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An academic from Qatar Foundation has emphasised the significant role of technology for students’ communication in special education while highlighting the involvement of parents within this learning process.Matthew Campion, director of Renad Academy, QF noted the importance of technology in enhancing education, ahead of the International Day of Education observed Wednesday through a series of activities and sessions at Education City.Campion explained: “Renad Academy, which supports students with autism and their families, is committed to integrating innovative technology within the classroom, while prioritising the involvement of parents within this learning process. The technology for special education is fundamental for children in terms of their communication and their access to learning.”Campion said that many of the children at Renad Academy are preverbal. “So they can use the technology to communicate, and this gives them the opportunity to have a voice, to be able to speak, and to share their needs and their feelings. The use of interactive applications or games to access the learning world and the wider world is vital for all our children,” he said.The academic noted that the institute is keen to integrate technology into the educational process in effective and innovative ways, and use a variety of applications and programmes that give the students access to educational resources and enhance their academic experience using devices such as iPads and Chromebooks, as well as interactive boards, to facilitate the learning and communication process.The director stressed the role of parents in this learning journey. “A big part of the learning technology is that we train the parents to support their children. Our team, especially the speech and language therapists, work with children on a particular application, but they've also created training modules, like webinars or screencasts, to guide parents through a step-by-step journey,” he said.“We pay special attention to continuous communication with parents. We hold face-to-face meetings with them regularly to review their children's needs and consider the resources available to them. By cultivating these relationships with parents, we have been able to increase communication, which has facilitated ongoing conversations about what is appropriate for each case,” he pointed out.“Concerns were also raised about the excessive use of electronic devices at home, and their impact on children’s behaviour. We provide support and guidance to parents through workshops and collaborations with different organisations. We work to develop positive strategies, allowing technology to be used more selectively and effectively in the educational process,” he said and highlighted about the need for distinguishing between the use of technology for educational and entertainment purposes.Campion stated that with collaboration between school and parents, and the technology used, students can express themselves more effectively which reflects the transformative power of technology in education and the importance of the role of the family and school in supporting student development.“I call on all parents to focus on their children's abilities and uniqueness rather than on their disability. We know that not every child will be able to go to work, go to university, or live independently, but each of our children can achieve at different levels, and, therefore, technology will be very important because having this ability to communicate first and foremost is the primary need. Each child must communicate to advocate for his or her own needs,” concluded Campion.

A Qatar-based researcher has highlighted two effective treatment options for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), noting that they are able to provide better long term outcomes.Mohamad M Alkadi at the Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, as well as Transplant Nephrology Fellow at Weill Cornell Medicine New York in an article in Qatar Medical Journal and featured on Qscience.com, describes sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) along with nonsteroidal MRA as effective treatment options for DKD patients.Alkadi highlights that given the overwhelming evidence of their renal and cardiac efficacy and safety, both SGLT2i and nonsteroidal MRA are now part of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes and the American Diabetes Association guidelines.“These guidelines recommend using SGLT2i as a first-line therapy in DKD patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ( eGFR) ≥ 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 with or without albuminuria. They also recommend using nonsteroidal MRA called Finerenone in DKD patients with eGFR ≥ 25 mL/min/1.73 m2 and moderately to severely increased albuminuria. Thus, in the current era physicians have more treatment options to manage DKD patients leading to better long-term renal and cardiac outcomes,” he explains.Pointing out that both these treatment options have emerged recently Dr Alkadi says “From 2016 onwards, numerous studies showed that a new class of antidiabetic medications, SGLT2i, exhibits a synergistic effect in terms of renal and cardiac outcomes in DKD patients. In late 2020, a new nonsteroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist MRA, Finerenone was shown to improve renal and cardiac outcomes in DKD patients synergistically.”According to the researcher, since early 1990s, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers have been the mainstay of treatment for DKD patients, given their proven renoprotective, cardioprotective, and antiproteinuric effects. However, physicians did not have much to offer patients once they maximised the doses of these medications other than controlling their blood pressure and blood sugar and applying lifestyle modifications.“In 2019, Canagliflozin became the first SGLT2i to receive the US Food and Drug Administration approval for treating DKD patients. In 2020, a landmark study in managing CKD patients, was published. It was the first study to assess the efficacy and safety of the SGLT2i, Dapagliflozin, in adult CKD patients with eGFR as low as 25 mL/minute/1.73 m2, with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus,” he notes.The use of Dapagliflozin resulted in a significant relative risk reduction (39%) of a composite primary outcome of decline in eGFR ≥ 50%, end-stage kidney disease, and death from renal or cardiovascular causes in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.In late 2020, Finerenone was shown to improve renal and cardiac outcomes in DKD patients.The FIDELIO-DKD study included adult DKD patients with an eGFR as low as 25 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 and moderately to severely increased albuminuria.According to him, the use of Finerenone in DKD patients resulted in a significant risk reduction rate (18%) of a primary composite outcome of kidney failure, a sustained decrease in eGFR of ≥40% from baseline, or death from renal causes. It also resulted in a significant risk reduction rate (14%) for a secondary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or hospitalisation for heart failure.

