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31/10/2024

From Work and Technology to Living Amid Conflict: Global Conference in Doha Explores the Way Forward for Supporting Families

QF’s Doha International Family Institute organizes milestone event marking 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family

Doha, Qatar, 30 October 2024: Policies to protect families in countries affected by conflict, the global impact of population decline, and striking a balance between work and family life were placed in focus on the opening day of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends.

Organized by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Doha International Family Institute, the conference has brought together experts and policymakers from around the world to explore key global megatrends affecting families, and policies and programs that strengthen the family’s place at the heart of society.

In a session titled ‘Shattered Lives: The Impact of War and Conflict’, Dr. Nour Naim, Executive Director of AI Minds Academy, spoke about the targeted destruction of the middle class and education in Gaza – where she is originally from, and where her father continues to work as a frontline doctor despite being injured.

She explained that the situation in Gaza is dismantling the connection between families and their homeland, forcing them to migrate to different corners of the world, but said: “Despite the ongoing tragedy, family bonds have reached a peak, with families making decisions together about displacement and their fate.

"The strength of the Gazan community lies in these tight family ties. Families are moving into each other’s homes, living together as if they were one family. These values are the foundation of society in Gaza. Unlike what typically happens in wars, there is a strong civil society with youth volunteers working to support poor families and assist with nursing care.

"The solidarity in Gaza should be studied in sociology textbooks worldwide. The primary driver is the understanding that we are all equal under the shadow of death, facing it at any moment. We don’t have the luxury of mourning – our only option is to stay strong and patient.”

Speaking in a discussion on ‘Work-Family Reimagined’, Dr. Maimoonah Khalil Al Khalil, Secretary General, Family Affairs Council, Saudi Arabia, highlighted the main challenges and opportunities facing working families in the country, saying: “Research has shown that when both parents are both working and away from home for long hours, it affects fertility, marriage age, and divorce rates, so initiatives must be introduced to ensure that women are active in the workforce, but also to ensure that we are practicing the role of parenting well.

"While encouraging families to provide a better life for their children, we must support them with flexible work, active parenting, and early childhood resources. We're organizing workshops, guides, and frameworks to support remote work for women, enabling them to continue breastfeeding and build strong bonds with their newborns.

“Employers need to realize that these policies will make working women more productive and focused at work, and consequently contribute better to national development.”

The panel ‘Saving the Earth, Securing the Family’ explored the impact of climate change on families, focusing on the effects of climate-induced migration, food security, water scarcity, and eco-anxiety. “Climate change is multidimensional, and we need to deal with it in a holistic manner,” Her Excellency Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services, Türkiye, said.

“To find solutions, what is most important is that we bear collective responsibility. Government institutions globally require qualified human personnel, as well as financial support. We need cooperation between different countries to exchange our experiences and engage in environment coalition through effective and sustainable policies to address climate change challenges.”

Dr. Mohammed Behnassi, Senior Environmental Expert at the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, based in Rabat, Morocco, highlighted three interconnected climate change phenomena affecting families. “First is climate-induced displacement; second is food insecurity, which is worsened by climate change; and finally, war insecurity,” he said. “These interrelated challenges are triggering what we call climate migration – migration that is triggered by environment issues and is amplified by water stress, flooding, desertification, and deforestation.”

Speaking at the conference on the issue of declining fertility rates, data scientist and demographer Stephen Shaw said: “Four out of five women who remain childless for life were planning to have children.

“Life is complicated – ‘not yet’ and ‘I’m not ready’ are the most common phrases I heard in every single country I visited during my research. I believe society needs to help women have children, as some are waiting for the right time and others are searching for a good partner.”

And during a session titled ‘Family Time X Screen Time: Finding the Right Balance’, Abeer Al Khalifa, President of Pre-University Education, QF, emphasized the importance of cooperation between families and schools to ensure there is a positive environment for students using technology.

“Parents face many challenges, including the digital trust gap, as there is a big difference between parents and children in terms of their ability to use various technologies or electronic platforms,” she said. “The second challenge is how to differentiate between screen time for education and entertainment.

