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Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 at its 14th annual ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre.The event brought together university leadership, faculty, staff, families, and guests to honour the achievements of this year’s graduates, who now join a growing global network of NU-Q alumni.The Class of 2025 comprises 118 graduates, hailing from more than 18 countries. They have studied journalism, communication, and liberal arts while also contributing to award-winning student projects, groundbreaking research, and community initiatives in Qatar and beyond.In his address to the graduates, NU-Q dean and CEO Marwan M Kraidy, reflected on the symbolic power of light—or nūr—as a guiding principle for the journey ahead. “A flame is not only burning heat; it is also light and warmth,” said Kraidy. “As you leave here, take that habit of critical reflection with you. Use the flame to build a hearth. Start from a place of openness. Pause. Consider all sides. Then decide where your light should shine.”Encouraging graduates to lead with purpose and integrity, he reminded them that “one small flame can ignite a thousand candles.”In a unique, full-circle moment, HE Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman al-Thani, undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour in Qatar and Class of 2015 alumna, returned to the stage as this year’s graduation speaker, a decade after delivering the student address at her own graduation.Reflecting on the transformation from student to professional, she said, “The Najwa that went to Northwestern feels like a different person from a different life.”Her speech balanced humour with heartfelt advice, encouraging the Class of 2025 to “trust the process, play the long game, and change the way you see yourself.”She also recounted her journey since graduating, from navigating postgraduate studies in Oxford to building a career shaped by rejection, resilience, and reinvention. “While many before me have carved out the space for those of us from the region, we remain underrepresented,” she said. “We have a value to bring to the table, a voice that cannot be substituted by those who write about us.”Drawing from Arabic philosophy, she urged the graduates to embrace wasilah — the means by which we pursue our goals — as the true measure of character.Joining Dean Kraidy and Sheikha Najwa on the stage, Class of 2025 Speaker Fairuz Yosef Issa addressed her fellow graduates, congratulating them on their achievements and reflecting on the spirit of resilience and perseverance that defined them.“We arrived here as individuals,” she noted, “but today, we leave as a collective, bonded by shared challenges, late-night deadlines, and the belief that stories matter.”A journalism student known for her advocacy and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, she reflected on the unique journey of her class: from entering university at the height of the global Covid-19 pandemic to graduating at a time of a rapidly shifting world.“Northwestern didn’t just teach us how to write headlines,” she said. “It taught us how to listen closely, speak honestly, and show up — especially when it’s uncomfortable.”Drawing on moments of uncertainty and growth, she reminded her classmates that “our stories are not just ours — they belong to the people we seek to serve.” She went on to urge her peers to carry forward the values of courage, curiosity, and compassion: “We may not know what’s next, but we know who we are — and that will always be enough.”Another highlight of this year’s ceremony was the attendance of a senior delegation from Northwestern University’s home campus, underscoring Northwestern’s support for the campus and community in Qatar. The group included members of the Northwestern University Board of Trustees, Peter J. Barris, chair of the Board, and Provost Kathleen Hagerty.Alongside dean Kraidy, they participated in the graduation processions and engaged with students, faculty, and staff during the visit.The ceremony concluded with graduates processing out beneath the Weber Arch, a powerful reversal of their symbolic entry into university life.With their degrees in hand and their next chapters just beginning, the Class of 2025 leaves NU-Q as alumni, poised to lead with impact after graduation and make a lasting impact across the globe, the statement added.

In the year that marks Qatar Foundation (QF)’s 30th anniversary, graduating students from its Class of 2025 are reflecting on their journeys – through stories that go beyond academic achievements, ahead of the annual Convocation ceremony that celebrates graduates of its universities.Among them is *Mohamed Mourchid, whose journey at the QF is testament to how diverse experiences can shape and elevate a student’s educational path.Before becoming a QF student, he held a senior position at the French embassy and played a key role in driving business development across the Middle East.After earning a Master’s in Economic Intelligence with honours, complemented by advanced studies in political science, he pursued his Executive MBA at QF partner university HEC Paris Doha – which he describes as a turning point for him."Belonging to QF wasn't just an academic privilege; it was being surrounded by people who believed in their role in making a global impact,” he said. “It was an environment where passion for learning, ambition, and social responsibility came together.”During this time, Mourchid’s mother, his greatest supporter, passed away."She was the quiet force that shaped me, believing in the light within me,” he said, reflecting on her influence: “Although she isn't here to witness my graduation, I feel her presence in every step I take."At the QF, Mourchid discovered a diverse community that deepened his sense of responsibility toward others."QF taught me that education isn’t just a privilege – it’s a responsibility,” he explains. “A responsibility to lead with integrity, and to give back.”For *Almaha Jassim Hamad al-Thani, graduating from Northwestern University in Qatar, a QF partner university, was more than an achievement – it was the realisation of a childhood dream.“I was determined to study at QF, even if it meant starting with a foundation year,” she said. “I didn’t apply anywhere else, and graduating now means everything to me.”Al-Thani’s studies at QF began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning she had to juggle online and in-person studies, and she says: “There were times when graduating seemed almost impossible. But through it all, I didn’t give up – my family's unwavering support and the encouragement I found within the QF community kept me going.”She also joined the research team for Qatar TV’s *Etqan in its first season, participated in numerous creative workshops, and represented Qatar as a professional fencer on the national team.*Zahra Saboorzadeh, a Class of 2025 graduate from Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), transferred to the QF partner university from Qatar University’s College of Pharmacy.“At QF, I found my true calling,” she said. “I discovered the power of economics as a tool for justice, the intersection of politics and human rights, and the need to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked.”Saboorzadeh has held prominent leadership roles, from serving on the Honour Council to participating in the QF’s Doha Debates.She has led research with Georgetown and Yale Universities and presented her work at international conferences.Looking ahead, Saboorzadeh hopes to use her voice to advocate for policies that promote equality and sustainability.Graduate *Najwa Doha began her academic career with degrees in nursing, molecular biology, and genetics, which ultimately led her to the QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), where she was awarded a scholarship.“HBKU not only provided me with academic knowledge, but also gave me the space to think critically, research boldly, and engage with global perspectives,” she said.Doha holds a Master’s in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from the HBKU and specialises in cancer and neurological disorders research.With experience in intensive care and pathology laboratories, she has published studies on the mental health of refugee women and multi-method research for her nursing capstone project.

China has said it has received overtures from the US for talks on tariffs — but warned it will need concessions as proof of “sincerity” before any negotiations can take place.The world’s two largest economies are locked in a tit-for-tat tariff war that threatens hundreds of billions in trade and has roiled global markets and supply chains.The US has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, with cumulative duties on some goods reaching a staggering 245%.As well as the blanket levies, China is also under sector-specific tariffs on steel, aluminium and car imports.Sales of Chinese goods to the US last year totalled more than $500bn — 16.4% of the country’s exports, according to Beijing’s customs data.China has vowed to fight the measures “to the end” and has unveiled reciprocal tariffs of up to 125% on imports of American goods, which totalled $143.5bn last year, according to Washington.Beijing has filed complaints with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), citing “bullying” tactics by the Trump administration.And it has gone after American companies, scrapping orders for Boeing planes, probing Google for “anti-monopoly” violations and adding US fashion group PVH Corp — which owns Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein — and biotech giant Illumina to a list of “unreliable entities”.Beijing has also restricted exports of rare earth elements — critical in the manufacturing of everything from semiconductors to medical technology and consumer electronics.Beijing has long drawn Trump’s ire with a trade surplus with the US that reached $295.4bn last year, according to the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis.Chinese leaders have been reluctant to disrupt the status quo.But an intensified trade war will likely mean China cannot peg its hopes for strong economic growth this year on its exports, which reached record highs in 2024.US duties further threaten to harm China’s fragile post-Covid economic recovery as it struggles with a debt crisis in the property sector and persistently lowconsumption.The tariff war is already having an impact in the US, with uncertainty triggering a manufacturing slump last month and officials blaming it for an unexpectedslump in GDP in the first three months of the year.“The cost on the US economy and livelihood is beginning to surface,” Mei Xinyu, an economist at the state-affiliated Chinese Academy of InternationalTrade and Economic Co-operation, told AFP.“They are starting to truly feel the cost and impact of pursuing trade hegemony with China,” he said.The head of the WTO said in April that the US-China tariff war could cut trade in goods between the two countries by 80%.Analysts expect the levies to take a significant chunk out of China’s GDP, which Beijing’s leadership hope will grow 5% this year.Likely to be hit hardest are China’s top exports to the US — everything from electronics and machinery to textiles and clothing, according to the Peterson Institute of International Economics.And because of the crucial role Chinese goods play in supplying US firms, the tariffs may also hurt American manufacturers and consumers, analysts havewarned.Trump has repeatedly claimed that China has reached out for talks on the tariffs. But yesterday’s statement by Beijing suggested it was Washington that’s been reaching out.While China’s commerce ministry said it was “evaluating” the offer, it warned it would need concessions from Washington — namely the lifting of tariffs — before talks could go ahead.“Tariffs cannot be used as a bargaining chip to pressure China. China cannot make any concessions on the tariff issue,” Wang Wen, Dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, told AFP.Analysts in China broadly agreed that pressure on the US economy was driving Washington’s call for talks.