A group of eight students from Palestine, whose education got disrupted due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, were welcomed at the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) Wednesday at a ceremony.They were received by UDST president Dr Salem al-Naemi, Education Above All (EAA) Foundation CEO Fahad al-Sulaiti and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs' General Directorate of Endowments director general Dr Sheikh Khaled al-Thani.In collaboration with EAA through its Al Fakhoora Programme, and with the support from the General Directorate of Endowments, UDST is providing these students with an opportunity to continue their education in Qatar’s leading applied university.“We have already enroled them to different programmes and as a university we extend our support to them and welcome them to our programmes," Dr al-Naemi told Gulf Times."We want to make sure that they get the education that they have missed. We hope that they will graduate from here in flying colours and go back to Palestine to rebuild their country,” he said.Dr al-Naemi explained : “ We are open to accepting more students from Palestine as some of the universities in Gaza have been destroyed totally. If the students from Palestine are coming, we will be able to admit them in more numbers in the Fall semester. We are working with EAA and those students interested in following a technical programme that we offer, we will be glad to admit them. We are providing them all the support such as academic support, cognitive support as well as academic support while EAA takes care of the financial support for the students to complete their studies.”‏‏Talal Alhathal, executive director of Al-Fakhoora programme noted: ‏"It is our honour to partner with the University of Doha for Science and Technology in providing educational opportunities for Palestinian students affected by the crisis in Gaza. We firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives, and through this collaboration, we are committed to enabling these young men and women to continue their academic journeys, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to build a better future for themselves and their communities."Sheikh Dr Khalid, affirmed that the scholarship programme is in collaboration and partnership with EAA and partner universities. “The initiative aims to support students who have discontinued their studies and to overcome obstacles for them to complete their educational journey in Qatar through the partner universities. This will significantly impact their future lives when they return to their countries and contribute to building their community through their academic achievements,” he added.‏The newly admitted students will have the opportunity to join UDST's wide range of programmes, spanning engineering, IT, business, and health sciences.

A total of 100 students from Palestine will reach Qatar within six months to continue and complete their higher education in various universities in the country, an official from Education Above All ( EAA) Foundation told Gulf Times Wednesday.“After the launch of the ‘Rebuilding Hope for Gaza initiative’, we started to bring students from Gaza to Qatar," explained Talal Alhathal, executive director, Al-Fakhoora programme, EAA.He was speaking on the sidelines of a welcome ceremony for the first batch of students from Palestine who were admitted in the University of Science and Technology (UDST). These students had to leave Palestine due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.“We are providing them hope to continue and complete their degrees from where they have stopped. We have already got eight students to UDST and are in the process of application review to bring the remaining students to study here in the universities in Qatar. Some of them will be admitted in UDST while others will be in other universities depending on the availability and the field of interest of the students,” explained, Alhathal.The official noted that the first batch of students has started their academic journey with UDST and others will follow soon. “We have processed (the papers) to bring 20 more in the coming days. The remaining will be processed once all the documentation and other formalities are completed. We are preparing the logistics for them to come here,” he continued.According to Alhathal, currently EAA is focusing more on the national universities to admit the students from Gaza. He said: “We focus on UDST and Qatar University to admit most of the students. Medical students will be admitted at Qatar University while engineering, IT and other technical programme students will be given admission in UDST. We are also in discussion with Qatar Foundation universities (to know) if some of the students can be admitted.”The Al-Fakhoora director highlighted that the programme aims to provide several support services also to the students.“We are providing psycho-social support, trauma support, facilitate education at some of the undamaged facilities in Gaza besides the opportunity for the students to study in universities as well as in schools outside Palestine. We are focusing on well qualified students based on their academic strength, GPA and merit . We hope that with our support, these students will be able to complete their education and rebuild Gaza and Palestine for better,” added, Althathal.

