Doha: The Shura Council held its ordinary weekly session at Tamim bin Hamad Hall, led by HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. The session began with HE Secretary-General Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud presenting the agenda and confirming the minutes of the previous meeting.
According to Qatar News Agency, the council addressed a request for a public discussion on the influence of teachers in promoting national identity values. HE Speaker Al Ghanim emphasized Qatar’s commitment to prioritizing young generations, aligning with leadership directives to reinforce national and cultural identity. He highlighted article 22 of the constitution, which mandates state protection for the youth against corruption, exploitation, and neglect while promoting an environment that nurtures their talents through proper education.
Al Ghanim stressed teachers’ critical role in instilling national values in young people and serving as role models. The Shura Council members noted that teachers’ responsibilities extend beyond education to embedding national identity values. They acknowledged challenges posed by the increasing diversity among teachers and called for enhancing awareness programs that support Qatari identity.
The council members questioned whether the Ministry of Education and Higher Education provides rehabilitative programs for foreign teachers to reinforce national values, emphasizing the need to evaluate these programs and their effectiveness, particularly in private schools. They suggested these programs should introduce Qatari culture and identity to ensure education aligns with national objectives.
After deliberation, the council members underscored the necessity of incorporating provisions in agreements for recruiting foreign teachers to ensure they respect and internalize Qatari culture. They advocated for reviewing such agreements to balance cultural openness with safeguarding national identity.
The council decided to refer the discussion request to the Education, Culture, Sports, and Information Affairs Committee for comprehensive review and submission to the council. Additionally, the session saw approval of a bill concerning the national emblem, which was referred to the government, and deliberation on a report about the Qatar-Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Group’s visit to the Georgian Parliament in September 2024 to strengthen bilateral relations.