Beyond the TarmacJet fuel is one of the largest cost components for air carriers—often up to 30–40% of total operating expenses.When fuel prices drop, airlines obviously save significantly on expenses, especially for long-haul or frequent routes.Margins also improve, allowing carriers to stay profitable even with competitive pricing.Stronger load factors so far in 2025, combined with decreased fuel costs have contributed to a rise in air cargo yields globally, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is the global body of airlines.Oil markets experienced significant changes in March this year, primarily driven by increased production from non-Opec+ nations, amid slower global demand due to trade friction, IATA noted in a recent report.Brent crude’s average price in March fell to $72.6, marking eight straight months of y-o-y decline. This represents a 15.1% decrease compared to last year and a 3.5% drop from February.Jet fuel costs plunged even more sharply, falling 17.3% y-o-y to $88.9 and decreasing 6% m-o-m—marking the second month in a row of declines, IATA data reveal.This sharper fall in jet fuel compared to oil narrowed the crack spread to $16.3, a 26.2% drop from $22.1 in March, 2024.Like fuel prices, the spread saw its second straight monthly fall, sliding 3.5%.Meanwhile, stronger load factors (so far) in 2025, combined with decreased fuel costs, contributed to a rise in air cargo yields. These yields jumped 3.8% from last year and 6.6% from February.This rebound ends a three month streak of monthly yield declines that lasted through February.Meanwhile, the latest IATA data for global air cargo markets showed total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), increased by 4.4% compared to March 2024 levels (+5.5% for international operations), a historic peak for March.Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), expanded by 4.3% compared to March 2024 (+6.1% for international operations).Typically, March volumes rise after a lull in February, driven by the easing of holiday demand.This year’s modest single-digit increase aligns with trends observed in years not influenced by post-Covid recovery factors, where such gradual gains were common.Moreover, a frontloading effect could be implemented to mitigate the tariff impacts in April.Air shipments increased by 3.2% month-on-month (m-o-m) from February to March, after seasonal adjustments. This jump matches past trends, but current events may have contributed to the boost.“The sharp rise in US tariffs may have prompted companies and buyers to make purchases in advance to avoid significant import fees,” IATA said and noted air cargo demand grew across most regions in March.Asia Pacific led the growth with a 9.3% increase, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean at 5.6%.North American carriers rebounded from a decline (- 1.3%) in February to achieve a growth rate of 3.7%.European airlines experienced a 4.4% increase.However, carriers in the Middle East and Africa faced ongoing challenges for the third consecutive month.The Middle East recorded its smallest decline so far at 3.3%, while Africa saw its sharpest drop at 13.4%. Both regions are experiencing the effect of a strong 2024, which suggests that 2025 will be a challenging year.IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh said, “March cargo volumes were strong. It is possible that this is partly a front-loading of demand as some businesses tried to beat the well-telegraphed 2 April tariff announcement by the Trump Administration. The uncertainty over how much of the 2 April proposals will be implemented may eventually weigh on trade.“In the meantime, the lower fuel costs — which are also a result of the same uncertainty — are a short-term positive factor for air cargo. And, within the temporary pause on implementation we hope that political leaders will be able to shift trade tensions to reliable agreements that can restore confidence in global supply chains.”Analysts believe that lower transport costs via air cargo will encourage more international trade, especially of high-value or time-critical goods.Therefore, many forwarders are likely to make air freight a more attractive option compared to slower modes (e.g., sea freight). This enhances the resilience and flexibility of global supply chains.Lower jet fuel price help carriers either improve their bottom line or slash prices to attract more customers, gaining market share.This is especially important in air cargo, where price sensitivity among logistics providers and shippers is high.