There has been a significant growth in the pro-Palestinian views on alternative and social media, noted some experts at a panel discussion organised Monday in Doha by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs.With the Israeli-Palestinian conflict crossing over 100 days, the discussion titled ‘Shaping Public Opinion on Gaza: Disinformation, Propaganda and Alternative Narratives,’ highlighted how social media and alternative platforms have been effectively supporting the pro-Palestine views and how many of the mainstream media are using disinformation and misinformation as well as propaganda to give a wrong picture about the realities on the ground in Palestine.Opening the conversation, Dima Khatib, managing director AJ+ Channels, said: “There has been a 277% growth in our audience engagement on Palestine since October 7 until January 13. We have published 11,579 videos until Sunday in four different languages. We had made link between the 'Black Lives Matter' movement in the US and the Palestinian movement in 2016. That gave our audience the chance to understand the story of Palestine despite all the narrative that come to deny that perspective.“AJ+ has the Palestine DNA and we have treated Palestine as a core issue throughout our programmes. We had already introduced our audience to the dehumanisation of Palestinians. We also had made sure that the entire Palestine history is disclosed to the public so that people could understand the real nature of the conflict and the reasons behind it,” Khatib explained.Playing several videos that were used to counter the anti-Palestine narrative, Khatib said that the alternative narratives were successful in conveying the true sense on the ground and made sure that the Palestinian story reached across the globe.Showing the video of a father carrying his son and running through the battlefield, she said that it had a huge impact on the world to understand the real picture of the ground realities in Gaza. “ With such engagement, we could see that Arab audience were really interested to know what the Israelis were going through. I had never seen such responses and appetite from the Arab audience to understand what Israelis think and how they react to it,” she noted.Khatib also highlighted that alternative media gave the voice to the Palestinians with TikTok leading the pack with the highest pro-Palestinian content followed by YouTube.Ibrahim Abusharif, associate professor at Northwestern University in Qatar and a panelist in the discussion, said that western media has been using certain terms in very selective way such as ‘terrorism’ associated with certain sections of the society.“Words definitely matter and context also matters equally. Lack of contextualisation leads to misinformation and destroys the right picture of the event. Therefore, in many of the mainstream media, you don’t get the right information and there has been many discrepancies. During the current Palestine conflict the grip of Western media has been loosened and there has been a greater shift towards the alternative media,” said Abusharif.Another panelist, Marc Owen Jones, non-resident senior fellow, Middle East Council on Global Affairs, noted that misinformation and disinformation have been widely used by pro-Israeli sources to discredit the Palestinian movement citing the example of a manipulated video, in which a nurse pretending to be a Palestinian, blaming Hamas for not allowing people to go out of Al Shifa Hospital.“ Often we cannot prove the intent behind such videos as we don’t know the people who have come out with such content. However, such content is produced with the deliberate intent to spread false information to cause harm to others. Another aspect is the propaganda with the aim to dehumnaise Palestinians as if Palestinian lives do not matter,” he added.The discussion was moderated by Sahar Khamis, nonresident senior fellow at Middle East Council on Global Affairs.

Qatar has thwarted a great number of cyberattacks in the recent times, the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) president Dr Salem al-Naemi said Wednesday.“Cyber security has emerged as a cornerstone of national and international society and it is estimated that the next five years will see an increase of 15% in cyber crimes,” he told the opening session of the International Symposium on Cybersecurity organised by UDST in collaboration with National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Qatar.“In Qatar around 5.1mn internal and external cyberattacks in the recent times along with 45,000 infiltration attempts were identified and thwarted," he explained while pointing out that cybercrimes are inflicting a massive damage on the economy and strong cyber security measures are needed more than ever before.Dr al-Naemi, continued: “This event represents collective efforts that aim to discuss and tackle challenges in a world increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure. UDST has been deeply committed to this field, we have been developing curricula and research programmes that are not only robust and comprehensive but also aligned with the needs and aspirations of Qatar and its vision for cybersecurity.”Among the special guests attending was NCSA president HE Abdulrahman Ali al-Malki, who gave the keynote address at the opening session. The two-day event highlights the challenges, opportunities and applications of cyber security across a variety of industrial sectors and UDST’s commitment to Qatar’s vision to be ahead of the curve on matters of IT-related and Internet security.The overarching theme of the symposium is “Cybersecurity in Industry: Challenges, Opportunities, and Applications”. The event featured an impressive array of keynote speakers and subject matter experts from Qatar, Germany and the US, offering deep insights and varied perspectives, and bringing together a diverse audience of local, regional and international technology enthusiasts, faculty, students, ICT managers and industry professionals.The conference features multiple engaging keynote presentations from a blend of local and international cybersecurity experts. The conference also features several panel discussions covering best practices for cybersecurity in academia, and the future of cybersecurity in industry.Dr Zakaria Maamar, dean of College of Computing and Information Technology, said: “The international symposium is an exciting addition to the education we provide at UDST. We do not simply teach the topic of cybersecurity as part of a curriculum; we believe in creating fora for discussion and driving important conversations through events such as this. It allows our students access to experienced industry professionals addressing very real cybersecurity issues, a better grasp of sector challenges, and a stronger foothold in future discussions on the topic.”

The Education City Tram will increase the frequency of its services to ensure better connectivity to the Education City Stadium, during the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Gulf Times has learnt.“The tram operation plan will be co-ordinated with the tournament’s organisers, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Transport to ensure a smooth and efficient service, including measures such as crowd control and security,” said Qatar Foundation (QF) Integrated Transportation System director Jassim Eisa Rasheed.AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 will be played from January 12 to February 10, with the Education City Stadium a key venue with four group matches, one Round of 16, and one Quarter-final.According to Rasheed, after the launch of the Green Line services, the tram will help provide access to visitors across all the major sites in the Education City as well.He added that the tram’s operating hours will be extended during weekends to accommodate student requirements and other events.“This will involve running trams earlier in the morning and later at night,” Rasheed said. “Dedicated tram routes may be implemented during special events and tournaments where the Education City Stadium is a venue to make it easier for fans and visitors to get around.”The official said that the Education City Tram has been a resounding success since its launch in December 2019, allowing park-and-ride links between the Education City’s schools, universities, entities, and facilities."The average number of daily tram passengers per day quickly reached over 3,000,” he revealed. “By the start of this academic year in September 2023, that figure had risen to over 4,000.”“The average number of tram passengers per month has reached over 120,000,” Rasheed continued. “This is a remarkable number, especially considering that the tram system is still relatively new.”“The introduction of the Green Line in July 2023 has further boosted the popularity of the tram system, making it easier for students and staff to get around the full campus, and Education City being more accessible to visitors,” he added. “By the end of 2023, the daily ridership of has reached around 5,000.”“Students at the QF are using the tram more frequently for a number of reasons,” Rasheed said.“First, the tram is a convenient and efficient way to reach facilities on both our south and north campuses, and is fast, reliable, and free,” he explained. “Second, the tram is environmentally friendly. And third, the tram is wheelchair accessible and feeder buses are available to pick up and drop off passengers to tram stops during hot weather.”The tram is making it easier for QF students to get around campus and to participate in all the activities that the Education City has to offer.All three lines are now operational, with the Blue Line connecting QF schools, the Yellow Line connecting its universities, the Qatar National Library, Minaretein, and QF student housing, and the Green Line connecting Education City’s north campus – which includes Sidra Medicine, the Qatar National Convention Centre, and QF housing – with its south campus.