“The school plays a major role in collaborating with parents to become part of the student’s educational journey, by involving them in events that raise their awareness of how students use technology at school. The school can also help parents set controls for technology use at home, which helps achieve a common goal.”

The Ministry of Social Development and Family is the strategic partner for the conference, while the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an executive partner, with support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). QatarDebate, founded by Qatar Foundation, is the conference’s youth partner.

Outside of discussions, experts and members of Qatar’s community experienced the conference’s Community Space: a hub designed to engage and inspire individuals and families, and provide a space for interaction and fun.

It featured a range of activities promoting connection and dialogue, including the opportunity to learn fabric techniques and help weave a tapestry; a majlis inviting visitors to explore the intersection of heritage and contemporary issues; an interactive screen explaining how family policies are implemented in different parts of the world; and a family playground with hands-on learning elements.

Meanwhile, the conference’s Dialogue Corner hosted discussions led by young and experienced experts alike, alongside presentations and showcases from conference partners; while small group settings in the DIFI Zone allowed delegates to hear from, meet, and gain personalized insights from conference experts. The event also featured QatarDebate’s Youth Hub networking space, and QF’s Doha Debates Portal connecting people from around the world in conversation.

31/10/2024

Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Speaks at the Opening of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference in Doha

Global experts, policymakers, and thought leaders explore key global megatrends at conference marking the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family

Doha, Qatar, 30 October 2024: Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, spoke today at the opening session of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends, organized by Qatar Foundation’s Doha International Family Institute.

The opening of the conference at Qatar National Convention Centre was also attended by Her Excellency Dr. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo; His Excellency Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar; Her Excellency Lady Arya Ali, First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; Her Excellency Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, First Lady of Iraq; Her Excellency Dr. Lydia Abela, Wife of the Prime Minister of Malta; and Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda, as well as ministers and dignitaries.

Her Highness spoke about the challenges facing contemporary families, saying: “There is no doubt that the problems facing families are similar in all societies, but they differ in character from one country to the next.

“Families from the global North and families from the global South share many concerns. The most prominent are the negative impacts of technology and the issue of preserving mother tongues and cultural identities in an increasingly globalized world.”

Speaking during the opening session, Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, spoke of the importance of global action to protect families, saying: “The work you will begin today can help to drive this international effort – a call to action, a call to protect, a call to anticipate, to empower, and to invest in families as the foundational units of just and thriving global communities.

“Our sessions here will frame that action and inform the policies that strive toward an inclusive, equitable, and just future for our families.”

And speaking about the impact on conflict on families, Her Excellency Mohammed said: “Often the burden is on our women and our children – from Gaza to Sudan, Sudan to Ukraine, Ukraine to Myanmar, and so many more places.

“It is incumbent on us, in this forum, that we seek to ensure family is about everyone, and leaves no one behind.”

Her Excellency Dr. Osmani-Sadriu and His Excellency Dr. Mwinyi participated in a high-level panel discussion titled ‘Why Family Policy Matters’, which provided a global perspective on family policies and their impact on the four megatrends, and looked ahead to how they might be shaped in the next 10 years. Also on the panel were Her Excellency Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family; Dr. Deisi Noeli Weber Kusztra, President of the World Family Organization; and Professor Jennifer Lansford, Director of the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University, US.

Her Excellency Al Misnad told the audience: "The family is the cornerstone of our societies. If we look at historical societies that endured for centuries, such as the Islamic and Babylonian civilizations, we see that they were founded upon a set of values and laws, foremost of which were family values. They succeeded because they recognized the importance of family values.

“Qatar fully understands the importance of family values and keeps them in mind when developing policies. Family policies are among the most important pillars we relied upon when formulating Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, as well as laws such as the Compulsory Education Law and the Family Law, and our many social services."

Her Excellency Al Misnad also highlighted the importance of the Family Charter, launched by the Ministry of Social Development and Family, which includes family values such as honesty, integrity, cooperation, solidarity, dialogue, and mutual respect.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family is the strategic partner for the conference, while the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an executive partner, with support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). QatarDebate, founded by Qatar Foundation, is the conference’s youth partner.

