September
QF took to the world stage to place precision health in the spotlight, launched its latest sporting pathway for women and girls - and unveiled a new addition to Education City that is encouraging people to think green.
Precision Health
Leaving No One BehindSeptember saw leaders from across the world converge on New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly – and Qatar Foundation (QF) was there to send a message about the future of precision health.
In a session on the sidelines of the event, hosted by QF and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Qatar’s efforts, advances, and ambitions in the field of personalized healthcare were outlined to an international audience of scientists, academics, and policy and health leaders.
And it also contained a call for precision healthcare to be made available to all, with Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development, and Innovation Adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at QF telling the session: “If a population is underrepresented in research today, it will be underserved by the precision health solutions of tomorrow.
“Developing diagnostics and therapies based on data from only one population or ancestry risks reinforcing existing health inequalities and leaving large segments behind.”
September saw leaders from across the world converge on New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly – and Qatar Foundation (QF) was there to send a message about the future of precision health.
In a session on the sidelines of the event, hosted by QF and the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Qatar’s efforts, advances, and ambitions in the field of personalized healthcare were outlined to an international audience of scientists, academics, and policy and health leaders.
And it also contained a call for precision healthcare to be made available to all, with Dr. Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development, and Innovation Adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and Executive Director of Research, Development and Innovation at QF telling the session: “If a population is underrepresented in research today, it will be underserved by the precision health solutions of tomorrow.
“Developing diagnostics and therapies based on data from only one population or ancestry risks reinforcing existing health inequalities and leaving large segments behind.”
We recognize the immense potential for health, wellbeing, and economic benefits in shifting our focus from disease treatment to prevention. Achieving this transformation requires strong global partnerships to enhance healthcare outcomes and make preventative care a cornerstone of medical practice worldwide.
Social Progress
On the Right TrackWith a history-making Olympic gold medalist as its ambassador, QF’s Creating Pathways program was launched in September – and its goal is to nurture women’s and girls’ sporting talent.
The unveiling of the program – part of QF’s FIFA World Cup legacy plans – revealed that track and field will be the first of five elite sports programs under the new sporting pathway. Initially targeting high-potential Qatari girls in a female-only training environment, the program will later expand to after-school and community-based sports initiatives.
The track and field program’s ambassador is Sifan Hassan, the Dutch middle- and long-distance runner who has won six Olympic medals and was praised for wearing the hijab when receiving her gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Alongside helping to launch the program, she was also the guest speaker at a special edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series dialogue platform.
“Because of running, I am not afraid to fail, not afraid to take up challenges, and not afraid to make mistakes, and that is what I would like to pass on to young girls in Qatar and the region,” she said. “Girls everywhere hold a lot of promise – they just need some encouragement to believe in themselves, and that is what I will help them do.”
With a history-making Olympic gold medalist as its ambassador, QF’s Creating Pathways program was launched in September – and its goal is to nurture women’s and girls’ sporting talent.
The unveiling of the program – part of QF’s FIFA World Cup legacy plans – revealed that track and field will be the first of five elite sports programs under the new sporting pathway. Initially targeting high-potential Qatari girls in a female-only training environment, the program will later expand to after-school and community-based sports initiatives.
The track and field program’s ambassador is Sifan Hassan, the Dutch middle- and long-distance runner who has won six Olympic medals and was praised for wearing the hijab when receiving her gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Alongside helping to launch the program, she was also the guest speaker at a special edition of QF’s Education City Speaker Series dialogue platform.
“Because of running, I am not afraid to fail, not afraid to take up challenges, and not afraid to make mistakes, and that is what I would like to pass on to young girls in Qatar and the region,” she said. “Girls everywhere hold a lot of promise – they just need some encouragement to believe in themselves, and that is what I will help them do.”
The Creating Pathways Program has been designed with women in mind – healthy you, healthy body, healthy mind.
Sustainability
Shining a Green LightAs people across the country were encouraged and empowered to contribute to a greener future through Qatar Sustainability Week, a unique recycling hub that has a role beyond collecting waste opened its doors at QF’s Education City.
Green Island is a community-centric recycling facility featuring educational exhibits, workshops, and interactive displays that offers experiential learning experiences for visitors of all ages. It also hosts a self-service recycling station with streams for paper, plastic, glass, metal, batteries, cables, and electronics.
The hub has been developed through collaborations with organizations including Arab Engineering Bureau, Milaha, QatarEnergy, Seashore Group, Agrico, and Al-Awalia (Qatar Primary Materials Company), with delivery platform Snoonu making its service available for people to send their items to Green Island.
The launch came as QF’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future organized the ninth edition of Qatar Sustainability Week, which, through a nationwide range of sustainability-focused activities, promotes Qatar’s sustainable vision and raises awareness about everyone can adopt greener habits and lifestyles.
