Qatar

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday closed 43 points lower on selling pressure especially at the insurance, telecom and banks.The foreign institutions were seen net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.42% to 10,394.32 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,465 points.As much as 63% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.77bn or 0.29% to QR617.32bn primarily on the back of microcap segments.The Gulf funds were seen increasingly into net profit booking in the main market, which saw as many as 0.15mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.71mn change hands across 47 deals.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer of the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Gulf retail investors were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the domestic institutions were seen increasingly bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index lost 0.42%, the All Islamic Index by 0.41% and the All Share Index by 0.37% in the main market.The insurance sector index shed 0.93%, telecom (0.74%), banks and financial services (0.45%), industrials (0.38%) and consumer goods and services (0.02%); while real estate and transport gained 0.31% and 0.07% respectively.Major shakers in the main bourse included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Islamic Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Inma Holding, Ooredoo, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco and Ooredoo.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatari Investors Group, Doha Bank, Meeza, Medicare Group, United Development Company and Ezdan were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR32.19mn compared with net buyers of QR1.5mn on November 20.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR8.59mn against QR1.42mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling expanded marginally to QR0.95mn compared to QR0.4mn on Wednesday.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying grew substantially to QR25.81mn against QR3.5mn on November 20.The Qatari individuals’ net buying strengthened considerably to QR11.04mn compared to QR2.69mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.63mn against net sellers of QR1.56mn on Wednesday.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.23mn compared with net sellers of QR4.21mn on November 20.The Arab institutions had not major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shot up 18% to 130.36mn shares, value by 25% to QR371.4mn and transactions by 37% to 15,478.The venture market saw a 41% shrinkage in trade volumes to 0.55mn equities and 41% in value to QR1.44mn but on flat deals at 79.

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of Korea organised the “Qatar-Korea Trade and Investment Forum” as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event was organised in co-operation with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), and with the participation of the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar); the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ); and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).Speaking at the function, Qatar’s ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Hamar praised the role of Korean institutions, including KITA, in strengthening Qatari-Korean relations. He expressed hope that the forum would open new horizons for co-operation in various fields, and contribute to providing new opportunities for investment and increasing trade exchange between the two countries.Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, Dr Jin Sik Yoon said that the forum is a culmination of the two countries’ achievements, hailing the strong friendly relations between his country and the State of Qatar, which reflect in various sectors, including the economy, culture and sports. Several papers were presented during the forum on investment opportunities and laws, and foreign investments in the Qatar; facilities provided by Invest Qatar; business opportunities available in free zones; and construction and infrastructure projects in Qatar.

The exercise implemented by the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group to pass the final stage of the international reclassification (Heavy) by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), will kick off next week and will be held from Nov. 25-28.Through the reclassification process, the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group aims to continue working according to the guidelines of the international group (INSARAG), to benefit from the United Nations in obtaining information, and to coordinate with the affected country in the absence of an embassy and other mechanisms of work during crises.As part of the preparation, the group held a preparatory meeting on Thursday to ensure readiness for the test, in the presence of the group commander Major Khalid Abdullah Al Humaidi, the team supervisor from the Singapore Civil Defense, Chew Keng Tok, along with a number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the group.In statements, Major Al Humaidi said that in light of the successes that the group has achieved, Qatar International Search and Rescue Group sought to translate this by entering the international reclassification tests at the (Heavy) level from the United Nations, which was obtained in 2015, to continue working under an international umbrella with partners from international teams around the world according to a unified language and scientific approach in the field of search and rescue. He pointed out that the group, as part of its preparations for reclassification, implemented various field exercises and training courses that exceeded 1,500 training hours, in addition to qualifying group members and refining their field experiences through specialized training courses and programs.Al Humaidi voiced his confidence in the group members and their passing of all procedures, stressing that this classification will be exceptional by passing all points, especially since the work is being done according to a strategic plan stemming from focused directions.For his part, the team supervisor from the Singapore Civil Defense Chew Keng Tok indicated that he began his journey with the team in 2015, expressing his happiness to return to work with the team again, especially in light of the great experience that the group has gained over the past years.The United Nations INSARAG recently approved the special file submitted by the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group for the international reclassification tests for the "Heavy" category, obtained in 2015. Heavy is the highest classification granted by the international group to search and rescue teams.During this test, the group will be evaluated according to theoretical and practical tests and the application of what was discussed in the workshops, field applications, and exercises carried out by the group, under the supervision of the Singaporean supervising team to qualify the team members according to the scientific methodology followed by international search and rescue teams, to verify its readiness and complete the requirements for reclassification by the organization.The reclassification procedures include scenarios for field exercises that simulate natural disasters, as well as field, logistical, medical, and administrative operations. (QNA)

