Latest news with #SheikhaHindbintHamadAlThani
ILoveQatar.net
a day ago
- Sport
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar Olympics would be a legacy Gamechanger, H.E. Sheikha Hind tells Olympism365 Summit
Hosting an Olympic Games in Qatar – and bringing the global sporting showcase to the Middle East for the first time – would create a social legacy that extends beyond Qatar and across the region and the world, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, has told a top international sporting summit. Speaking at the Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind – who is a member of the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Education Commission – outlined how Qatar is strengthening its position as a global hub of sports following its staging of the FIFA World Cup™ in 2022, while cultivating an inclusive, accessible sporting culture across the nation, the region, and beyond. In a high-level session exploring the role of sports as an enabler of sustainable development, she spotlighted the Circle In project, launched by Qatar Foundation, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to nurture more equitable, inclusive and educated communities across Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region, through sport. Part of the IOC's Olympism365 strategy to strengthen the role of sports and Olympism in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in its initial phase Circle In will support sport-for-good projects in seven countries, with a focus on women and girls, people with disabilities, and people from marginalized backgrounds. And Her Excellency Sheikha Hind told an audience including members of the Olympic movement and representatives of UN agencies and development organizations that, just as Circle In is harnessing the power of sports to unify, connect, and create opportunities, so Qatar wants to do the same as an Olympic host. 'It's no secret that Qatar is going for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and for me, as a person who is leading a foundation focused on education, and who has seen the legacy we were able to create in one sport through hosting the FIFA World Cup, it gives me chills to think about what can be created through all the different Olympic sports,' Her Excellency said during the panel session, on which she was joined by Dr. Najat Maalla, United Nations Special Representative on Ending Violence Against Children, with the session being moderated by Benny Bonsu, Director of Daily Content at the Olympic Channel. 'It's not only about creating a legacy for Qatar. Everything we do at Qatar Foundation is for the country, the region, and for a potential global effect. When you think about our region, and its two billion people, there is a real opportunity to think about the socioeconomic possibility through the lens of sports, and to ensure sports is seen in a different way – a more sustainable and comprehensive way.' Circle In – the name of which stems from sports teams coming together a huddle to symbolize unity and purpose – will provide accessible, safe, gender-inclusive, and sustainable community sports programs, and capacity-building pathways, in the countries where it initially operates. Its initial goal is to benefit up to 50,000 children and youth in these countries, and train up to 5,000 coaches, teachers, and instructors to promote equality, inclusion, and education through sports. In a subsequent phase, Circle In will provide more countries in the region with digital resources that support them in developing localized, sports-based solutions to challenges they face. 'I'm very proud of this partnership, because we're taking our expertise and learning in socioeconomic development through sports to different countries and finding local partners who can support our endeavors there,' Her Excellency Sheikha Hind told the summit." 'Even the name – Circle In – reflects that this is a community project. It's not simply extracting something and placing it in a country. It's about co-creating something together.' Her Excellency Sheikha Hind also explained how Qatar's sporting ethos – from the world-class events it hosts to the programs and pathways it provides for everyone to embrace, enjoy, and excel in sports – is built on gaining knowledge and ideas from an international outlook, and adapting this to fit the culture and values of the nation and region. 'When my country hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022 – the safest, most family-friendly, and most inclusive World Cup in history – I was very proud that we stuck to our values,' she said. 'This is important for any citizen when a sporting tournament comes to their country – that it is reflective of the values of that country. 'It's incredible to see the empowerment sports can bring. When I look at students from our school for children with autism participating in horse-riding classes, that is inclusive sports – and we do this across the board at Qatar Foundation. We ensure everyone has a space." 'Sports is part of the Qatari DNA, and so is social development. When we look at what Qatar has done, not just across the region but globally, it only made sense to naturally evolve and transition these two elements together, and so we have an opportunity to create even wider impact through sports in the context of socioeconomic development.' Mohamed Al-Kubaisi, Acting CEO of Education Above All Foundation, said: 'Circle In is more than a sport-for-good initiative – it is a powerful extension of Education Above All Foundation's mission to ensure that every young person, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, has access to inclusive education and opportunities for personal growth. 'Through our collaboration with Qatar Foundation and the IOC, we are integrating sports with education to build resilient, empowered communities where youth can learn, thrive, and lead change—both inside the classroom and on the playing field.' Through the Circle In collaboration, EAA Foundation is bringing its global expertise in education access, inclusion, and youth empowerment to ensure that the initiative not only promotes sport for development, but also drives learning outcomes and social inclusion for vulnerable groups. EAA's Foundation role includes integrating education and life skills into the design of sport-for-development programs, leveraging its partnerships in more than 60 countries to identify communities where Circle In can have maximum impact. With a focus on girls, children with disabilities, and marginalized youth, EAA Foundation will ensure that the initiative delivers holistic, sustainable, and measurable outcomes.