Over the two days of the conference, experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world will explore four major global megatrends – technological change, demographic change, migration and urbanization, and climate change - that affect families in Qatar, the region, and across the world. Held every decade, the conference has a pivotal role in developing policies and programs that support and empower families.

31/10/2024

Global Crises Risk Chances of Meeting Sustainable Development Goals, Warns UN Chief at QF Talk

Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed speaks about next year’s Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar, and conflict in the Middle East

Doha, Qatar, 31 October 2024: One of the United Nations’ leading figures has warned that a series of global setbacks mean only 17 per cent of its Sustainable Development Goals are currently on track to meet their targets, while speaking at Qatar Foundation’s Education City Speaker Series.

Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, explained how overlapping crises, uneven progress, rising geopolitical conflicts, climate challenges, and economic disruptions have deepened inequalities, seriously affecting prospects of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The number of people living in extreme poverty is almost 700 million and growing; the number of people facing hunger is over 730 million and growing; access to quality and relevant education, decent work, universal healthcare, social protection, and digital connectivity still remain limited, with billions at risk of being left behind,” she said.

“The message is clear, and it’s stark: the outlook for achieving people-centered development and meeting the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is very fragile, but it isn't too late to change course.

“We need to step up our efforts and reaffirm our commitment of leaving no one behind. And when we say leave no one behind, we really mean it in every single context - whether it is a country or a community, we must identify who those ‘no ones’ are and factor them into the planning and investments that we make in people and our planet.”

Next year, Qatar will play host to the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, which aims to reinforce momentum toward achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – and this, according to Her Excellency Mohammed, is a “tremendous opportunity”.

“The summit comes at an opportune time,” she said. “With only five years left to achieve the SDGs, we need to address all 17 goals, from poverty, hunger, and inequality to education, peace, and inclusivity.

“The 2025 Summit, as we see it, must nominate a detailed and measurable action plan for social development that is fit for the 21st Century, safeguarding the progress we have made over the years.

“At every step, process toward the summit must be inclusive, and there will be many opportunities to engage at country level, at global level, and, in particular, through regions. There must be not just provision and a space for people’s voices to be heard, but an intergenerational conversation.”

Speaking about conflicts in the Middle East, Her Excellency Mohammed said: “First things first, we know we can resolve these – they’re man-made. And let me just underscore ‘man’. Because if women were in leadership, we wouldn’t be in this situation. And this is important for conflict, because the burden of conflict is on women and children.

“There is no war that is deserving of the kind of damage and atrocities committed on society. I think we’ve gone so far, and crossed so many red lines - Gaza is apparent, but there are many others. There must be a pathway back to peace.”

The Education City Speaker Series brings together global experts to engage the community in meaningful discussions that challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives – with topics that include education, youth empowerment, sport, sustainability, and social change.

31/10/2024

2024 Qatar International Baja – October 30th-November 2nd, 2024
FIA World Baja Cup, round 6

FIA Middle East Baja Cup, round 2

FIM Bajas World Cup, round 5

For immediate release
Thursday, October 31st, 2024

PROLOGUE STAGE SUCCESS FOR AL-ATTIYAH AND MORENO IN QATAR

· Megre and Ahli fastest in motorcycle and quad categories

LUSAIL (Qatar): Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and Spanish co-driver Pablo Moreno unleashed the potential of their lightweight Ta**us T3 Max to top the times in the car category on the 10.01km Prologue that determined the start order for Friday morning’s opening special stage of the Qatar International Baja.

Thirty-six cars, 59 motorcycle and five quads were flagged away from the ceremonial start at the iconic amphitheatre in Katara Cultural Village by QMMF President Abdulrahman Al-Mannai and Executive Director Amro Al-Hamad in the presence of several VIP guests on Thursday evening. In addition, two drivers are competing at the rear of the field in an Open class.

The start ceremony for competitors from an impressive 33 countries followed an afternoon Prologue to the west of Lusail where joint FIM championship leader David Megre and Emirati Abdulaziz Al-Ahli were quickest in their respective motorcycle and quad categories.