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) concluded, at its headquarters, the activities of the 4th School Theater Festival 2024. HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater honoured the winning students in the festival, along with the members of the judging committee and the reading of texts, in the presence of a number of MoEHE senior officials, school principals, and parents.In her speech during the closing ceremony, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the MoEHE Maha al-Ruwaili stressed the importance of the festival in promoting theatrical arts as an essential part of the educational process, which contributes to developing and refining students’ talents.She indicated that school theatre is an exceptional space that enables students to express their ideas and embody their creativity, enhancing the values of teamwork and the spirit of co-operation. She considered that theatrical arts are not just shows held on stage, but rather a means to enhance self-confidence, develop communication skills, and encourage creative and critical thinking, which contributes to building a generation capable of participating effectively in the sustainable development process, which the State of Qatar aspires to. She voiced her hope that this festival will be a station for creativity and excellence and that school theatre will remain an open space through which students express their ideas and ambitions.The closing ceremony of the festival featured a theatrical performance entitled Nour’s beautiful dream, presented by students of Qatar Primary School for Girls, in addition to presenting video clips of the theatrical performances, in which students from 11 schools participated.A song entitled our heads are high, written by Al-Jawhara al-Mutawa and music by teacher Maha Hassan was also played during the closing ceremony.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) announced that the National Campaign to Combat the Invasive Myna Bird in the Qatari environment has been successful with the capturing of 18,000 birds since its launch. A total of 6,000 myna birds were captured from 21 locations during May to October this year. The ongoing campaign is meant to protect the local ecosystem from the negative effects of the myna bird.

talabat, the leading on-demand delivery platform in Mena, has partnered with Fueler Store, the largest official motorsports shop in Qatar, a statement said on Thursday. “With major racing events around the corner this December, motorsport fans in Qatar can now conveniently access a wide range of racing merchandise via talabat.“Customers can simply search for ‘Fueler’ on the talabat app and explore a diverse collection of official merchandise. From team caps to unique polo shirts featuring team colours and logos, talabat offers high-quality apparel designed for every motorsport enthusiast.“This collaboration highlights talabat’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience and bringing everyday essentials, and now exciting motorsport merchandise, straight to your doorstep,” the statement added.

The Shura Council participated in the 10th briefing session for parliamentarians on UN Operations, which was virtually organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) under the theme: ‘The UN Peacebuilding Commission: from underdog to key player for global peace’.HE the Shura Council Deputy Speaker and Member of Office of IPU Standing Committee on UN Affairs, Dr Hamda bint Hassan al-Sulaiti, represented the Shura Council in the session. The session discussed the role of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) that was established in 2005, in backing efforts of achieving enduring peace through providing counselling to the UN bodies and assisting conflict-stricken countries.In her remarks during the session, HE Dr al-Sulaiti underscored the pivotal role played by PBC in preventing the flare-up of armed conflicts as a core pillar of achieving a safer world, stressing that addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as human rights violations, poverty and social marginalisation requires reinforcing the PBC’s corporate capabilities, surging the PBC’s allocated resources, enhancing co-operation with regional and international organisations, as well as engaging local communities in peace-building processes through supporting local initiatives and promoting community dialogue.HE the Deputy Speaker noted that focusing on prevention and early intervention through establishing early warning systems and a rigorous analysis of situations is imperative, with an emphasis on enhancing transparency and accountability in PBC’s operations to ensure the intended goals are achieved.She called for reforming civil peacekeeping missions as a more effective tool for achieving peace, stressing the importance of co-ordinated efforts among official and non-official parties to avoid any potential contradictions.HE Dr al-Sulaiti emphasised that such all-encompassing steps represent the foundation for advancing the PBC’s role to be effective in achieving global peace. In addition, the participants discussed the challenges facing peace-building operations amid the intricacies of global conflicts due to climate change, as well as emerging geopolitical and technological advancements.The session highlighted the pressing need to foster the PBC’s role through proposed reforms that encompassed the expansion of PBC’s mandate, elevate funding and boost co-operation with regional and global parties.