A recently published study has recommended more advanced parental control tools as the adolescents in Qatar and beyond are more prone to excessive use of technology.The study 'Parental perspectives on adolescents’ excessive use of technology in Qatar: challenges and coping strategies' published on Doha International Family Institute Journal in December last year, explores the challenges and coping strategies associated with the excessive use of technology among adolescents in Qatar from the perspective of parents. The findings of the 2021-2022 study on the overuse of technology by adolescents in Qatar was recently featured on Qscience.com.The authors of the study are: Azza O Abdelmoneium, Heba al-Fara, Fatima Motawaa, Aisha al-Sultan, all from Doha International Family Institute and Sanaa al-Harahsheh and Ahmed Baghdady from World Innovation Summit for Health - both organisations based in Qatar.The study provides valuable information on the existing literature on children’s excessive use of technology, the challenges faced by parents in Qatar, and insights into their coping strategies relevant to the broader Arab region.The original study followed a mixed-method approach investigating the experiences of adolescents and their parents, and the use of technology in their lives. The study found that the excessive use of technology among adolescents in Qatar is a major concern for the family, leading to negative consequences such as isolation, poor performance at school, health problems, and social disintegration.One of the recommendations of the study points out that parents need more advanced parental control tools and must learn how to use them.It explains: “Many parents are unsure about the effectiveness of the methods they currently use. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Qatar should provide links to these tools on its website, along with explanations in Arabic, to make them more accessible to a wider range of users. Cyber-physical activities that combine the use of technology with physical exercise can mitigate some of the negative health effects associated with screen time.”The study has noted that some coping strategies need to be developed by parents to mitigate the negative effects of excessive use of technology among adolescents such as control, building trust, entertainment, and discussion.“Such strategies encourage alternative forms of social interaction with the family and avoidance of technology. Implementing appropriate educational programmes for adolescents and parents would mitigate challenges and promote the development of healthy lifestyles and habits, including the creation of leisure activities to reduce reliance on technology,” highlights the study.According to the article, insights into parents’ experiences with their children’s use of technology will enable policymakers to create or revise policies that better support parents while dialogue and communication serve as effective solutions to the problem.“A formal, systematic guidance plan could help parents better understand digital technology and the risks associated with it, thereby minimising potential harm. There is a need to disseminate reports that inform parents about the impact of technology on students and educate them how to effectively manage their children’s internet usage. The role of school social workers is crucial, particularly for parents who face challenges related to their children’s problematic behaviour,” suggests the research.The study followed a mixed-method approach that included both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2021 with Arab parents who have children aged 10–16. A non-probabilistic sampling approach was used to select parents with children aged 10–16. A total of 44 parents were recruited and selected through social media and messaging, as well as snowball sampling.

Qatar’s natural gas reserves can help the country turn into a key player in the global energy transition from fossil fuels, noted former minister HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada Tuesday as he called for global collaboration to unleash the full potential of hydrogen.“In Qatar hydrogen takes on added significance given the country’s abundant natural gas reserves. If these reserves be taken for blue hydrogen production, it not only diversifies Qatar’s energy portfolio but also positions the country as a key player in the global transition to clean energy sources,” he explained.Dr al-Sada, a former minister of energy and industry, was delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 14th International Conference on Hydrogen Production hosted by the College of Science and Engineering at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU).The integration of low carbon emission hydrogen is very crucial in bridging the gap between fossil fuel reliance and the future of renewable energy, he stated.“As developed countries are striving to secure or position in the global race for green and blue hydrogen, the time is right for global co-operation on developing innovative approaches that would unleash the full potential of hydrogen.“Many countries have plenty of renewable energy resources. Countries in the Mena region and particularly Qatar are blessed with natural gas. On the other hand, Europe, Japan, South Korea among others are trying for clean fuels to decarbonise several sectors such as fertilisers, steel, aluminum among others,” continued the former minister.He also hailed the historic decision of COP 28 to transition from fossil fuels to fuels such as hydrogen and natural gas.“The year 2023 was the hottest year on earth so far. At this juncture, in the battle against climate change, hydrogen offers solutions for intermittent renewable energy,” added Dr al-Sada, also the chairman of the Joint Advisory Board of Texas A&M University at Qatar as well as the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Doha University of Science and Technology.HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al-Thani attended the inaugural session of the conference held in the GCC region for the time.Several international delegates as well as officials from various institutes and organisations in Qatar are attending the three-day conference.The opening session also heard from various officials who highlighted the importance of hydrogen energy and the need to develop innovative approaches to tap it.Dr Ala al-Fuqaha, associate provost, HBKU, spoke about the importance of the conference and its high relevance in the current context.Dr Yusuf Bicer, co-chair of the conference and associate professor at HBKU gave an outline of the conference and spoke about the ambitious targets that Qatar has set for transitioning into clean energy.Dr Tareq al-Ansari, co-chair of the conference and acting executive director of Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute as well as Dr Mounir Hamdi, dean, College of Science and Engineering at HBKU also addressed the gathering.

