Doha: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, celebrated the International Day of Education.
According to Qatar News Agency, this annual occasion, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on January 24, 2018, emphasizes the vital role of education in achieving sustainable development.
This year's event was themed "The Power of Youth in Building the Future of Education" and included a panel discussion titled "Youth, Education, and Digital Transformation Toward Building a Sustainable Future." The panel was led by HE Head of the UNESCO Section at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Sheikha Aisha bint Mubarak Al-Thani, with the participation of Deputy Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, Farida Abou Dan, and Assistant Undersecretary for Special Education at MoEHE, Omar bin Abdulaziz Al Naama.
Al Naama emphasized that the 2026 celebration highlights education as a cornerstone for building societies and a catalyst for digital transformation and innovation. He noted that the theme reflects the crucial role of youth in shaping the future of education, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes education to build human capital supporting sustainable development.
He further explained that MoEHE views technology and artificial intelligence as tools to achieve justice and sustainability, aiming to nurture creative young leaders with strong critical thinking skills. The ministry is dedicated to creating an educational environment that fosters innovation, preparing students for the labor market and equipping them to tackle global environmental and social challenges.
Al Naama also pointed out the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, teachers, and parents in building a future for Qatar rooted in science, innovation, and social responsibility. He stressed that global partnerships with educational organizations are crucial for sharing expertise and maintaining educational standards that align with global advancements while preserving national identity and Islamic values.
Farida Abou Dan reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to supporting Qatar's efforts to enhance education quality and access. She highlighted the importance of this day in recognizing education as a fundamental human right and a collective responsibility. Abou Dan noted that youth play a strategic role in innovation, particularly in Gulf nations, and emphasized the necessity of engaging young people in educational policy development.
UNESCO plans to release a global report in 2026 to monitor youth involvement in educational policy-making, to be developed in collaboration with the United Nations Youth Office. Abou Dan stressed the need for educational systems in the Gulf to adapt to the demands of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, urging investment in educational environments that promote critical thinking, social engagement, and problem-solving skills, especially in addressing climate change.