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Carnegie Mellon University and QF extend partnership for another decade
Tribune News Network Doha The partnership of knowledge formed two decades ago between Carnegie Mellon University, one of the world's leading universities, and Qatar Foundation has been extended for a further 10 years. The announcement comes at the end of an academic year in which Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, celebrated its 20th anniversary, and as QF marks 30 years since its establishment. The extension agreement was signed by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, vice-chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, and Farnam Jahanian, president of Carnegie Mellon University, at an Education City ceremony which was attended by US Ambassador to the State of Qatar His Excellency Timmy Davis. CMU-Q has graduated more than 1,400 students from its undergraduate degree programmes in biological sciences, business administration, computer science, and information systems. In the last academic year, CMU-Q was home to more than 450 students of 61 nationalities, 39 percent of whom are Qatari, and 56 percent of whom are female. Its alumni have gone on to become leaders and drivers of change in Qatar and around the world in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, technology entrepreneurship, science, and finance, at companies including Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft. The partnership extension is the third to be signed between QF and its international partner universities in the space of six months, following renewals with HEC Paris in November 2024 and Georgetown University in April 2025 – illustrating how QF's globally unique ecosystem of education continues to thrive. Her Excellency Sheikha Hind said, 'When Qatar Foundation began to create an entirely new model of learning three decades ago, we sought international partners in education to support us in our mission – partners who offered the highest quality of education in fields vital to the development of our nation and region, and whose values mirrored our own. 'Carnegie Mellon University was one such partner, bringing to Qatar its world-class academic programmes, its future-focused ethos of curiosity, and its commitment to providing opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge that stretch beyond its student body and into the wider community. Over 20 years on from its establishment, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar's devotion to excellence, inquiry, and engagement has made it part of the knowledge fabric of our nation – nurturing agents of change, inspiring entrepreneurs, and driving innovation.' She added, 'As we adapt to, and seek to harness the benefits of, an increasingly AI-influenced world, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar's expertise in this field is just one of the many ways in which it will continue to equip our next generation of national and regional leaders, and support the continuing development of Qatar and its people. Our pride in calling Carnegie Mellon University our partner in knowledge is matched by the anticipation of what we can achieve together in the years to come.' Farnam Jahanian said, 'The extraordinary partnership between Qatar Foundation and Carnegie Mellon University has flourished over the last 20 years. It is a partnership rooted in mutual trust and a shared commitment to leverage education as a platform for global engagement and a driver of economic opportunity and a better future for all. 'We are deeply grateful to the Qatar government and Qatar Foundation for their continued support of CMU-Q and for their leadership in advancing the vision of Education City as a hub for transformative opportunities. We are so proud of what we have accomplished together and the renewal of our partnership will allow us to continue this legacy of impact and strengthen the already strong partnership between our Pittsburgh campus and CMU-Q.' 'A hub of knowledge, innovation and discovery, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar continues to be an important demonstration of CMU's global mission to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world that is being reshaped by AI and other emerging technologies. We are excited to continue collaborating with Qatar Foundation and remain inspired and energized by the bright promise that our collective future holds,' Jahanian added. Carnegie Mellon University ranks in the world's top 25 universities by Times Higher Education, and also ranks in the top 10 for US. News and World Report rankings for Artificial Intelligence, business administration, computer science, and information systems, as well as second for undergraduate research and creative projects. Students at CMU-Q have identical graduation requirements to those at the home campus in Pittsburgh, US. This month, the CMU-Q community celebrated the graduation of 110 students in the Class of 2025. The education at CMU-Q emphasises analytics and leadership, and students are encouraged to reach beyond disciplines to find solutions to real-world problem sets. CMU-Q equips students with both the theoretical underpinnings and practical skills to become leaders in their fields. Artificial Intelligence was invented at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) more than 50 years ago, and as a global institution, CMU is at the forefront of AI education and research. On the Qatar campus, AI is woven into each of the undergraduate programmes, and students are challenged to explore the impact and ethical implications of AI tools and technology. Francisco Marmolejo, president of Higher Education and Education Advisor, Qatar Foundation, said: 'Partnerships built on a shared belief in the power of knowledge have the potential to shape lives, dissolve barriers, and bring untold benefit both to individuals and societies – and our longstanding and immensely valued partnership with Carnegie Mellon University is testament to this. 'Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, as with all our partner universities, was established through vision – our vision of an ecosystem of education unlike anything else in the world, dedicated to meeting the needs of Qatar, and the vision of Carnegie Mellon University, which recognised how partnering with Qatar Foundation opened up new paths of discovery, and the opportunity to help thousands of young people achieve their dreams. These visions aligned, and, over two decades, they have been realised.' 'We are delighted to extend our partnership with this world-renowned institution of learning for a further decade, and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us to advance knowledge, unlock solutions, and cultivate leaders, change-makers, and citizens of the world together,' Marmolejo added. Michael Trick, dean of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, said: 'The partnership between Carnegie Mellon and Qatar Foundation is based on the shared vision of the transformative impact of education. For more than 20 years, this campus has provided an exceptional education for students from Qatar and around the world who may not otherwise have had access. Thanks to the vision and generosity of Qatar Foundation, more than 1,400 students have completed their undergraduate education at CMU-Q. 'We are delighted to extend this partnership for another decade. In this age of rapid technological advancement, we will continue to guide our students to make decisions based on analysis, solutions based on compassion and consideration, and innovations based on a vision of a better world.' CMU-Q is one of seven international partner universities within QF's ecosystem of education, which stand alongside and integrate with QF's homegrown Hamad Bin Khalifa University. The uniqueness of the education model created by QF, and supported by its international partners in education, creates countless opportunities for academic and research collaboration, with students being able to cross-register for courses at different universities just yards from each other, gain real-world knowledge of science and technology development, participate in and lead community problems, and expand their horizons within an environment that fosters cultural and intellectual exchange. QF's ecosystem is also home to 13 schools, including specialised schools; research centers; a science and technology park within which students can incubate and accelerate their startups; policy centers; and community facilities and programmes that encourage lifelong learning and social interaction, and are open for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Qatar Living
07-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Living
Sheikha Moza attends QF Convocation and celebrates Class of 2025
Qatar Foundation (QF) honored 1,049 graduates from its eight universities at the 2025 Convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in QF's 30-year history. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF, and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF, attended the event alongside ministers, dignitaries, and faculty. Her Highness Sheikha Moza encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning for personal and intellectual growth. Over 11,000 students have graduated from QF universities in the past three decades, becoming leaders and innovators worldwide. Her Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, highlighted QF's role in redefining education as a continuous journey of inquiry and innovation, rooted in national values and open to the world. Francisco Marmolejo, President of Higher Education and Education Advisor, QF, expressed confidence in the graduates' world-class education and dedication to professionalism, ethics, and community service. Entrepreneur Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP, delivered the keynote speech, inspiring graduates to pursue their dreams with conviction and courage. Sixteen students received the QF Excellence Award for their exceptional achievements in intellectual rigor, interdisciplinary thinking, and social responsibility. Dr. Samah Gamar, Director of Academic Affairs, QF, noted that the awardees exemplify QF's mission to develop well-rounded leaders who address global challenges. QF's higher education ecosystem includes Hamad Bin Khalifa University and seven international partner universities, providing students with a unique, interconnected learning environment. Graduates benefit from diverse fields of study, real-world experiences, and opportunities for community engagement and cross-cultural understanding. The Class of 2025, comprising 74 nationalities, symbolizes the global impact and educational excellence fostered by Qatar Foundation. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
Gulf Insider
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Omar Farooq's 'Ana Laha' Wins GCC Award From Qatar Foundation's Akhlaquna Initiative
Bahraini content creator Omar Farooq received the Akhlaquna Award for individual contributions from GCC countries, presented by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, for his social awareness programme 'Ana Laha' (I am up for it). The programme has reached over 800 million views across two seasons and gained wide popularity in the Arab world. Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, presented the awards during a ceremony at Education City celebrating the moral values represented by the winners. The event also honoured 14 winners of the Akhlaquna Award for their inspiring and impactful community initiatives in Qatar and the GCC. Omar Farooq highlighted that the award is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to everyone in Bahrain who took part in the Ana Laha initiative and contributed to its success through their genuine, instinctive responses to the situations presented in the programme. He described the initiative as a real-life experience that reflected the strong moral and human values of Arab communities, proving that these principles are not mere slogans but deeply rooted values that show goodness remains present in society. Farooq emphasised the urgent need to revive ethical values in Arab communities, which is at the heart of the award's message. He noted that media stereotypes often fail to reflect the true moral fabric of the Arab world. The Individual Contributions category was recently introduced under the Akhlaquna Awards to recognise impactful initiatives that promote ethical values in society. It forms part of the Akhlaquna initiative launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, in 2017 to highlight the link between ethics and knowledge, and to emphasise the role of moral character and behaviour as a driver of social progress and development. Source Bahrain News Agency
