent model of community sporting events.It began, he said, as a simple event, with the number of participants this year rising to more than 20,000 people from over 160 nationalities, including 2,200 participants from outside the country.Al-Kuwari added that the marathon supports the national sports agenda and enhances community participation by engaging all segments of society, including people with autism, with a dedicated race allocated for them this year, reflecting a firm belief in the importance of social inclusion.  

The Darb Al Saai competition, which offers a unique educational and interactive experience for visitors, has become a key platform for instilling authentic national and heritage values linked to Qatar's rich identity.**media[394765]**The competition attracts a large audience and targeting all members of society, giving daily cash prizes immediately after each round. To enhance participation and engagement, organisers said it is no longer limited to general knowledge tests (like al Bashtaka). Its scope has been expanded to include physical activities and enriching practical experiences, most notably camel riding and traditional folk games.**media[394762]**Media personality Iman al-Kaabi, the competition's presenter, emphasised that the high public turnout reflects the public's enthusiasm, particularly among youth and children, for the Darb Al Saai events.**media[394768]**She noted that the competition's main objective is to create a comprehensive interactive experience that allows participants to immerse themselves in authentic Qatari heritage through all their senses.Al-Kaabi explained that the competition is not merely a fleeting entertainment segment, but rather "a mobile school of our history and authentic values."**media[394764]**She added: "What distinguishes this year's edition is its focus on the practical and physical aspects. When a child rides a camel or plays a traditional game, they not only learn information but also acquire a skill and feel pride in a living part of their ancestors' history."In the maritime heritage zone, a collection of specialised maritime museums stands out. The organising committee ensures their continued presence to introduce visitors and younger generations to this heritage and preserve it.**media[394767]**Among the most prominent is the “Al-Qallaf” Museum. Historically, Al-Qallaf referred to the boat builder or craftsman specialised in making vessels—one of the most important maritime professions of the past.**media[394761]**Ali al-Naama, owner of the Al-Qallaf Museum at Darb Al Saai, explained that the museum displays models of traditional vessels such as the Shu’i boat, used for fish trading; the Sanbouq, also used for fishing and trade; and the Battil, used for diving and pearl trading.**media[394766]**There are also vessels dedicated to transporting goods between countries.He added: “Through these exhibits, visitors learn about Qatari maritime heritage, while the younger generation becomes familiar with sea life—its types, fish, tools, and vessels—so this heritage remains present and understood. We also explain that some fish may be known in other parts of the world, such as certain Asian countries, but do not exist in Qatar.”

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated Qatar National Day with an on-campus event that brought together students, faculty members and staff to honour the nation’s rich heritage and values.The event took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Dr Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, and managing director and CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company; Dr Abdulatif al-Khal, deputy chief medical officer and director of medical education at Hamad Medical Corporation; and Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST.**media[390794]**As part of the celebration, UDST “Success Story” book was officially launched which traces the history of UDST, from the leadership’s visionary decision to establish Qatar’s first applied university to the remarkable achievements the institution celebrates today.The book also highlights inspirational stories and university milestones from students, alumni and faculty members, showcasing academic excellence, innovation projects, community engagement initiatives and professional achievements, and reflecting the university’s role in shaping highly skilled graduates who support Qatar’s development. Complementing the book, a curated exhibition brought the “Success Story” theme to life, offering visitors an immersive journey through UDST’s institutional milestones and achievements.Dr Salem Al-Naemi, said: “Qatar National Day is a moment to celebrate how far our country has come and to renew our commitment to the values of unity, resilience and progress. In it, we reaffirm our promise to the values of unity, resilience, and progress under our wise leadership, led by His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.”**media[390795]**He added: “We are proud to launch UDST Success Story and to feature an opening word from Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater, Minister of Education and Higher Education in this book, and we are equally honoured by the way she describes UDST. Through the launch of this publication, we aim to document a story that will endure for generations to come. At UDST, we see this day as an opportunity not only to honour our national heritage, but also to recognise the achievements of our students, alumni and partners who contribute to Qatar’s ongoing success.”The event also featured a special segment dedicated to UDST’s champions who excelled at the 10th World Inter Universities Championships in Barcelona. The University’s Wolves teams, who earned multiple medals in swimming and badminton, were recognised on stage for their outstanding performance and their contribution to raising Qatar’s profile in international university sports.The celebration further featured a variety of cultural and educational segments, including student performances, screenings of Qatari-made films, and booths dedicated to showcasing Qatar’s heritage and identity, in addition to a traditional Qatari food corner. 

The World Innovation Summit for Education ( WISE 12), a global education initiative of Qatar Foundation  got underway Monday at Qatar National Convention Centre with over 4000 attendees.Speaking at the inaugural plenary session  of the summit, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation highlighted the importance of the summit in promoting human values in the age of technology and AI, stating 'WISE was founded to ignite the minds.' HE Lolwah bint Rashid al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education also addressed the gathering.Several leaders from around the world,  dignitaries and guests attended the opening session.