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, in partnership with The Triathlete Factory (TTF) and A13 Academy, hosted the Qatar leg of the TTF Kids Triathlon Series, featuring swimming, cycling, and running. Following the successful launch of the series in Bahrain last month, the Qatar event saw over 120 young athletes competing, representing various countries in the race for the title of ‘Gulf Triathlon Champion.’The TTF Kids Triathlon Series will conclude with a final event on December 7 in Saudi Arabia, a statement said yesterday.The winners from the Qatar leg: Male – Jassim Aljaber (14-15 years), Fahad Abdulla Alkaabi (12-13 years), Hussain Alalawi (10-11 years), Abdulla Nasser A A al-Mesned (8-9 years), Youssef Salah Enaytallah (6-7 years). Female – Isla Melville (14-15 years), Idil Selcuk (12-13 years), Aksinia Ludina (10-11 years), Violet Leblanc (8-9 years), Maddi Calahorra (6-7 years). General manager, Andre Borg, said: “Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas is dedicated to promoting active lifestyles and fostering young talent, and our facilities and sports academy are designed to support events like this that encourage youth engagement in sports.”The event featured over 120 participants from 26 nationalities, with races for five age groups, with awards for the top three finishers in each category. Distances ranged from 25 to 300m swimming to 1-10km cycling, and 600m to 2.4km running, with distances varying by age group, the statement added.

HE Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, who serves as Chairperson of Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee and President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, emphasised that integrating human rights into legislation, policies, and climate plans is essential for achieving a sustainable future.She noted that this approach enables countries to fulfil their human rights obligations. She highlighted that national human rights institutions are pivotal in developing a human rights-based approach to climate action, given their roles in monitoring and engaging with various national stakeholders, including civil society, rights-holders, and victims of climate change. Furthermore, their interaction with regional and international protection mechanisms equips them to address challenges and adopt best practices effectively.This came during al-Attiyah’s address at the side event organised by Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee during the 29th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event was attended by HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, Qatar’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohammed bin Hamad al-Hajri, and representatives from Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Azerbaijani Human Rights Commissioner, the Social Research Center, and the Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights.The discussions focused on the impact of climate phenomena on the enjoyment of human rights, highlighting challenges such as increasing marginalisation of vulnerable groups, rising displacement and migration, and widening food and water gaps in many countries worldwide. Al-Attiyah said that the current meeting aligns with the National Human Rights Committees efforts to address climate change and its growing impact on human rights at the national, regional, and international levels.She welcomed Qatar’s approach, which places human rights at the heart of its national policies and plans to address climate change. This approach, she said, has enabled Qatar to make strides in renewable energy investments, energy efficiency improvements, and the development of environmentally friendly technologies and projects, such as Lusail and Msheireb Downtown Doha, which represent Qatar’s commitment to building a sustainable future in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.As the President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, al-Attiyah encouraged national human rights institutions to engage with climate change issues and collaborate with one another. She emphasised the ongoing efforts to amplify the voice of these institutions at all relevant international forums, underscoring that inclusive engagement with all stakeholders is the only way to address climate change challenges and achieve climate justice for future generations.She also mentioned plans to recommend establishing a permanent forum for dialogue between national human rights institutions and other stakeholders on emerging climate issues and response strategies. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud, Undersecretary at Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted Qatar’s efforts to combat climate change threats. He noted the recent launch of the ministry’s 2024-2030 strategy, which aims to achieve a vision of a sustainable environment balanced with development and resilient to climate change.Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan Sabina Aliyeva stressed the importance of international co-operation to address the increasing impact of climate change on human rights, including the rights to life, adequate food, clean water, health, decent housing, and education.She also highlighted the exacerbated risks of displacement, migration, environmental conflicts, and the marginalization of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, children, women, and the elderly.Meanwhile, Zahid Oruj, a member of the Azerbaijani National Assembly and chair of the executive board of the social research centre, called for the exchange of experiences and best practices in the field of climate action, with a focus on the role of national human rights institutions.Director of the Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights Dr Ahmad Shahidov underscored the active role of national human rights institutions in climate policy discussions and their comprehensive evaluation of various climate actions and measures.