Several members of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Ability Friendly Programme have made a mark with notebooks and tote bags featuring their artworks. QF’s Ability Friendly Programme is an initiative that supports people with disabilities to engage in sporting and developmental activities. Education City Gift Shop has introduced the products featuring artwork made by people of all abilities. Titled “Dreams in Colour”, the collection features artwork made by 12 young artists from the Ability Friendly Programme. Created by young artists with unique perspectives, the collection is a celebration of creativity and the joy of expression. A note in the products reminds people to “explore the wonder of differences and the power of art with us. Let these creations remind you that within challenges, there's beauty waiting to be uncovered.”According to an article on QF website, the idea of creating the product line was born following an arts session where impressed by the artistic talent of the participants , the volunteers running the session took it upon themselves to create a product line. Fatima al-Mannai, a graduate of QF’s Virginia Commonwealth University of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), who was one of the volunteers said: “We saw their potential and saw the opportunity to make a difference and play a small role in uplifting and empowering a marginalised section of society. We saw it not as a choice but as a duty.”Featuring several local elements in the artwork, the products are available for sale in the Education City Gift Shop branches in QF Headquarters and Multaqa as well as popup shops in Expo 2023 Doha, and Torba Farmers Market. All proceeds will go towards QF’s Ability Friendly Programme.“We are proud to be supporting the creative talent of these young artists and contributing towards creating an inclusive society where everyone’s potential can shine,” said Sara al-Thani, manager, Creative Studio at QF.“These products embody a real and meaningful narrative of social progress, a powerful story of discovering potential with community members empowering each other through the power of volunteering.”‘Dreams in Colour’ stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of volunteering, community engagement, and social responsibility. Every aspect, from the concept to artwork development was driven by volunteers, including both QF staff and students.Seeing their children’s art go from being taped to the wall to being on a commercial product was an emotional experience for the parents of the young artists. When asked how she felt, one of the mothers said: “A whirlwind of emotions, but most resoundingly it has given me hope – hope that in the future my child will be seen beyond her disability.”“Being a part of this project has taught me the power of taking initiative, of volunteering, of collective effort and most importantly, how each one of us can, and should, forge a path towards an inclusive society,” added, Shaikha Darwish, another volunteer from VCUarts Qatar.

Experts addressed the challenges in developing vaccines and making them available at a global level during a panel discussion at Doha Forum 2023 Monday.The session on 'Vaccine Innovation and Global Health Resilience: Lessons from Covid-19 and Beyond' highlighted two major challenges in vaccine development and implementation.“They are vaccine hesitation and global supply of vaccine,” said Prof Adrian Hill, director of Oxford University’s Jenner Institute. “There should be ways to address these challenges for effective implementation of vaccines all across the world.”“Billions of doses of vaccines were developed, but there was no equality in the supply and distribution of it globally,” he said. “Africa suffered very badly. When 75% of Americans were vaccinated, only 4% of Africans were vaccinated.”“We can’t allow that to happen again,” Prof Hill added. “Co-ordinated efforts are needed to prevent this happening again in case of another major breakout of any disease."Another issue, he said, is vaccine hesitation.“There is a lack of understanding of what vaccines offer, and this should be done away in the future,” Prof Hill said. “And in the education process, *there is the lack of an) understanding of risk. Vaccines are in the least category of risks.”He noted that coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines were developed at a faster rate as there was great support, funding and global understanding of the need for vaccine.“It was also a great learning experience. We can develop vaccines much faster, and we did it,” Prof Hill said.“Developing the malaria vaccine took more than 17 years. We are in a position to develop vaccine at a faster rate now,” he continued. “We have technologies and several types of vaccines.”“Earlier, nobody had the right financing, support and the regulatory activities responses that we had during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Prof Hill said. “Under a year, we could develop three different vaccines.”Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, head of Infectious Diseases and senior consultant at the Hamad Medical Corporation, noted that building resilience at the national level as well as healthcare levels are needed to meet any emergency scenario.“Health systems may have to deal with pandemics in future,” he noted. “Building resilience for future causes can be money-saving, as we invest in health infrastructure and preventive programmes. This enhances the resilience of the country automatically.”Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria board chair Roslyn Morauta said that there was great unity among agencies to work on Covid-19 vaccines.“All the agencies worked together, (more) than ever before,” she said. “We have to get a mechanism that vaccines are made available to low- and middle- income countries at the earliest.”“Our organisation spends one-third of our money – about $1.5bn – every year on programmes for strengthening healthcare,” Morauta highlighted.Bangladesh Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr AK Abdul Momen gave a detailed account of his country’s efforts and success in fighting Covid-19.The session was moderated by World Innovation Summit for Health chief executive Sultana Afdhal.