The Prologue result counts towards the overall classification in FIM Bajas World Cup events and Megre managed to finish 7.5 seconds clear of Great Britain’s Robert Wallace on his KTM.

Even though the Prologue doesn’t count towards the general classification in the cars, Al-Attiyah proved that vehicles entered in the Challenger category are a serious threat this weekend. He won the stage by 12.2 seconds from his brother Khalifa, despite picking up a 15-second penalty for missing gates on the stage.

The FIA World Baja Cup’s Challenger category leader Edouard Pons has joined forces with Nasser Racing and is competing in Qatar for the first time. The Spaniard guided his Ta**us to fourth place behind the Al-Attiyah brothers and the recently-crowned FIA Middle East rally champion Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari.

Czech Miroslav Zapletal and João Ferreira rounded off the top six after Portugal’s João Dias was also penalised for missing route gates.

Denis Krotov drove the new petrol-engined version of the X-Raid Mini JCW Rally for the first time and finished eighth, one place behind Dania Akeel, but he will be in a position to follow the tracks of his rivals on Friday. Ahmed Al-Kuwari and Abdullah Al-Haydan rounded off the top 10.

Ferreira has recently been crowned as the 2024 FIA European Baja Cup champion and drives a Santag Racing Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR in in the SSV section in Doha. The Portuguese said: “I’ve never been here. It is my first time but my co-driver told me it’s very difficult navigation, a lot of tracks and a hard task for him. But it’s part of the game and we need to think on the championship. That’s our main concern.”

Fernando Alvarez is the current leader of the FIA World Baja Cup. The Argentina-based Spaniard finished 19th. He said: “I am happy to be in the Middle East. The desert is better for me. I drive much better and have more confidence in the dunes or open road and Xavier (Panseri) is a really good co-pilot. We have three races now to see who is the best. For me, the only thing is to drive and just to hear Xavier’s instructions. I’m happy about that. It’s his job now. We also need to watch for punctures. There’s a lot of stones.”

Their Italian Yamaha title rival Amerigo Ventura was classified in 14th. He added: “This is also my first time in Qatar and also for Erika (Mingozzi), my co-driver. Many people say the race is very tricky so we look forward to starting the special stage to understand everything.”

FIM Bajas World Cup leader Mohammed Al-Balooshi led the bumper bike entry into Prologue action and the Emirati recorded the 12th quickest time behind Megre, Wallace, Makis Rees-Stavros, Alex McInnes, title rival Pedro Bianchi Prata, Mishal Al-Ghuneim, James Hillier, Michael Anderson, Andrew Houlihan, Simon Marcic, and Rafic Eid.

Al-Balooshi said: “I learnt a lot from Nasser here in Qatar. I remember him saying that you need to gain as much experience as possible in as many events as you can. I have been doing that and it has improved my level. Saying that, this event is never easy. As I knew to my cost a few years ago, you can be going along well and then a simple mistake and you end up waking up in the hospital.”

Haitham Al-Tuwaijri had been beaten by Abdulaziz Al-Shayban in the quad category in Saudi Arabia last week. The Yamaha rider is playing the tactical game in Qatar and finished fourth of the quad runners in the unofficial standings behind Abdulaziz Ahli, Abdulaziz Al-Atawi and Hani Al-Noumesi.

Friday’s action centres around two stages of 123.91km and 122.50km through the stony and challenging Qatar deserts where as much emphasis is placed on accurate navigation and road book reading skills as the outright speed of the driver.

