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Qatar Tribune
19 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
UNR3C in Doha recognised as int'l centre for training and cooperation
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha The UNODC Regional Center for Combating Cybercrime in Doha (UNR3C) has been recognised for its transformation from an ambitious vision into a dynamic global hub for training, research, and international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime, according to a report released on Monday. Established through a landmark agreement signed on June 9, 2023 between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the State of Qatar, UNR3C now serves as UNODC's central training facility under its Global Programme on Cybercrime. The centre was created with a mission to empower countries with the skills, tools, and strategies necessary to address cyber threats in an effective and inclusive manner. Since mid-2023, the centre has reported significant impact across its operations: • Delivery of 51 training programmes to 2,770 participants representing 94 nationalities • 40 percent female participation, highlighting a commitment to gender inclusion in cybersecurity • Training focused on prevention, OSINT, SOCMINT, and train-the-trainer methodologies •A 65 percent average increase in participant knowledge, based on pre- and post-training assessments Beneficiaries of these initiatives include law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, judges, educators, government officials, and students, all contributing to a stronger global response to cybercrime. In addition to its training efforts, UNR3C is advancing the field through innovative research initiatives. Highlights include a collaborative study with the Qatar National Research Fund and Hamad Bin Khalifa University on digital dependency and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the presentation of a research article at the 2025 CEPOL Research & Science Conference exploring AI-powered facial recognition and OSINT in organised crime investigations. The centre is now preparing to move into a newly completed, state-of-the-art training facility in Doha. This space is designed to support hands-on simulations, inter-agency training, and regional cooperation forums. Throughout 2025, UNR3C has taken part in over ten high-level events, contributing to the implementation of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, regional framework development, and global discussions on technology governance and human rights. As it enters its third year, the UNODC Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime continues to serve as a model of effective multilateral cooperation. With strong support from the host country and a growing international network, the centre is well positioned to further enhance global cyber resilience and equip countries with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships required to secure their digital landscapes, the report concludes.
Qatar Tribune
01-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Azerbaijan keen to strengthen cooperation with Qatar: Envoy
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Qatar HE Adish Mammadov has praised the flourishing bilateral ties between the two countries, highlighting their deep bond rooted in shared moral values and a profound sense of brotherhood. Speaking at a reception hosted on Thursday to commemorate Azerbaijan Independence Day, the envoy noted that the warm ties are significantly strengthened by the personal rapport between President Ilham Aliyev and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The reception was graced by distinguished attendees, including Minister of Transport of Qatar HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar HE Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhro, Dean of the Asian Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam HE Mohamed Haji Abu Bakar, Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Azerbaijani community in Qatar. Ambassador Mammadov underlined Azerbaijan's keen interest in further strengthening the longstanding brotherhoodand collaboration including in political, economic, trade, and cultural spheres to the benefit of both nations. He noted that 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Qatar and highlighted the tradition of mutual support not only at international forums but also in bilateral engagements. Despite the evolving level of economic and trade cooperation, he expressed optimism about expanding this collaboration further. High-level visits and agreements across various governance areas, along with regular inter-ministerial consultations, have fortified these ties, he said, adding that cultural initiatives, such as Azerbaijani Culture Days in Doha and Qatari Culture Days in Baku, have also deepened connections. In 2023, Qatar received over 2,500 Azerbaijani tourists, and many Azerbaijanis are working in Qatar, reflecting robust people-to-people links, the envoy added. Talking about the significance of the celebrations, he said that Azerbaijan commemorated 107 years since the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first secular republic in the Islamic East, declared on May 28, 1918. He added that though it lasted only two years before being occupied by the Bolsheviks, Azerbaijan's statehood aspirations endured. After the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, Azerbaijan reasserted its independence, building strong diplomatic ties worldwide, with 90 missions abroad and hosting 88 countries and 15 consulates. Paying tributes to Heydar Aliyev's vision of prioritising national interests and Ataturk's principle of 'peace at home, peace in the world', he said that Azerbaijan has become a hub of economic and trade cooperation, striving for peace and stability in the Caucasus. He said that with its rich natural resources, Azerbaijan exported 12 billion cubic metres of gas to Europe in 2023, aiming to reach 20 billion by 2027. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, operational since 2006, continues to bolster economic growth. Mammadov said that Azerbaijan is also investing in renewable energy and modern transport infrastructure, transforming its role as a key logistics bridge between East and West. Its active international presence was reflected in chairing the Non-Aligned Movement and hosting COP29 in Baku. He said that with a multicultural and tolerant society, Azerbaijan remains committed to peace and reconstruction, especially in the liberated Karabakh region. The guests were treated to the rich flavours of Azerbaijani national cuisine, all while enjoying the melodies of traditional Azerbaijani melodious music – Gunay Imamverdiyeva (Singer); Toghrul Asadullayev (Tar player); and Kamal Nuriyev (Kaman player). On Saturday, Azerbaijan embassy organised a concert 'My Azerbaijan' at the Dukhan Auditorium, University of Doha for Science and Technology.