Panelists at the session on *Governing our Climate Future*, on the second and concluding day of Doha Forum 2023 Monday, highlighted that there should be more commitment and political leadership to fight the climate change crisis.Speaking at the session, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former minister of foreign affairs and defence of Ecuador and former president of the UN General Assembly, noted that one of the main problems in the climate crisis is the governance, or the gaps in governance, present in many parts of the world.“COP28 started with great hopes with the adoption of the Loss and Damage Fund, but just before a few hours from the end, 80% of the agreements are deadlocked,” she said. “In multilateral negotiations, parties hold back to put pressure on others ... in due course many things were not agreed.”“After 28 times that the COP has met, our emissions continue to grow steadily,” Espinosa continued. “Basically we have to operate in an emergency mode. We are in an emergency, and we really call on world leaders to decide on the present and future of human kind.”“It is an urgent matter because planet Earth can live very well without us, but we can’t live without planet Earth,” she pointed out.Nobuo Tanaka, chair, Steering Committee of Innovation for Cool Earth Forum and a former executive director of the International Energy Agency, noted that the world must do more to meet the climate change crisis.“It is estimated that four giga tonnes of carbon emissions will be reduced by 2030, but it is just 30% of the necessary reduction to net zero,” he said. “It is also pledged that renewable energy should be developed to triple what it is today, and the energy efficiency should be doubled by 2030.”“Other pledges are financing for the developing economies and reduction of the use of fossil fuels,” Tanaka added.Nepal Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud noted that his country is facing the impacts of climate change, with the Himalayan and Annapurna mountain ranges severely impacted.He also said that his country had hosted the UN secretary-general and many other leaders to have a first-hand experience of the prevailing situation in his country.Climate Governance Commission policy analyst Maja Groff and African Union Youth envoy Chido Mpemba highlighted various issues of the emerging scenarios and urged for immediate action to mitigate the challenges.The session was moderated by journalist Maryam Nemazee.Addressing the global challenge of climate change requires co-ordinated international governance.Off the back of the latest meetings to contain global temperature rise to 1.5° Celsius, high impact global governance solutions can help fill the gap of the confronting climate emergency.

The urgent need to put an end to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza was highlighted by speakers at the opening panel session of Doha Forum Sunday.The panelists at the session ‘What Next for the Middle East?’ were HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh, Prime Minister of Palestine; Ayman al-Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Jordan; and Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, United Nations. The session was moderated by Becky Anderson, managing editor and anchor of Connect the World, CNN.Dr Shtayyeh said that Israel is committing severe war crimes and must be held accountable for this. He noted : “By all means, if Israel is above international law, I think, Israel should be put on sanctions. Israel should not be allowed to continue violating international and humanitarian law and United Nations resolutions. Israel is in the mood of revenge. The question is what should we do to stop this aggression?”“What is happening in Gaza is most inhuman practices. There are five entry points to Gaza and only one is accessible. That is not enough and Israel is responsible to as an occupying force to provide water, electricity, food supplies and so on. But Israel has failed in ensuring the supply of this and rather cut them off from Gaza and these are criminal acts ” he pointed out.“What is needed is neither an economic solution or a security solution. The need of the hours is a political solution for the whole issue. Delay in justice is the absence of justice,” he highlighted.According to al-Safadi, the continuation of war on Gaza Strip will drag the region into an all-out conflict. He said: “What is happening in Gaza could be described as a systematic act to expel Gaza population. There are Israeli calls in this direction to burn the Palestinians and wipe them off. Israel defies the world, violates the international law, and perpetrates war crimes and genocide.”He called on the United States to ramp up more pressure on Israel to halt its crimes in Gaza, adding that, as per international laws, its continuation of this approach endangers the entire region and leads to an all-out conflict.Francis highlighted Israel’s claim that they are going to eradicate Hamas is totally unacceptable as Hamas is an integral part of the Palestinian political structure.“Our main concern is not about what will happen later but what will happen today. Our main concern is today and we want a stop of these atrocities and genocide that is happening today. We need a comprehensive political solution that does put an end to this Palestinian suffering that started 75 years ago,” he stressed.

