Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, concluded the Executive Program on Global Health Diplomacy and Cooperation. The event spanned four days in Doha, with the participation of health leaders and policymakers from government entities and health institutions in more than 12 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
According to Qatar News Agency, the program was part of the "Doha Health Initiative for the Global South", launched by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs in partnership with the Gates Foundation. The initiative aims to strengthen diplomatic and policymaking capacities among health leaders in Global South countries and support their greater engagement and representation in global health governance and multilateral policy processes.
HBKU stated that the program reflects the university's commitment to developing the capacities needed to address challenges at the intersection of health, policy, and international affairs. By drawing on its academic expertise and benefiting from Qatar's health and education sectors, the university contributes to strengthening links between different disciplines, executive education, and policy development, as well as supporting regional capabilities in global health.
Mohamed Abuelgasim, Executive Director of the Executive Education Center at HBKU, highlighted the increasingly important connection between health, policy, and international affairs. He expressed his pleasure at hosting senior officials from across the region, whose contributions enriched the program with valuable insights and practical experience. Abuelgasim emphasized HBKU's role in developing capabilities to address complex challenges through executive education programs and partnerships with stakeholders.
Dr. Khalid Al Jaber, Executive Director of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, noted that the region is experiencing a pivotal period affected by multiple global challenges. He emphasized the need for increased efforts in sectors directly connected to communities, such as healthcare systems. Al Jaber explained that addressing health challenges requires effective international cooperation and highlighted the importance of developing health policies as an essential element of foreign policy.
The Executive Program focused on the evolving environment in which health policies are shaped, influenced by geopolitics, foreign policy, security, financing, trade, innovation, and crisis management. It aimed to develop participants' practical skills in health diplomacy, negotiation, and multisectoral cooperation. Faculty members from various colleges at HBKU, alongside experts from other institutions, contributed to the program.
The participation of officials from health ministries in several countries in Africa and the Middle East strengthened ties of cooperation and professional engagement. It facilitated the exchange of national experiences and best practices, supporting opportunities for future cooperation in relevant areas and reinforcing the partnership between HBKU and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs.