
Al Khater meets Swiss state secretary for education, research and innovation
DOHA: Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater has met with State Secretary of State for Education, Research and Innovation of the Swiss Confederation HE Dr Martina Hirayama.
The meeting discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research, and technical and vocational education, and ways to enhance and develop them through educational grant initiatives and the exchange of expertise at the scientific and technical levels.
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Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Lusail University celebrates its second graduation ceremony
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a celebration that merged pride, ambition, and national vision, Lusail University marked a significant milestone yesterday with the graduation of its second cohort of students. The grand ceremony took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre, drawing a distinguished audience of state leaders, dignitaries, and families, all gathered to honour a new generation of graduates ready to contribute to Qatar's knowledge-based future. Gracing the event were prominent officials including Minister of Education and Higher Education, Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater; Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, His Excellency Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi; Minister of Environment and Climate Change, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie; Minister of Labour, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri; and Chairman of Lusail University's Board of Trustees Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri. Members of the Board, senior government officials, and members of Qatar's academic community were also present. A vision realised, a mission renewed In his keynote address, Dr Nitham Hindi, president of Lusail University, described the moment as a culmination of both personal and institutional journeys marked by resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. 'Today is not just a celebration of academic achievement,' he said. 'It is a testament to Lusail University's unwavering commitment to innovation, intellectual growth, and its pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders.' Dr Hindi emphasized that the university is steadfast in aligning its growth with Qatar's National Vision 2030. He highlighted a year of accomplishments, including the launch of new academic programs, expansion of local and international partnerships, and tangible progress in research and student-led initiatives across cultural, scientific, and athletic fields. 'As the first national private university in Qatar, Lusail has not only met but exceeded expectations,' Dr Hindi stated. 'We are proud to have fulfilled over 95% of our strategic plan for 2021–2025—a remarkable feat made possible by the tireless efforts of our academic and administrative teams.' Charting the future: 2025–2030 strategic vision Looking forward, Dr. Hindi unveiled the university's new strategic roadmap for the period 2025–2030, recently approved by the Board of Trustees. This future-oriented plan focuses on enhancing innovation, integrating cutting-edge digital learning technologies, expanding academic offerings aligned with evolving market needs, and cultivating a vibrant environment for research and academic exploration. Central to the new strategy is the strengthening of collaborative efforts across both public and private sectors. Dr. Hindi stressed the importance of these partnerships in propelling Lusail University's vision of becoming a driver of sustainable development and a hub of academic excellence in the region. 'As we enter this new phase, our mission remains clear—to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in their disciplines but also equipped with the creativity, agility, and global mindset to thrive in a rapidly changing world,' he said. Voices of the graduates: pride, purpose, and possibility Representing the graduating class of 2025, students Mohammed Al Attiyah and Noura Al Nuaimi delivered heartfelt speeches that captured the spirit of their shared journey. Speaking with confidence and gratitude, Al Attiyah reflected on the transformative power of their academic experience. 'Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter, armed with knowledge, driven by ambition, and guided by purpose,' he said. 'Our journey at Lusail University was not without challenges, but through persistence and unity, we have reached this historic moment of celebration.' Al Nuaimi echoed the sentiment, expressing deep appreciation for the faculty and staff whose dedication helped shape the students' academic paths. 'Being part of the second graduating cohort of this promising institution is a great honour,' she said. 'Here, we have not only learned facts and theories, but values of perseverance, innovation, and lifelong learning.' Both graduates emphasized that many of their peers are pursuing postgraduate studies both in Qatar and abroad, while others are stepping directly into the workforce—eager to contribute to Qatar's development across sectors. 'This graduation is not the end,' Al Attiyah said. 'It is the beginning of our contribution to society and our commitment to excellence.' A celebration of achievements and community The ceremony featured the awarding of degrees across the university's colleges—Education, Arts, Business and Commerce, and Law—alongside the conferring of degrees to the university's first cohort of master's graduates. Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of graduates from Sorbonne University in Qatar, underscoring Lusail University's spirit of academic collaboration. In addition to student recognitions, the event included musical and cultural performances, tributes to faculty members, and the honouring of organizations and institutions that have supported Lusail University students throughout their academic journey. These acknowledgments reflected the collective effort and community investment that have propelled the university forward. Lusail: A name rooted in aspiration Since its inception, Lusail University has positioned itself as a transformative force in Qatar's educational landscape. With a mission to offer quality education grounded in values and geared toward innovation, the university continues to expand its academic and cultural footprint. The ceremony was more than a commencement—it was a powerful affirmation of Lusail University's role in preparing Qatar's youth for leadership in the fields of law, business, education, and beyond. As the graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, applause echoed not just in the hall but across a nation that sees in them the promise of a brighter, more dynamic future. A future shaped by knowledge Lusail University's second graduation ceremony was a resounding reminder that education is not merely a process but a catalyst for national progress. With each student who steps out of its classrooms, the university affirms its purpose: to educate, to inspire, and to lead. In the words of Dr Hindi: 'We are not only celebrating what has been achieved, but what is yet to come. These graduates are the architects of our future, and we are proud to have been part of their journey.'


Qatar Tribune
13-05-2025
- Qatar Tribune
QRDI Council, SNSF sign agreement for collaboration
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance scientific collaboration and innovation between Qatar and Switzerland. The signing ceremony, which took place in Doha, was attended by a distinguished Swiss delegation led by Martina Hirayama, state secretary for education, research and innovation of the Swiss Confederation. The MoU establishes a framework for future cooperation across various research domains, opening avenues for joint research initiatives between Qatari and Swiss scientists. Eng Omar Al Ansari, secretary general at QRDI Council, said, 'This partnership with the Swiss National Science Foundation represents a strategic milestone in advancing QRDI Council's mission to drive impactful research, development and innovation. By enabling collaboration, knowledge exchange, and talent mobility, it supports the growth of innovation capacity and fosters enduring links between our scientific communities—contributing to both national progress and global engagement.' Torsten Schwede, president of the SNSF Research Council, said: 'This MoU will enable us to kick-start cooperation between the SNSF and QRDI, to the benefit of both our research communities. The first step will be to encourage the mobility of our researchers and could lead to the establishment of a joint research program in areas of strategic importance to both countries. We want the processes to be as simple as possible and look forward to co-creating these partnerships with our QRDI colleagues.' The collaboration will be actively advanced through four key areas of cooperation designed to encourage research engagement and promote meaningful scientific exchange between Qatar and Switzerland. A coordinated communications campaign will raise awareness across both communities, while a jointly hosted webinar will introduce the Scientific Exchanges instrument to researchers in both countries. As a pilot initiative, the collaboration will be evaluated based on initial interest and outcomes, guiding future phases of development. To further support engagement, QRDI Council supported by the Leading House MENA, will facilitate networking opportunities to help researchers identify suitable collaborators, with the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) amplifying these efforts through its own communication channels.


Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Al Khater meets Swiss state secretary for education, research and innovation
DOHA: Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater has met with State Secretary of State for Education, Research and Innovation of the Swiss Confederation HE Dr Martina Hirayama. The meeting discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research, and technical and vocational education, and ways to enhance and develop them through educational grant initiatives and the exchange of expertise at the scientific and technical levels.