2024 Qatar International Baja – Prologue result:

Cars (top 20 only - provisional)

1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Pablo Moreno (ESP) Ta**us T3 Max 6min 49.9sec

2. Khalifa Al-Attiya (QAT)/Enio Bozzano (BRA) Ta**us T3 Max 7min 02.1sec+

3. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Nasser Al-Kuwari (QAT) Ta**us T3 Max 7min 06.3sec+

4. Eduardo Pons (ESP)/Jaume Betriu (ESP) Ta**us T3 Max 7min 11.5sec*

5. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Ford F-150 Evo 7min 12.0sec*

6. João Ferreira (PRT)/Filipe Palmeiro (PRT) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR 7min 12.2sec*

7. Dania Akeel (SAU)/Stéphane Duplé (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 7min 14.0sec+

8. Denis Krotov (KGZ)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (ANA) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3.0i 7min 17.0sec*

9. Ahmed Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Manuel Lucchese (QAT) Yamaha YXZ 1000R Short Shift 7min 25.0sec+

10. Abdullah Al-Haydan (SAU)/Bader Al-Ajmi (KWT) Can-Am Maverick X3 7min 28.2sec+

11. Akira Miura (JPN)/Jean-Michel Polato (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive 7min 28.8sec*

12. Nouef Al-Suwaidi (QAT)/Aisvydas Paliukenas (LTU) Ta**us T3 Max 7min 32.1sec+

13. Diego Martinez (ARG)/Sergio Lafuente (URY) Can-Am Maverick X3 7min 36.2sec*

14. Amerigo Ventura (ITA)/Erika Mingozzi (ITA) Yamaha YXZ 1000R Short Shift 7min 40.4sec*

15. Mohammed Al-Atteya (QAT)/Aleksei Kuzmich (ARE) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR 7min 43.4sec

16. Anja Van Loon (NLD)/Floor Maten (NLD) Can-Am Maverick X3 7min 43.9sec*

17. João Dias (PRT)/Gonçalo Reis (PRT) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR 7min 46.1sec*

18. Nasser Al-Ajmi (SAU)/Arunas Gelazninkas (LTU) Nissan Patrol 7min 47.7sec+

19. Fernando Alvarez (ARG)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR 7min 51.9sec*

20. Ibrahim Al-Muhanna (SAU)/Faisal Al-Suwayh (SAU) Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR 7min 54.0sec*

*denotes registered for the FIA World Baja Cup

+ denotes registered for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup

Bikes (after SS1 – unofficial top 15 only)

1. David Megre (PRT) KTM EXC 7min 33.4sec

2. Robert Wallace (GBR) KTM 450 EXC-F 7min 40.9sec

3. Makis Rees-Stavros (GBR) KTM EXC F450 7min 53.4sec

4. Alex McInnes (GBR) Husqvarna FE450 8min 01.8sec

5. Pedro Bianchi Prata (PRT) Honda CRF 450 RX 8min 06.3sec

6. Mishal Al-Ghuneim (SAU) Husqvarna 450 Rally Replica 8min 08.8sec

7. James Hillier (GBR) Husqvarna FR450 8min 16.0sec

8. Michael Anderson (PRT) KTM 450 EXC 8min 20.0sec

9. Andrew Houlihan (AUS) Husqvarna FE450 Enduro 8min 23.6sec

10. Simon Marcic (SVN) Husqvarna Rally 8min 25.6sec

11. Rafic Eid (LBN) GasGas 450F Replica 8min 26.6sec

12. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (ARE) KTM 450 Rally 8min 28.3sec

13. Joanna Modrzewska (POL) Husqvarna FE450 8min 31.0sec

14. Slawomir Sypień (POL) Husqvarna FR 450 Rally 8min 38.8sec

15. Gregory Gilson (FRA) Honda 125 XLS 8min 40.3sec, etc

Quads (after SS1 - unofficial)

1. Abdulaziz Ahli (ARE) Yamaha Raptor 700 7min 44.5sec

2. Abdulaziz Al-Atawi (SAU) Yamaha YZ 8min 42.2sec

3. Hani Al-Noumesi (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700 8min 59.0sec

4. Haitham Al-Tuwaijri (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700 9min 26.7sec

5. Abdulaziz Al-Shayban (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700 9min 57.8sec

31/10/2024

International Conference in Qatar Ends with Doha Call to Action on Supporting Families

Over 30 recommendations produced through talks ahead of and during the conference, organized by QF’s Doha International Family Institute

Doha, Qatar, 31 October 2024: A milestone conference focused on the family – organized by Qatar Foundation’s Doha International Family Institute – has concluded with the Doha Call to Action, a series of recommendations for tackling challenges facing families worldwide.