As people across the country were encouraged and empowered to contribute to a greener future through Qatar Sustainability Week, a unique recycling hub that has a role beyond collecting waste opened its doors at QF’s Education City.
Green Island is a community-centric recycling facility featuring educational exhibits, workshops, and interactive displays that offers experiential learning experiences for visitors of all ages. It also hosts a self-service recycling station with streams for paper, plastic, glass, metal, batteries, cables, and electronics.
The hub has been developed through collaborations with organizations including Arab Engineering Bureau, Milaha, QatarEnergy, Seashore Group, Agrico, and Al-Awalia (Qatar Primary Materials Company), with delivery platform Snoonu making its service available for people to send their items to Green Island.
The launch came as QF’s Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future organized the ninth edition of Qatar Sustainability Week, which, through a nationwide range of sustainability-focused activities, promotes Qatar’s sustainable vision and raises awareness about everyone can adopt greener habits and lifestyles.
Green Island showcases practical sustainability applications such as construction waste upcycling, sustainable farming, and solar energy. We are also addressing the challenge of food waste, which is a significant issue for the entire region.
Progressive Education
Evolution and CelebrationNew chapters were opened and milestones reached across QF’s education landscape in September, as the new academic year got into full swing.
Tariq Bin Ziad School, part of QF’s Pre-University Education, announced plans to expand during 2024-25 with the launch of a new preparatory school, supported by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The expansion builds on the success of the school’s primary education program over the past five years.
Fellow QF school Qatar Academy Msheireb marked its 10th anniversary, with students, teachers, and staff coming together to reflect on a decade of growth and achievement. The celebration saw students create artworks using sustainable materials, reflecting the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
And QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) reached the 20th anniversary of its doors opening at Education City, with its dean, Michael Trick, saying: “Our partnership with QF is based on a shared belief in the transformative power of education.
“The Carnegie Mellon experience is continually evolving as we find new opportunities for learning, new frontiers to research, and new technologies to explore. I am excited by the possibilities as we embark on CMU-Q’s next chapter.”
New chapters were opened and milestones reached across QF’s education landscape in September, as the new academic year got into full swing.
Tariq Bin Ziad School, part of QF’s Pre-University Education, announced plans to expand during 2024-25 with the launch of a new preparatory school, supported by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The expansion builds on the success of the school’s primary education program over the past five years.
Fellow QF school Qatar Academy Msheireb marked its 10th anniversary, with students, teachers, and staff coming together to reflect on a decade of growth and achievement. The celebration saw students create artworks using sustainable materials, reflecting the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
And QF partner university Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) reached the 20th anniversary of its doors opening at Education City, with its dean, Michael Trick, saying: “Our partnership with QF is based on a shared belief in the transformative power of education.
“The Carnegie Mellon experience is continually evolving as we find new opportunities for learning, new frontiers to research, and new technologies to explore. I am excited by the possibilities as we embark on CMU-Q’s next chapter.”
We are committed to creating a well-rounded learning environment that aligns with the latest global standards, empowering our students to fulfil their academic and professional aspirations in the future.
Social Progress
Extending the ReachBy being part of QF’s popular Ability Friendly Program, hundreds of people of all ages with different abilities have unlocked opportunities for enjoyment, empowerment, and achievement through sports.
And in September, the popular program was boosted through a partnership between QF and the Seashore Group, which will see the two organizations work together to support its existing seasonal camps and other initiatives so the program’s reach and impact can be expanded.
Under the partnership, Seashore Group will provide support and logistical resources for the various elements of the Ability Friendly Program, including its summer and winter camps, and the group’s CEO Salem Al Mohannadi said: “We were inspired by the Ability Friendly Program’s mission to provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs, particularly in sports and personal development.
“By supporting this initiative, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals, fostering their growth and integration into society. Collaborations like this play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive society where every individual has a chance to succeed.”
By being part of QF’s popular Ability Friendly Program, hundreds of people of all ages with different abilities have unlocked opportunities for enjoyment, empowerment, and achievement through sports.
And in September, the popular program was boosted through a partnership between QF and the Seashore Group, which will see the two organizations work together to support its existing seasonal camps and other initiatives so the program’s reach and impact can be expanded.
Under the partnership, Seashore Group will provide support and logistical resources for the various elements of the Ability Friendly Program, including its summer and winter camps, and the group’s CEO Salem Al Mohannadi said: “We were inspired by the Ability Friendly Program’s mission to provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs, particularly in sports and personal development.
“By supporting this initiative, we hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals, fostering their growth and integration into society. Collaborations like this play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive society where every individual has a chance to succeed.”
Seashore Group’s contribution enhances our research and capacity, allowing us to improve the program to support more participants and coaches. This collaboration also strengthens our community network, raising awareness and promoting inclusivity.