Al Bawaba
20-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Qatar Foundation Launches BilAraby Summit Celebrating Arabic Language and Culture
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, attended on Saturday, the opening of the inaugural BilAraby Summit, a flagship initiative by Qatar Foundation dedicated to celebrating and promoting the richness of the Arabic language and culture, at Multaqa (Student Center) in Education City. The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries and policy and changemakers from Qatar and around the world. The two-day Summit, held from 19 to 20 April, under the theme 'Ideas Have a Voice and an Echo' is part of a broader effort to promote Arabic in creative and scientific fields, while opening new avenues for Arab innovators to express their ideas in their native language. During a tour of the Summit, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind explored the interactive exhibits and creative spaces featuring leading local and regional institutions. These spaces served as an open platform for exchanging experiences and showcasing ideas and projects, all within an atmosphere that celebrates Arab identity and innovation. The Summit is being attended by more than 500 participants from the Middle East, North Africa, and globally, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, thinkers, and innovators. This turnout underscores the significance of the initiative as a cultural and linguistic catalyst, and as a unique forum where the Arabic language intersects with the realms of scientific and artistic innovation. Speaking about the BilAraby Summit, Hisham Nourin, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives and Programs at Qatar Foundation, said: 'BilAraby is more than a Summit, it is a strategic expression of our belief that Arabic is not a language of the past, but of the future. At Qatar Foundation, we see the preservation and advancement of Arabic as a cornerstone in building thriving knowledge societies that innovate without losing sight of who they are.' He added: 'We believe Arabic, with all its cultural depth and expressive power, is a language of creativity in every field – from literature and arts to science and technology. Therefore, we are committed to creating the resources and platforms that make Arabic more fluid in daily life, especially in the digital space where knowledge and thought leadership are being redefined." The opening day featured a diverse lineup of talks, performances, and conversations exploring how Arabic can shape, and be shaped by, today's world. Renowned artist Lotfi Bouchnak opened the Summit with a musical performance steeped in identity. His performance was followed by Engineer Fidaa Al-Khashi, who reflected on the power of Arabic storytelling in a talk titled 'Identity is Untranslatable'. Another talk titled 'Green Resistance' featured Engineer Razan Zaiter, who discussed the significance of agriculture as a cultural and political act. Other talks during the opening session saw Abdul Rahman Sayidi, a speaker from Mauritania, pose a provocative question in his talk, 'Do we work to live, or live to work?' and lastly, Diana Al-Sindi, an aerospace engineer, rounded off the opening session with an inspiring lecture on her journey from Iraq to space science, titled 'Space in Arabic'. Other sessions during the course of the day included 'The Illusion of Reality' by Salam Katanani; 'Each One of You is a Guardian' by Dr. Abdul Wahid Zainal; 'The Battle for the Future' by Lina Al-Thakir; and 'So That Our Ships Do Not Remain Made of Paper' by storyteller Amer Darwish. The day closed with a powerful artistic performance by Dr. Mustafa Said. A highlight of the day was the announcement of the winner of the BilAraby logo design competition, which attracted over 1,500 submissions from across the Arab world since its launch in September 2024. The competition challenged designers to create a logo embodying the essence of the initiative and its ambitious vision for the future. The winning logo, designed by Robin Khalil, draws from traditional Kufi script and is reimagined with a bold, modern twist. Its strong baseline symbolizes unity and stability, which, along with the contemporary design, reflects the initiative's mission to connect Arabic-speaking communities through a shared cultural and creative identity. The Summit has received widespread support from regional cultural and educational institutions, most notably the Misk Foundation, which presented its Majlis Athar Youth experience during a dedicated session, emphasizing the importance of Arab collaboration in empowering both language and youth. Other key partners feature prominent Arab cultural institutions that contributed to the Summit's dialogue sessions, enriching the intellectual and creative experiences of participants. These include QatarDebate, Qatar Foundation International, Qatar Reads, The Diwan, Al Sharq Forum, Sowt podcast, the Syrian Youth Council, Hamad Bin Khalifa University's Fanar Project, ArabiQuest, and Sard Media Group. BilAraby Summit continues on Sunday, 20 April, with a rich lineup of sessions, including a live performance by calligrapher Karim Jabbari. There will also be interactive labs, creative showcases, and open discussions at Majlis BilAraby and Manara BilAraby platforms. Reflecting Qatar Foundation's commitment to inclusivity, Arabic sign-language interpretation will be available for the Summit's lectures, alongside English translations for the main sessions.