Announced at the closing session of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference on Family and Contemporary Megatrends – attended by Her Excellency Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family, and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation – the Doha Call to Action includes over 30 recommendations, including prioritizing family needs and humanitarian support amid war and conflict; integrating lessons on family relationships and values, and intergenerational respect, into school curricula; and making family policies a cornerstone of social justice.

It also recommends enhancing research- and evidence-based approaches to inform family policies; implementing policies that prioritize the best interests of children; involving families, children, and youth in family policymaking and program design; fostering regional collaboration on family policy; and creating or strengthening dedicated government institutions to oversee and implement family policies.

Specific recommendations based on how technological change, migration and urbanization, demographic change, and climate change affect families have also been produced from discussions during and ahead of the conference. Further discussions will now be held with policymakers, governments, and other stakeholders over ways to implement the Doha Call to Action.

“The closing of the conference is not about resonant words or slogans to highlight achievements, but rather a call to action in which we all participate,” Dr. Sharifa Noman Al-Emadi, Executive Director of Doha International Family Institute, told the closing ceremony.

“Each of us bears the responsibility to strive for the implementation of the Doha Call to Action, and we will unite in this endeavor – from decision-making positions, United Nations organizations, civil society organizations, thinktanks, universities, and the private sector.”

On the second day of the conference, in a session titled ‘Longing for Belonging: What’s Next for Migrant Families?’, Her Excellency Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, First Lady of the Republic of Iraq, said that when migrant families move to a new country: “They think a better life awaits them, but in reality they face harsh conditions that deepen their sense of isolation and keep their longing for their homelands awake no matter how long they are away.”

“When people leave their homes, they have no doubt that they will soon return. No refugee enters a camp and thinks that their stay will be long. But years go by, and people are still in camps, so it is imperative to create better living conditions for these refugees.

“Today, many countries focus on closing borders and restricting immigration while selectively allowing skilled professionals to enter. This policy leads to brain drain from countries that need them most.”

Her Excellency emphasized the need to address the causes of migration to reduce its impact and improve conditions for countries and individuals. Highlighting the lack of global policies prioritizing families, she called for initiatives that strengthen migrants' sense of belonging through mental and emotional support programs.

Speaking in a high-level session on family policies in the Arab world, curated by the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Her Excellency Zahra Behrouz Azar, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, Iran, said: “The family, despite the diversity and difference of cultures, constitutes the nucleus and the pillar of society. It is the backbone of development and progress, and remains a safe haven in the face of life’s challenges.”

“Today, the family faces profound global challenges, in particular because of the transformations to the structure of society, immigration, and demographic and economic changes caused by technology. These have a significant impact on the family structure, requiring the development of plans to reduce their negative effects, the adoption of economic, social, and cultural support policies, and improving laws and regulations that boost the situation of families.

“Strengthening the foundations of the family involves respecting community values, the ability to adapt and be flexible, and strengthening the bonds of solidarity among family members. Protecting families requires developing programs and initiatives for awareness, education, and support, and these programs cannot be a single, global version – they must be locally repurposed, taking into account the specificities of each society.

“We need to revive authentic valuesthat have been passed down from generation to generation, while investing in them and reformulating them for new generations.”

During a panel titled ‘Family First’, Dr. Al-Emadi reinforced the importance of support and policies that address the family as a whole, and ensure no family member is left behind.

“In the strategies of many countries around the world, family is intended to be the fundamental unit in society,” she said. “But when it comes to policies and implementation, these policies focus separately on women, children, and the elderly, which support a specific member of the family, but could work against another.

“That's why we advocate for family as a unit, and we have evidence-based findings showing that empowering the family as a unit is much stronger for society, and for family members themselves.”

The ‘Seen and Unseen: The Impact of Tech on Children’ panel examined the ways in which technology profoundly shapes family life, including its influence on children’s development. It also highlighted the risks and benefits of digital transformation, such as digital addiction, cyberbullying, and digital safety.