Qatar’s Ministry of Social Development and Family has launched an initiative aimed at strengthening ethical values within Qatari families and promoting value-based upbringing.The initiative, coinciding with the celebration of World Children’s Day, was unveiled by Sustainable Development Goals Ambassador Layan al-Hajri. Also attending were Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs, Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim al-Thani and Director of the Museum of Islamic Art, Shaikha al-Nassr.The endeavour seeks to support families in instilling core values such as honesty, respect, co-operation and diligence through educational activities and community partnerships.During the event, the ministry introduced an Ethical Family Charter as a new educational reference and announced a 30-Day Morality Challenge, which encourages children to practise a daily value through digital tools and games tailored to the Qatari context.A series of interactive workshops for children was also held at the Museum of Islamic Art, including art sessions, values-themed activities and child-rights games, with wide participation from families.Assistant Director of the Family Development Department, Nouf al-Abdullah, said the initiative supports the ministry’s strategy to reinforce moral identity rooted in Islamic principles.Meanwhile, SDG Ambassador al-Hajri and Executive Director of the SDG Ambassadors Center, Iman al-Obaidli, both highlighted the role of youth-led initiatives in strengthening community values and supporting family cohesion.The event concluded with families and children signing the Ethical Family Charter, with the ministry reaffirming its commitment to supporting programmes that promote family and childhood development.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) on Sunday launched the second "My Values Draw My Identity" project for the 2025-2026 academic year, in its revamped format across private schools and kindergartens. This year, the project embarks on a new phase of expansion and development, with new partners joining its ranks to further reinforce its mission. These partners include the Qatar Cancer Society, the Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar), the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Analysis and Outreach Hub (Doha), the UNICEF Gulf Area Office, and the UNICEF Representative Office for Yemen, highlighted Dr. Rania Mohammed, Director of Private Schools and Kindergartens Affairs and Acting Director of Private Schools Licensing. Dr. Rania Mohammed added that the project absorbs every effort to protect values and deepen identity. In its belief in the criticality of planning and continuity, MoEHE's Department of Private Schools and Kindergartens Affairs has been committed this year to deliver the five initiatives according to a defined timeline, allowing each initiative to progress along its full trajectory, from planning to execution, to instill values in students' behavior and encourage the active engagement of parents and teachers at every stage. These initiatives are not merely activities, but practical tools to monitor enduring values and promote the national identity, in a manner that embodies the nation's vision to prepare generations conscious of their duties, firmly anchored in their roots, open to the horizons of the future, and equipped to serve the homeland while actively engaging in its renaissance, she pointed out. Dr. Mohammed further emphasized that the project is not merely an initiative, but a covenant for future generations to promote an educational environment that absorbs their values and dreams, enabling the homeland to build citizens grounded in the heritage of their past while actively shaping their future. The project, spearheaded by the department in collaboration with the Tarbeya Center for Tomorrow's Pioneers, has become a guiding beacon, directing steps toward pouring authentic values and the national identity firmly into students' consciousness, she said. Dr. Mohammed noted that the project's outputs were clearly visible in 2024, with participation from all private schools and kindergartens, which presented quintessential models of integrated educational work in coordination with 21 national partners, including ministries and institutions. This, she added, was achieved through multiple initiatives under the project, themed: Heritage and Authenticity (Al-'Iraqa wa Al-Asala), Safe Sailing (Al-Ibhaar Al-Amin), Aseel, Ikhaa', and Nature and Your Soul is a Trust. Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, the project maintained its confidence momentum, extending its reach to 352 private schools and kindergartens, benefiting approximately 240,000 students through lectures and orientation workshops, Dr. Mohammed outlined. She noted that the project witnessed extensive engagement from over 133,000 students in diverse activities, alongside the notable involvement of more than 39,000 parents. A total of 192 activities and events were delivered, encompassing lectures, workshops, challenges, e-games, family and creative activities, competitions, theatrical performances, storytelling, and murals, conducted in both Arabic and English, Dr. Mohammed highlighted. She affirmed that the pedagogical impact of the project was assessed by 523 stakeholders from private schools and kindergartens, with findings confirming that the provided activities were highly appropriate for the targeted age groups and had directly contributed to deepening values and ethical behavior in students, while also motivating parents and teachers to active engagement. Partnership in this national project is a badge of trust and great responsibility. The center was given the opportunity to sit with the MoEHE team at the planning table to consolidate, structure, and implement the project, said Dr. Shawkat Talafha, Executive Director of the "My Values Draw My Identity" Project and Director General of the Tarbeya Center for Tomorrow's Pioneers. He added that the center dedicated its expertise to developing the pedagogical content, along with its skills to measure the values, monitor their impact and performance, in lockstep with a team of experts in the department who wield the educational mission and uphold the motto of Excellence and Development. Dr. Talafha affirmed that these experts were best suited to manage and monitor the project's steps and findings, while also reflecting on field feedback to sharpen work plans, driving both enhancement and excellence, mapping partnerships, and paving the way for anyone seeking to contribute to this noble educational endeavor.