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Indonesian Education Expo 2025 showcases opportunities for Qatari international students
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Following the success of the inaugural event a year ago, the second edition of the Indonesian Education Expo 2025 Qatar was held on May 23 and 24, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Westbay. This event aimed to provide the broader community in Qatar with comprehensive information on the advancements of higher education in Indonesia, highlighting how these opportunities can address the needs of individuals facing global challenges. Addressing a press conference at the venue, Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar HE Ridwan Hassan said this year's expo featured an even broader array of higher education opportunities, including undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes, exclusive scholarship offerings to empower Indonesia's next generation of global leaders, and insights on how to secure scholarships. The two-day event was open to individuals aged 16 and above and catered to a diverse audience, including students, parents, educational counsellors, school administrators, career advisors, and professionals seeking further academic development. The universities represented included Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Universitas Padjadjaran, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Universitas Bina Nusantara (BINUS), Universitas Sampoerna, Swiss-German University (SGU), and the LSPR Institute of Communication and Business. Currently, more than 2,000 Indonesian students reside in Qatar, many of whom are preparing for higher education. This event offered them detailed information on a variety of education programmes and options for continuing their studies. Ivan Rismi Polontalo, coordinator of Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Qatar, said the embassy's initiatives are supported by collaboration with the Indonesian community in Qatar and by the government and people of Qatar. Ambassador Ridwan Hassan encouraged the international community in Qatar to explore these Indonesian higher education opportunities, which are internationally competitive. He also affirmed the embassy's commitment to fostering access to information and opportunities across various fields, including education, for the wider community in Qatar. Talking to Qatar Tribune, Andy Hadiyanto, vice-rector for Cooperation and Business at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), said the university aimed to build partnerships with Qatari institutions and government agencies like the Ministry of Waqf. UNJ, a public university in East Jakarta with eight faculties and around 50,000 students, plans to expand to a 70-90 hectare new campus. While it currently hosts 100 international students from countries including China and Palestine, it hopes to attract Qatari students due to the high cost of education in Qatar. UNJ will offer 5–10 direct scholarships this year, targeting Gulf-region students. Dr. Achmad Syarief, representing Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), told Qatar Tribune that the university's participation in the expo aimed to share information about Indonesian higher education with the Indonesian diaspora, other expatriates in Qatar, and Qatari citizens. He added that ITB, as a science and engineering institute, has around 32,000 students and 2,800 staff members. The university currently hosts about 1,000 international students from Africa, Palestine, and Southeast Asia, and aims to increase these numbers. Dr. Syarief noted that ITB offers partial scholarships to international students, which could be appealing to many in Qatar, where 90 percent of the population are foreigners, with a significant portion from Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Polish Development Fund eyes stronger ties with Qatar
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Qatar's economic transformation and commitment to sustainable development continue to attract international partners, Plotr Matczak, CEO of Poland Development Fund including the Polish Development Fund (PFR), has said. Matczak emphasised the significance of deepening economic cooperation between Poland and Qatar, highlighting that bilateral trade has surged by 80 percent over the past five years, reaching approximately $1.3 billion in 2023. Speaking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of Qatar Economic Forum 2025 on Tuesday, Matczak noted that his visit was focused on exploring new areas of collaboration—particularly in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy. He also aimed to showcase Poland's investment potential and the PFR Group's international initiatives, while reinforcing ties with Qatari institutions that date back to 1989. Poland is advancing initiatives in energy, security, cybersecurity, and innovation. The recent launch of the Deep Tech Fund, which supports dual-use technologies, demonstrates Poland's growing ambition to become a key European player in the innovation sector. Matczak underlined PFR's commitment to supporting Qatar's National Vision 2030 by guiding Polish enterprises to contribute to the development of a modern, sustainable society. Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg, served as an excellent platform for the Polish delegation to engage with global investors and discuss strategic topics like energy transition, infrastructure development, and emerging technologies, he said. He praised the high calibre of discussions and emphasised that the themes closely align with economic priorities shared by Poland and the Gulf region. He added that participation in the Forum aligns with PFR's mission to support Poland's sustainable economic growth, encourage international expansion of Polish companies, and foster cooperation with foreign partners. With $20 billion in assets under management and investments in over 1,000 companies, PFR is one of Central and Eastern Europe's largest institutional investors, playing a vital role in scaling innovation and SME development, Matczak said. He also highlighted several potential areas for collaboration between Polish and Qatari institutions, stressing that energy, especially LNG and renewable infrastructure such as offshore wind and hydrogen, presents promising opportunities for Qatari investment. He also pointed to Poland's vibrant tech ecosystem and QSTP's support for over 300 Qatari startups, suggesting scope for joint ventures and co-financing arrangements. Encouraging Qatari investors to consider Poland, Matczak underscored the country's strategic location in the EU, highly educated workforce, and flexible regulatory environment due to its independent currency. Poland's economy is forecast to grow over three percent in 2025 and 2026, and its stock market has outperformed peers, with the WIG index rising over 40 percent in 2025 alone. He added that Poland's political stability, EU and NATO membership, and strong the US ties—underscored by the presence of key American military assets—make it a secure destination for foreign investment with approximately 38 Polish companies already operate in Qatar, with support from institutions like the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Indonesian community, QCS come together to raise cancer awareness
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha The Embassy of Indonesia in Doha, the University of Indonesia Alumni Association in Qatar (ILUNI UI Qatar), and Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) — with support from PERMIQA and the Indonesian Support System Group — recently held the Indonesian Cancer Awareness (ICA) event at QCS headquarters. The pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing public health awareness among the Indonesian diaspora attracted diverse participants, including cancer patients, survivors, medical professionals, and Indonesian expatriates. Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar HE Ridwan Hassan, on the occasion, reiterated the embassy's commitment to supporting health initiatives. 'A strong support system and family involvement are critical. This event enhances access to cancer education for the Indonesian community and promotes collaborative outreach,' he stated. Representing QCS, Dr Hadi Abu Rasheed, scientific advisor and head of Professional Development and Research, expressed appreciation for community engagement. 'QCS values partnerships that advance cancer awareness and education. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Indonesian community,' he said. The event was initiated by Dr Ken Lestariyani Sulis, a health educator and support facilitator for cancer survivors. She emphasised the importance of raising health literacy and empowering survivors to share their experiences to build a supportive community. Under the theme 'Support, Share, Survive: Community Action Against Cancer',the event focused on early detection, treatment pathways in Qatar, and the emotional and social support needed by patients and families. In line with World No Tobacco Day (May 31), it also highlighted the risks of smoking in cancer development. The programme featured interactive panel discussions, survivor testimonies, and free health services, including medical consultations, dietary counselling, and health checks provided by QCS. Speakers included Dr Ahmed Abdallah from Hamad Medical Corporation, QCS nutritionist Batoul Ibrahim, and QCS Head of Education Heba Nassar, who addressed various aspects of cancer prevention and community engagement. Yuli Nurcahyo MT, an Indonesian cancer survivor, shared a moving personal story of recovery.