QF’s Ability Friendly Program offers:
- A football program
- A swimming program
- A playball program
- A movement and meditation program
- Summer and winter camps
More information can be found here.
Artificial Intelligence
Uniting Global KnowledgeExploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in the future path for higher education and skills development is the purpose of a new international research consortium led by QF’s global education thinktank, announced in September.
WISE partnered with the Institute of International Education and seven universities to embark on a 12-month series of studies across diverse geographical contexts. The aim is to provide new insights into the integration of AI into educational curricula and practice, its role in closing the skills gap, and how to prepare students for an AI-driven world of work.
Meanwhile, the month also saw participants from universities at Education City give their perspectives on the impact of generative AI on academics, in a session hosted by QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).
“The integration of AI in education is not merely a trend; it is a transformative force that has the potential to redefine how we teach, learn, and interact within our academic environments,” said Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. “Together, we can explore how to harness the potential of AI to enrich teaching and learning, and ultimately to foster a more effective and equitable educational experience for all.”
Exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in the future path for higher education and skills development is the purpose of a new international research consortium led by QF’s global education thinktank, announced in September.
WISE partnered with the Institute of International Education and seven universities to embark on a 12-month series of studies across diverse geographical contexts. The aim is to provide new insights into the integration of AI into educational curricula and practice, its role in closing the skills gap, and how to prepare students for an AI-driven world of work.
Meanwhile, the month also saw participants from universities at Education City give their perspectives on the impact of generative AI on academics, in a session hosted by QF partner university Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar).
“The integration of AI in education is not merely a trend; it is a transformative force that has the potential to redefine how we teach, learn, and interact within our academic environments,” said Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. “Together, we can explore how to harness the potential of AI to enrich teaching and learning, and ultimately to foster a more effective and equitable educational experience for all.”
As nations navigate the impact and potential of AI, higher education can build the bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical, industry-relevant skills.
The WISE Global Research Consortium on AI is conducting research in:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- North America
- South America
Consortium members include:
- Ashesi University, Ghana
- Universidad Camilo Jose Cela, Spain
- University of Pennsylvania, US
- The Birla Institute of Technology & Science, India
- Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Social Progress, Progressive Education
The Power of DiscourseThe need for societies to invest in sustainable development, and how the teachings from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can be applied to modern-day challenges, were both placed in focus during September by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
Hosted by the Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies, the 2024 edition of the Sirah of the Prophet conference explored Dalā'il al-Nubuwwah from a historical and contemporary perspective; while the Summit of the Future: Hadaba Edition – held by HBKU’s College of Public Policy – saw international experts stage a dialogue on sustainable policy in a local and global context.
Elsewhere at Education City, QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar launched its Hiwar Scholars Seminar, designed to advance scholarly discourse on critical global issues, and announced the four scholars selected for the 2024-25 Global Fellows Program under the university’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South.
And QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar debuted Qalam, a literary series bringing together acclaimed writers to discuss how storytelling can bridge cultures and ideas, led by award-winning novelist Kamila Shamsie, the university’s inaugural Writer-in-Residence.
The need for societies to invest in sustainable development, and how the teachings from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can be applied to modern-day challenges, were both placed in focus during September by QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).
Hosted by the Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies, the 2024 edition of the Sirah of the Prophet conference explored Dalā'il al-Nubuwwah from a historical and contemporary perspective; while the Summit of the Future: Hadaba Edition – held by HBKU’s College of Public Policy – saw international experts stage a dialogue on sustainable policy in a local and global context.
Elsewhere at Education City, QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar launched its Hiwar Scholars Seminar, designed to advance scholarly discourse on critical global issues, and announced the four scholars selected for the 2024-25 Global Fellows Program under the university’s Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South.
And QF partner university Georgetown University in Qatar debuted Qalam, a literary series bringing together acclaimed writers to discuss how storytelling can bridge cultures and ideas, led by award-winning novelist Kamila Shamsie, the university’s inaugural Writer-in-Residence.
As a global hub for international public policy education, evaluation, and research in Qatar, we were eager to foster a dialogue on how we can craft policies that ensure a sustainable future.
Sessions at the Sirah of the Prophet conference explored topics including:
- Modern Muslim prophetology in the context of coloniality
- Establishing Dalā'il in the context of contemporary atheism
- How learnings from Dalā'il literature can support Muslim children’s upbringing
Progressive Education
A Path for LeadersDesigned to equip women with the skills and networks that position them for success in the executive world, a new female-focused program was announced by a QF partner university in September.
The four-month Executive Women Leaders Program, aimed at advancing gender equity in leadership, will be offered by HEC Paris in Qatar, which also sealed a partnership with Apex Health that is targeted at enhancing healthcare leadership and promoting wellness in Qatar.
Meanwhile, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar bolstered its connections with the global community of healthcare educators as it participated, for the first time, in one of the leading international gatherings of experts in the field of health education, held in the Swiss city of Basel.