Students from Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), part of Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education, participated in an event celebrating Palestinian culture and heritage, a statement said.The special occasion was aimed at deepening the connection between students, parents, and the Palestinian cause, fostering understanding, pride, and solidarity.The event, titled *The Palestinian Night: Returning, was organised by the “Labayk Aqsana Club” under the guidance of Pre-University Education’s Identity and Heritage Department.Designed by QAD students, it offered attendees an immersive experience that showcased the traditions, historical depth, and enduring resilience of the Palestinian people.The event also provided a valuable opportunity for students express their perspectives and demonstrate solidarity with the people and children of Palestine.The evening included performances and student-produced videos, presented by QF students under the guidance of the school’s Islamic Education Department.Complementing the performances was an art exhibition showcasing powerful imagery of Palestine and its cause, alongside displays of Palestinian cuisine.Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase iconic items such as Palestinian scarves, traditional clothing, and handcrafted accessories.All proceeds from ticket sales and donations were directed toward humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict, facilitated through Qatar Charity, the statement added.

Discover Qatar and the International Media Office are bringing “Qatar: The Supercard” boxing event at Lusail Sports Arena on November 28.Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of the Qatar Airways Group, and the International Media Office have started the countdown for one of the most electrifying nights in contact sports history.“Qatar: The Supercard”, part of the MISFITS & DAZN: X Series 19, will bring the world’s attention to Qatar on November 28, as Visit Qatar presents the boxing event at the Lusail Sports Arena.This historic showdown will start at 5pm and is headlined by long-time rivals Gib and Slim, promising explosive action and unforgettable entertainment.Boxing enthusiasts and first-time fans alike can secure their spot for this event by booking Category 1 and 2 tickets exclusively through discoverqatar.qa/misfits-boxing/The collaboration between Discover Qatar and the International Media Office represents a significant step forward in Qatar’s journey to become a global leader in sports and entertainment tourism.The event reflects Qatar’s ongoing commitment to using sports as a platform to connect cultures and inspire global audiences, with Discover Qatar dedicated to supporting and driving this vision.

HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Turki al-Subaie held several meetings on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku Azerbaijan from Nov 11-22. HE the Minister met with Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman al-Saud, where they discussed a number of issues of common interest. They also discussed enhancing the fruitful co-operation between the two fraternal countries. HE al-Subaie also met separately with State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the Federal Republic of Germany Jennifer Lee Morgan, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Bahodur Sheralizoda, and Director General of the National Environmental Protection Agency of Afghanistan Mawlavi Matiul Haq Khalis. The meetings dealt with enhancing co-operation in addressing climate change, enhancing bilateral partnerships, and discussing international initiatives of common interest. (QNA)

A new batch of Qataris took the legal oath at the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday as experts accredited before the judicial authorities in the country, in accordance with the regulations set forth in Law No. (16) of 2017 regulating the expert work.The batch comprises 12 experts from national cadres and experts in multiple specialisations, including computational expertise, financial markets, real estate appraisal, chemical and radiological engineering, mechanical engineering, and financial expertise.They are registered as natural persons, in addition to one legal person expert in the field of computational expertise.The director of the ministry’s Experts Department, Abdullah Bushahab al-Marri, emphasised the importance of the role performed by the experts as judges' assistants and one of the core pillars of prompt justice with respect to the technical aspects related to a wide diversity of cases.He affirmed that expertise reports play a tremendous role in accelerating the issuance of rulings and adjudication.al-Marri added that the ministry, based on the directives of HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, is keen to strengthen the national cadre of experts, provide expertise that keeps pace with the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the country across all fields, and create the appropriate conditions to provide an integrated Qatari expertise system. – QNA

HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr Hamda bint Hassan al-Sulaiti met with the visiting Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Morocco Zaina Idhali. During the meeting, the two sides discussed parliamentary relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop them. (QNA)

Sheraton Grand Doha is hosting a 10-day Thai Food Festival at its Al Hubara Restaurant. Running until November 30, the festival brings the vibrant flavours of Thailand to Doha, led by Chef Rungtiwa Sorlae, a statement said on Thursday.Renowned for her expertise in traditional Thai cooking techniques, Chef Rungtiwa will craft a menu of authentic dishes that capture the essence of Thailand. The buffet will feature a selection of signature Thai specialties, including: Som Tum (green papaya salad), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Pad Thai and a variety of other traditional dishes.Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle draw, with prizes including a round-trip ticket from Doha to Bangkok courtesy of Qatar Airways and prizes from Sheraton Grand Doha. Guests can also enjoy a Bubble Tea Booth by Bubblelicious.The Thai Food Festival will be held from 7pm to 11.30pm daily. Pricing is QR275 per person (Friday to Tuesday) and QR350 per person (Wednesday and Thursday), the statement added.