Coming to the table and negotiation is the only way to end the conflict between Israel and Palestine, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Sunday at the ongoing Doha Forum.Sheikh Mohammed said: “I believe that the only way forward to end this war is through the negotiation table. Historically with all wars and conflicts, none of them achieved their results in the battlefield.”He was speaking at the opening panel discussion of Doha Forum, “What Now for the Middle East?’ moderated by Becky Anderson, managing editor and anchor of Connect the World, CNN,“We have been working relentlessly under the direction of His Highness the Amir, in order to ensure that the hostages are released safely through negotiations which was proven to be successful. Our efforts, along with our partners, are continuing in Gaza and we are not going to give up,” explained the Prime Minister.Sheikh Mohammed continued: “The region has been extending the hands to Israel for peace plans for decades just as the Arab peace initiative that was adopted by the League of Arab States and supported by the Organisation of Islamic Countries. There were several attempts and we are always aiming at peace. We are looking for two states living side by side safely.”He deplored that unfortunately there has been no seriousness from the Israeli side for peace efforts. “They kept burying the peace proposals. And there were several rounds of war and every time Israel would go in and destroy everything in Gaza. The Israelis have not been doing their responsibility for peace as an occupying power,” noted the prime minister.Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that there are a lot of questions about Israel’s inaction to peace and the continuation of the war.“Gaza and West Bank are one unit and one state that should be governed by one body. That should be the outcome of the Palestinian agreement. Things need to be put in context and this war needs our role as a region to support the Palestinian people and their cause. The region has been supporting Palestine financially for the reconstruction,” stated the prime minister.“We have been continuing this effort despite all the circumstances and nothing will stop us. Our role is to make sure that the Palestinian people live in peace and prosperity. We are countries for peace and we never call for wars. We never call for violence and never see violence as a solution for any problem or any crisis,” added, Sheikh Mohamed.

Focusing on young professionals in Qatar and the wider region, HEC Paris in Qatar has launched the Emerging Leaders Track of its Executive MBA (EMBA) programme.“The new programme will host its first cohort in the fall of 2024, catering to a younger audience of high-potential professionals, with an average age of 28-30,” HEC Paris in Qatar dean Dr Pablo Martin de Holan told a press conference Monday at campus in Msheireb Downtown Doha. “The average duration of the programme is 18 months.”He was joined by HEC Paris in Qatar (Partnerships and Growth) executive director Joshua Kobb and virtually, through a hologram livestream, by Prof Kristine de Valck, dean of degree programmes at HEC Paris’s main campus.Young managers with demonstrated leadership potential can enrol in the programme.The launch of the new track of the EMBA opens a much-needed opportunity for part-time management study for this segment of the population. The programme expects enrolment from across the GCC region.“The launch of another option in world-class EMBA, the Emerging Leaders Track, reflects HEC Paris’s commitment to impact and excellence,” said Dr de Holan. “HEC Paris in Qatar develops local, regional, and global talent that Qatar and the GCC need to build knowledge-based, diversified and sustainable economies.”“HEC Paris is immensely proud of our students, faculty, and of course, alumni, who hold key leadership roles across diverse industries in Qatar, in the GCC, in Europe, and globally, making a difference and helping create a better, more sustainable world,” he added.To be eligible, participants need a minimum of five years' professional experience, including one year of demonstrated career progression.This programme is designed for those seeking to advance into more senior positions or to enhance their current roles through personal and professional development and the application of strategic and innovative thinking acquired during the EMBA.As a part-time programme, it accommodates working professionals, enabling them to remain employed as they pursue their studies and avoiding the loss of salary associated with full-time MBA studies.HEC Paris’s EMBA is tailored to nurture talent growth in Qatar and the broader region.Delivered from the HEC Paris campus in Doha, the programme includes modules in Paris, London, Cambridge, and Dubai.This EMBA, led by globally acclaimed faculty, prepares participants to address the region's challenges and opportunities.“Across the region we deliver custom designed corporate programmes. We have also associated with some of the most prestigious and leading business organisations in Qatar and the region,” Kobb said. “The new EMBA programme has an important role in our entire portfolio of HEC Paris in Qatar. It helps us to reach a segment of population that has not been served by top tier institutions.”While covering essential areas such as business performance management, corporate finance, and strategy, the programme emphasises current topics and trends including innovation, digital transformation, social responsibility, and navigating the regional business environment.Graduates, equipped with these specialised skills, gain a comprehensive business understanding and become catalysts for driving sustainable growth in Qatar and the region.In collaboration with the business community, HEC Paris in Qatar is dedicated to positioning Doha as a regional hub of knowledge and expertise.The new programme is set to enhance the skills of emerging leaders, supporting the development of locally based talent who will be the drivers of change and transformation.

The International Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancers 2023 organised by Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) has recommended to promote precision oncology research.The two day congress, held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and opened in the presence of HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, the Minister of Public Health concluded yesterday at Ritz-Carlton, Doha.The international congress has come out with several suggestion to fight gastrointestinal cancers (GI) and help the population better aware of the disease and thus make them prepared to prevent it.One of the recommendations is to promote precision oncology research and it “advocates for increased funding and support for research in precision oncology to personalise colorectal cancer treatment, enhancing its efficacy and reducing side effects.”Another suggestion is “Develop advanced training programmes for surgeons, focusing on the latest techniques in the surgical management of GI cancers, including colorectal, hepatic, and pancreatic cancers.”A major recommendation is to establish multidisciplinary teams. It says “Encourage institutions to form multidisciplinary teams, combining the expertise of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurse specialists for comprehensive GI cancer care.”Similar recommendations are: Implement Liver Transplant Protocols; Adopt Clinical Guidelines; Organize Public Awareness Campaigns; Expand Access to Advanced Imaging; Foster Economic Research in GI Cancer Treatment; Enhance Patient Support Services and Create Specialised Cancer Units.Over 1,000 primary health care providers and researchers attended the congress and exchanged ideas and latest developments in cancer treatment and awareness.HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani, chairman of QCS said that the congress was a great success and it witnessed exchange of knowledge, expertise and opinions among the researchers and delegates to benefit the participants as well as the efforts to combat cancer especially gastrointestinal cancers.“The congress has been a great success and I am extremely satisfied with the outcomes of the congress which can help in framing several policies and programmes in cancer treatment. It is also very fulfilling that the participants had a great time in exchanging ideas and learn more about preventing some of the cancers and how to raise awareness about it among the community members. We hope that the recommendations of the congress will help in fighting the disease in a big way and make our society better prepared to face cancer and protect the people from it,” explained, Sheikh Khalid.The second day of the congress included two sessions, targeting members of the public. It presented methods of prevention and early detection of gastrointestinal cancers, factors that cause them, and methods of diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on the role of food in preventing the disease.There was also an accompanying medical exhibition to provide free consultation services both medical and nutritional and perform biometric and body mass index measurements for the public.The congress attracted prominent experts from a number of countries such as the United States of America, Austria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan, in addition to the participation of a number of entities from Qatar such as the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation and the Primary Health Care Corporation.

Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) opened the International Congress of Gastrointestinal Cancers 2023 Friday under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and in the presence of HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al- Kuwari at the Ritz-Carlton Doha.QCS will sign Saturday and an agreement with Oman Cancer Society to work together seamlessly and exchange various programmes and ideas to fight cancer in the region and provide support to the programmes in both the countries and beyond, chairman HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani told Gulf Times.Also Saturday, QCS will announce Ghanim al-Muftah, the renowned, Qatari online streamer and philanthropist, as its newest brand ambassador. "In fact he volunteered to be an ambassador of the society and I accepted his proposal. He will promote the activities of QCS hereafter,” Sheikh Khalid explained.The opening session of the two day conference was attended by several dignitaries including the Ministry of Public Health's (MoPH) Public Health Department director Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani and QCS vice chairman Dr Abdul-Azim Abdul-Wahab Hussein.Sheikh Dr Khalid welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of the congress in preventing and overcoming the gastrointestinal cancers.He said: “I hope this conference will help in exchange of ideas among the delegates and other participants and will help raise more awareness among the community about the ways to fight the disease. The participants will be able to discuss a number of topics related to various types of cancers that affect the digestive system. They shall suggest ways and ideas to help diagnose the disease early and thus prevent it. The congress is also expected to come out with several recommendations in the fight against cancer.”The opening session of the congress was moderated by Prof Harald Rosen, head of faculty, Surgical Oncology at the Sigmund Freud University in Vienna and Dr Hassan al-Thani, head of Trauma and Vascular Surgery Sections and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).At the opening session, Dr Mohammed Abunada, acting deputy chief medical officer for surgical services and chairman of surgery, HMC, spoke about the topic “Surgical Management of Primary Colorectal Cancer.” Dr Abunada in his presentation, highlighted that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer accounting for second most common cancer death. He also discussed the treatment path of the cancer in Qatar and how the country is resiliently treating this cancer.On its second day, Saturday, the medical congress includes two sessions, the first targeting members of the public. It will present methods of prevention and early detection of gastrointestinal cancers, factors that cause them, and methods of diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on the role of food in preventing the disease.There is also an accompanying medical exhibition to provide free consultation services both medical and nutritional and perform biometric and body mass index measurements for the public.The congress has attracted prominent experts from a number of countries such as the United States of America, Austria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan, in addition to the participation of a number of entities from Qatar such as the MoPH, HMC and the Primary Health Care Corporation.The International Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2023, is a platform that unites clinicians, researchers, academics, and industry professionals from Qatar, the Gulf region and the world in the field of gastrointestinal oncology.

A young Palestinian who anchored the Education Above All session yesterday at the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) 2023, noted that people in Gaza are losing hope each passing day.Randa al-Dawoudi, studying and working in Istanbul, told Gulf Times that she came to attend the summit because she wanted to be the voice of the millions of voiceless Palestinians.“I am coming from Istanbul where I am studying as well as working. I just wanted to represent the Palestinians and highlight the deteriorating situation in Gaza. I want to be the voice of the millions suffering in my motherland,” said al-Dawoudi.She said: “My family is in Gaza and I have no way to go to them now. I am speechless about what is happening in Gaza. Sometimes, I feel guilty that I am not with them. When I am able to get connected to them over the phone, I tell them that I want to reach them. But they discourage me and ask me to stay outside the country. They ask me to tell the story of all of them to the outside world.”“So I feel I have the responsibility to tell their stories to the outside world. It is a huge responsibility and that is the reason I am here,” said al-Dawoudi.The young Palestinian who is working in the marketing field said she went into a depression due to the war in Gaza.“I was so upset and turned traumatic. I am yet to completely come out of the depression. We don’t know what will happen after the ceasefire. But my family members and others fear that after this period the Israeli forces will kill all of them,” she lamented.“I cannot meet my family, I can't go to my motherland but still I am doing the job for my country by highlighting the plight of my family and my motherland to the outside world. I lost my mother in the 2008 Israel aggression. I have my father and sister living in Palestine now. My sister is married and has two children,” added al-Dawoudi.