Precision Health
Launching Trials, Saving LivesAnd QF’s Sidra Medicine unveiled its Clinical Trials Program, which will focus on trials that benefit children across the Arab region and particularly those with rare diseases, while also providing life-saving treatment for a baby diagnosed with a rare spinal muscular condition – treatment made possible through fundraising by Qatar Charity and Qatar’s community.
Designed to equip women with the skills and networks that position them for success in the executive world, a new female-focused program was announced by a QF partner university in September.
The four-month Executive Women Leaders Program, aimed at advancing gender equity in leadership, will be offered by HEC Paris in Qatar, which also sealed a partnership with Apex Health that is targeted at enhancing healthcare leadership and promoting wellness in Qatar.
Meanwhile, QF partner university Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar bolstered its connections with the global community of healthcare educators as it participated, for the first time, in one of the leading international gatherings of experts in the field of health education, held in the Swiss city of Basel.
This program is more than just an educational journey; it’s a transformative experience designed to empower women to lead with authenticity and impact.
Sidra Medicine’s Clinical Trials Program will initially focus on disorders and medical conditions such as:
- Endocrine disorders
- Type 1 diabetes
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Metabolic disorders
- Pediatric cancers
Artificial Intelligence
Bringing the Tech World TogetherSeptember saw QF’s hub of technology innovation and entrepreneurship, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), host the first edition of a program which will be a channel for collaboration for innovators, entrepreneurs, science parks, tech accelerators, and universities from around the world.
And the inaugural Global Innovation Link program welcomed five tech startups from Pakistan – all of which employ Artificial Intelligence in their products – for a two-week immersive innovation experience, where they joined QSTP’s community and engaged with key academic, industry, and government stakeholders in Qatar.
QSTP also marked the end of its first Summer Internship Bootcamp, where university students gained real-world insight into what it takes to be a tech innovator and entrepreneur, including through access to companies and startups based at the park.
Social Progress
Ambassadors for DialogueMeanwhile, QF’s Doha Debates introduced the latest cohort of emerging leaders from around the world to participate in the latest edition of its Ambassador Program – with 16 of the program’s alumni being selected to mentor them.
Through the program, ambassadors work with experts to develop advanced communication skills and engage in dialogue on complex global issues – making them role models for building consensus through debate.
September saw QF’s hub of technology innovation and entrepreneurship, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), host the first edition of a program which will be a channel for collaboration for innovators, entrepreneurs, science parks, tech accelerators, and universities from around the world.
And the inaugural Global Innovation Link program welcomed five tech startups from Pakistan – all of which employ Artificial Intelligence in their products – for a two-week immersive innovation experience, where they joined QSTP’s community and engaged with key academic, industry, and government stakeholders in Qatar.
QSTP also marked the end of its first Summer Internship Bootcamp, where university students gained real-world insight into what it takes to be a tech innovator and entrepreneur, including through access to companies and startups based at the park.
By building bridges between Pakistani startups and Qatari innovators, tech leaders, and investors, we are paving the way for joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and strategic growth.
Progressive Education, Social Progress
The Gateway to HopeIn 2024, the continuing war in Gaza and Palestine, and its terrible impact on the lives of Palestinians, gave the fifth observance of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack – held on 9 September each year, having been established in 2020 through a resolution led by Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – even greater resonance.
And on this day, QF told the stories of volunteers from its community who are contributing to Qatar’s efforts to provide education to Palestinian children evacuated from Gaza to Qatar for medical treatment.
Among them is Hadeel Al-Sayed, a teacher at QF’s Qatar Academy Sidra who teaches beginner-level English skills to Palestinian youngsters, and said: “Despite their hardships, the students show remarkable determination and hope.
“Education is a strong tool for empowerment and recovery. It gives evacuees a sense of normalcy structure, and hope for the future. Access to education opens doors to opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives, and pursue their aspirations despite the challenges they have faced.”
In 2024, the continuing war in Gaza and Palestine, and its terrible impact on the lives of Palestinians, gave the fifth observance of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack – held on 9 September each year, having been established in 2020 through a resolution led by Qatar and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation – even greater resonance.
And on this day, QF told the stories of volunteers from its community who are contributing to Qatar’s efforts to provide education to Palestinian children evacuated from Gaza to Qatar for medical treatment.
Among them is Hadeel Al-Sayed, a teacher at QF’s Qatar Academy Sidra who teaches beginner-level English skills to Palestinian youngsters, and said: “Despite their hardships, the students show remarkable determination and hope.
“Education is a strong tool for empowerment and recovery. It gives evacuees a sense of normalcy structure, and hope for the future. Access to education opens doors to opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives, and pursue their aspirations despite the challenges they have faced.”
When you mix hope with access to education, you create such a powerful scenario.