The Ajyal Film Festival 2024, organised by the Doha Film Institute (DFI), continues its activities with an array of filmmakers sharing their cinematic journeys and stories behind their works.On this occasion, the DFI organised a press meeting with Oscar-nominated photographer and filmmaker Misan Harriman, and Jianjie Lin, the director of the film *Brief History of a Family."I've never heard of a major film festival opening with a film about Sudan, where the world witnesses the largest loss of lives," says Harriman. "That Ajyal recognised it by opening with *Sudan, Remember Us, to me is an extremely revolutionary moment."He was further moved by the fact that Ajyal 2024 was bringing *From Ground Zero, set against the backdrop of the ongoing war on Palestine, with 22 short films created by filmmakers from Gaza."I have many colleagues in Gaza, some of them no more, and to see the reality of what is happening reflected in real-time in this way is crucial,” he added.An ambassador for Save the Children, Harriman said that the films at Ajyal reflect the reality of Palestinian children, adding that the event's ethos intersects with his own commitments from documenting the hunger crisis in north Africa to the migrant crisis in Sicily.The founder of “What We See”, Harriman said it has evolved as a “web 3” phenomenon, and he is leveraging the platform to integrate technology and culture to create a level playing field that helps the vulnerable.Through his work as a photographer and filmmaker, Harriman challenges conventional narratives and advocates for social change."When there is injustice, I turn my lens to that," he said.Harriman, whose journey as a photographer began at age 40 when he was gifted a camera by his wife, is today one of the most influential voices in contemporary photography.His work gained global recognition during the Black Lives Matter protests, where his powerful images captured the raw emotion and humanity of the movement."I was shooting my own trauma," Harriman said. "I see the invisible scars in the people I photograph and it feels like taking their pain and holding it.""When I'm shooting something I love, it's not just about the highlights and shadows," he added. "As the great photographer Robert Frank said, 'The eye should learn to listen'. Throughout my life, my eye has learned to listen deeply."From shooting a British *Vogue cover to his Oscar nomination for *The After, his short film about grief and healing, Harriman's work focuses on underrepresented voices and stories."I could have just been the guy who shot the *Vogue cover, going from yacht to castle to party," he said. "But I didn't want my daughters growing up with a father who only chased fame and fortune. I shot heroes who risked everything to bring change."Harriman shares Ajyal's mission of nurturing meaningful dialogue through art."We have to decide to decolonise our minds and look for the truth,” he said. “In today's world, simply telling the truth has become a revolutionary act."Jianjie Lin, the director of *Brief History of a Family (China, France, Denmark, Qatar), shared the view that human concepts are global."This is my first feature and it observes the familial structure and how it reacts to social change,” he said. “The movie addresses the one-child policy and how it affected middle-class families who are figuring out their new life with the anxiety of losing everything.”“It also talks about the individual's identity versus what parents may impose on their children,” he added.Lin said that what makes Ajyal special is how it includes young people in the conversation, adding that the support by the DFI helped him reach global audiences, with members of the team he worked with coming from different backgrounds. – QNA

HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi met with Jordanian ambassador to Qatar Zaid Mufleh al-Lawzi. During the meeting, the two sides discussed relations between the two countries. (QNA)