Dr. Syka Iqbal, Assistant Professor in Psychology from the University of Bradford, UK, told the audience that the impact of social media should be seen in its entirety – positive and negative. “The biggest thing that social media does is that it allows connection for children, and it's a form of self-expression that helps them form their identity,” she said.

“A lot of children experience loneliness and isolation, so social media is a great way for them to connect with people. However, with social media come negative comments as well, which cause a lot of psychological distress.”

And a session titled ‘Tech for All: Bridging the Gap’, held in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, saw Dr. Dena Ahmed Saif Al Thani, Associate Professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, speak about research showing how technology design for elderly care should consider cultural differences, saying: “Family dynamics become very crucial and access to technology for the elderly becomes very dependent on the caregiver.

“In Arabic and South Asian cultures, caregiving is usually done by a family member, and especially the eldest daughter in the family. If they are not familiar with technology, the effect is felt by the elderly people in the family.”

The conference’s final discussion focused on family-friendly cities, with Tim Gill, scholar and author of Urban Playground, recalling a time when people would walk long distances to school or work, or to play.

“Today, children are being reared in captivity,” he said. “Almost all of their lives are spent in one box or another under the close oversight of adults. In earlier days, when children were not watched all the time, they had a sense of their own agency.

“We have not designed cities for children at all; we have designed them mainly around the needs of the car. If we need to build child-friendly cities, we need to think about a neighborhood that has a framework with two aspects. One is: let's increase the choice and variety of places that children can go to – not just one playground, but lots of different spaces. And second, let's think about how children can get around the neighborhoods where they live, especially on foot or by bike.”

The Ministry of Social Development and Family is the strategic partner for the conference, while the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an executive partner, with support from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). QatarDebate, founded by Qatar Foundation, is the conference’s youth partner.

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More than 80 photos highlight the vitality of the Chinese capital and the charm of its culture Katara hosts the “Hello Beijing” photo exhibition Mr. Dr. Al-Sulaiti: The exhibition enhances cultural communication between Qatar and China Doha - Katara: Halls (1) and (2) of Building (47) in Katara witnessed on Monday evening the opening of the Hello Beijing photo exhibition, which was organized by the Cultural Village Foundation “Katara” in cooperation with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the State of Qatar. The opening was attended by His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Cultural Village Foundation “Katara”, His Excellency Yin Li, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee, His Excellency Mr. Chen Yi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of China to the UAE, and a number of owners. His Excellency the ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps in the State of Qatar, an elite group of media professionals and the arts and culture audience. On this occasion, His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Cultural Village Foundation “Katara”, expressed his happiness at Katara hosting the “Hello Beijing” photo exhibition, which embodies our common and permanent ambition to increase communication, cooperation and cultural exchange between Qatar and China, noting the role of art in Cultural rapprochement between peoples and strengthening ties, explaining that the image in particular has a great impact in spreading beauty, discovering nature, and knowing the history of China and its ancient civilization. He pointed out that this exhibition, which is being held by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation in cooperation with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Qatar, reaffirms the depth, strength and durability of the mu

Jaishna Shrihari Orchu, under 15 champion trains under coach Akshay

Jaishna Shrihari Orchu, under 15 champion trains under coach Akshay, who is on deputation from Gurukul Badminton an initiative of #Indian legend Gopichand and is based at Absolute Academy Sports #qatar #Doha #Qatar #AbsoluteAcademy #AbsoluteAcademyQatar #qatarsportsnews #AbsoluteAcademyQatar #QatarBadmintonAssociation

Lata Krishna speaking on the topic 'Clutch Your Potential ' at Nandumuttam Qatar’s Summer Splash which is a huge hit with youngsters in Qatar.

Shabir Hamed speaking on the topic 'Clutch Your Potential ' at Nandumuttam Qatar’s Summer Splash which is a huge hit with youngsters in Qatar.