In acknowledgment of the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, Qatar Museums (QM) hosted an event in the Museum of Islamic Art, titled “Cultural Heritage Protection: A Global Commitment”.The aim was to draw attention to the crime of illicit trafficking and to explore effective measures for combating it, as well as to highlight the significance of international cooperation in this regard.Dr Salah Khaled, the director of the Unesco Doha Office for Gulf States and Yemen, Mustafa Unal Erten, chief of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Centre for Combatting Cybercrime, and other dignitaries were present.“In celebration of the International Day Against Trafficking in Cultural Property, Qatar Museums reaffirms its dedication to preserving the nation's cultural heritage and protecting the heritage sites and properties under its stewardship,” said QM chief executive Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi.The event included keynote speeches with industry leaders such as Katie Paul, the co-director and co-founder of Antiquities Trafficking and Heritage Anthropology Research (Athar) Project; Matthew Vincent, the director of the Natural Inventory Project at the American Centre of Research (ACOR); Kaitlin Meredith, the head of the UNODC Border Management Branch; and UNODC digital forensic officer Amr El Rahwan.The topics focused on raising awareness of crimes as well as proactive measures outlined in the 1970 Unesco Convention, which aims to prohibit and prevent the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property.US ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis said the conference underscores the significance of global co-operation in combating the illicit trade of cultural artefacts.Dr Fatema Hassan al-Sulaiti, the director of International Co-operation and Government Affairs at the QM, stated that preserving and protecting cultural property from illicit trafficking is a matter of great importance that demands coordinated efforts at both international and local levels.The event included a panel discussion on “Innovative Approaches in the Protection of Cultural Property from Looting and Trafficking”, moderated by Dr Amr al-Azm, associate professor at Qatar University’sGulf Studies Centre.The panellists included the QM's Abdullatif al-Jasmi (director of Cultural Heritage Protection), Dr Rob Andrew Carter (senior archaeology specialist), Rasul Samadov (head of the Unesco Regional Office in Doha’s Culture Unit), Dr Eleni Polymenopoulou (associate professor at HBKU’s College of Law), and Stephane Ipert (heritage consultant and researcher at the Athar Project).Mustafa Erten, chief of UNODC Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime in Doha, said: “Addressing this intersection between cybercrime and cultural property trafficking is essential for safeguarding cultural heritage and preventing further exploitation of digital platforms for criminal purposes.”“I would like to acknowledge the significant role of Qatar in supporting the global fight against cybercrime by establishing the UNODC Regional Centre for Combatting Cybercrime in Doha, which also contributes to preserving the country's traditions and cultural property,” he added.The International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property was adopted by Unesco during its 40th General Conference in 2019.Since then, the QM been a key player in the field of research and development, international collaboration and technological advancements to combat the crimes that impose a risk to the rich cultural heritage.

Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development (netFWD), and Fundacao Getulio Vargas’ Division for the Development of Public Management and Educational Policies (FGV-DGPE) co-hosted a high-level event, 'Catalysing Change: Education’s Role in Building a Just and Sustainable Future,' during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro.The event highlighted the essential role of education in addressing climate change and advancing equality, aligning with Brazil’s G20 Presidency theme, 'Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,' a statement said.The event brought together global leaders, educators, climate and health experts, and youth advocates to explore how education can drive resilience, equity, and sustainability across global agendas. The two-part event fostered meaningful dialogue and actionable insights on the transformative power of education.A high-level breakfast featured opening remarks from global leaders, emphasising the connection between education, climate, and health as foundational pillars for a resilient and equitable future. Following the opening, a round-table discussion focused on integrating education into climate and health policies to effectively address today’s most pressing challenges.During a technical session, panel discussions and workshops explored topics such as innovative financing for education, climate-resilient learning, the role of foundations in sustainable development, and youth-driven advocacy for systemic reform. They highlighted strategies to incorporate education into climate adaptation efforts and public health preparedness, reinforcing its central role in addressing global inequalities.Mohamed al-Kubaisi, acting CEO of Education Above All Foundation, said: “To achieve sustainable development goals and ensure equitable access to quality education, we must prioritise innovative financing solutions and collaborative approaches. EAA has provided educational opportunities to over 19mn out of schoolchildren and youth across 60 countries, leveraging nearly $3bn in co-funding through strategic partnerships. Closing the gap faced by over 260mn children and youth worldwide without access to education is critical for building a resilient, sustainable future.”Henrique Paim, director of the Public Management and Educational Policy Development Division at Fundacao Getulio Vargas, stated that education is a cornerstone in addressing persistent social, environmental, economic, cultural, and ethical challenges. To achieve this, he emphasised the need to develop and strengthen pedagogical practices that are forward-looking and adaptable to today’s rapidly evolving, innovation-driven landscape.Federico Bonaglia, deputy director of the OECD Development Centre, underscored the importance of addressing today’s global challenges and calls for a more inclusive multilateral system that amplifies voices from the Global South and inclusive partnerships that engage a diverse spectrum of actors, including philanthropy.

Moroccan filmmakers, whose films are being screened in the “Made in Morocco” programme at the Ajyal Film Festival 2024, have praised the role of the Doha Film Institute (DFI) in supporting emerging Arab cinematic voices and its celebration of Arab issues, most notably the Palestinian cause.A number of filmmakers participated in press interviews held on the sidelines of the festival's 12th edition.The presentation of the “Made in Morocco” programme comes as part of the activities of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024, and includes selected short films that highlight promising talents in Moroccan cinema today.The programme was developed in partnership with the Cultural Year Initiative and the Marrakech Short Film Festival. – QNA