Joly speaking on the topic 'Supercahrged learning' at Nandumuttam Qatar’s Summer Splash which is a huge hit with youngsters in Qatar. Nandumuttam Qatar’s Summer Splash a huge hit with youngsters in Qatar Doha, Qatar: Skill developments coupled with field trips widen a child knowledge manifold there are no second thoughts about it. Entertainment and games should go hand in hand with skills developments and field trips, otherwise it be “All study, no play makes Jack a dull boy’ if one tweaks the popular proverb "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Nandumuttam Qatar has done a splendid job of getting on board skill developments, field trips, entertainment and games while handling the young minds at a two-day summer camp called the Summer Splash which began on Friday at Asian Town recreational hall. The organization, which has roots in the Indian state of Kerala, is a platform for women to participate in social, cultural activities and spread happiness has not restricted itself to promote just girls and women’s empowerment but their initiatives have covered all the members of the family and the Summer Splash is a classic example The organizers by virtue of the Summer splash are trying to expose the youngsters to some of the life challenges which await them in the digital world but at the same time urging them to embracing values in the fast changing digital age. The organization has brought together a number of resource persons in their respective fields to deliver talk shows and expose the youngsters between the age of 8-12, and 13 to 16 years to various topics of the digital age and also emphasizing on maintaining the traditional values of life. Some of the topics at the Nandumuttam summer camp include Embracing Values by Anees Rahman, Beyond the hype of AI by Arshad E, Circle of Radiance by Shadiya Shareef, Scroll Struck by Sana Bint Shakeer, Clutch Your potential by Lata Krishna and Shabir Hamed, Like by Abid VN, Supercharging Learning by

#doha #goa #AIMA #QIMA #Qatar #Leadership #india

Qatar Indian Management Association Leadership Summit a roaring success Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Indian Management Association (QIMA) Leadership Summit "Leadership Challenges in the Current Scenario”, held at Radisson Blu Hotel Doha on Wednesday evening turned into a roaring success with over 150 guests and delegates from India and Qatar taking centre stage. Goan industrialist Shrinivas Dempo, who is also the All India Management Association (AIMA) president was the key note speaker at the Leadership Summit Companies and spoke on the topic “Changing Leadership in a changing world”. Ghulam Hoosein Asmal, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa for Qatar inaugurated the event. Rekha Sethi, Director General, All India Management Association spoke on the topic: Women in Leadership Roles: Beyond Barriers and Biases. Commander P. Suresh, Former Commander Indian Navy and Managing Director of Steel and Industrial Forgings Ltd, spoke on “Navigating the Complexities- Leadership Trials in Manufacturing Industries” Ibrahim Al Jaidah, Group CEO & Chief Architect, Arab Engineering Bureau and IJAE also spoke on the occasion. Later at an Interactive Discussion – titled “The Leaders of the future” Panelists Dr. Nizar Kochery, Shrinivas V Dempo, Rekha Sethi, Ibrahim Al Jaidah and Cdr. P. Suresh took questions from audience. Ghulam Hoosein Asmal, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, State of Qatar inaugurated the event. The welcome address was given by Salim M Abdulkareem, President of Qatar Indian Management Association (QIMA) while Mohammed Faisal, Joint Secretary, Qatar Indian Management association gave the vote of thanks. The aim of the event is to provide a platform for Indian management professionals in Qatar to address and discuss the various challenges faced by leaders in the current business landscape. The summit was graced by the presence of Ibrahim M Jaidah, Group CEO & chief architect of Arab Engineering Bureau and IJAE. #doha #goa #AIMA #QIM

Shrinivas Dempo meets Goans in Qatar Delighted to hear their life stories Simple, humble, easily approachable

Shrinivas Dempo meets Goans in Qatar Delighted to hear their life stories Simple, humble, easily approachable #doha #goa #AIMA #QIMA #Qatar #Leadership #india

John de Sa emotions caught on camera

John De Sa emotions caught on camera #doha #goa #AIMA #QIMA #Qatar #Leadership #india

The Boomers, music dance band, to release last video As Paul Dias set to leave Doha for Good #doha #music #dance #band #goa #india

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