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the health requirements for Haj vaccinations for the 1446 AH (2025) season, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims to the Holy Mosque and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque.These measures are designed to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals safely while minimizing the risks of infectious diseases and their complications.The MoPH clarified that the required vaccines for this year include the mandatory meningococcal (quadrivalent ACYW-135) vaccine for all pilgrims. The Covid-19 vaccine is compulsory for those at higher risk, such as pilgrims over 65 years of age, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions including chronic heart or respiratory diseases, chronic kidney failure, hereditary blood disorders (such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia), congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (including those on immunosuppressive medications or with cancer), and chronic neurological diseases.The ministry also recommends the Covid-19 vaccine for all individuals aged 18 and above and advises all pilgrims to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.It highlighted that the vaccination or immunization against Covid-19 is demonstrated by the individual having received at least one of the following: a single dose of the updated Covid-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season, or the completion of the primary doses (two or more doses between 2021 and 2023), or recovery from a laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 infection during 2024.In addition, MoPH also recommends that all pilgrims receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Additional optional vaccines are available to protect the elderly and those most at risk of complications, such as the pneumococcal vaccine for individuals aged 65 and over, as well as those aged 18 to 64 with chronic diseases or risk factors, including diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, kidney failure, immunodeficiency, splenectomy, chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, and smokers.The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is also recommended for those aged 60 and above.The ministry affirmed that all Haj vaccines are available at primary healthcare centers throughout the country, emphasizing the importance of receiving the required vaccinations at least 10 days prior to traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department, Dr Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi stated: 'We urge all Qatari pilgrims to adhere to preventive measures and obtain the required vaccines for their health and safety, to reduce the risk of infectious diseases transmitted through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. The risk of transmission increases during Haj and Umrah seasons due to overcrowding, which we advise to avoid as much as possible'.He further encouraged those with chronic illnesses to consult their doctor well in advance of travel and to ensure they have sufficient medication for the entire trip.'The Ministry of Public Health is committed to taking all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of Qatari pilgrims. This is in line with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030, which prioritises proactive disease prevention, including the uptake of required vaccines. This approach helps reduce the disease burden in the country and supports the goal of improving population health and wellbeing', Dr. Al Rumaihi added.In collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), MoPH has also issued the Pilgrim's Health Guide, which includes essential health, preventive, and educational instructions to be followed before, during, and after performing Haj rituals.MoPH underscored that for further inquiries, the unified health sector call center can be reached at 16000, or through accessing the Haj Health Guide by visiting the Ministry of Public Health's website.

Liverpool demolished Tottenham 5-1 to clinch the Premier League title at an impassioned Anfield on Sunday, sealing a record-equalling 20th English top-flight crown.Arne Slot’s men stormed back after conceding a surprise early goal to dominate the first half as the decibel level soared among the 60,000-plus crowd.Liverpool, who can no longer be caught by second-placed Arsenal, are now level with bitter rivals Manchester United as the joint-most successful club in English top-flight history.Slot’s men started on the front foot at an expectant Anfield after a stirring rendition of club anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in the warm spring sunshine.Mohamed Salah had an early sighter and Cody Gakpo went close with a spectacular overhead kick but Tottenham briefly threatened to become party poopers when Dominic Solanke powered home a header from a James Maddison corner in the 12th minute.But Liverpool were level just four minutes later when Luis Diaz converted Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross from close range. The offside flag went up but VAR awarded the goal. The momentum was now all with Liverpool and the home side took the lead in the 24th minute when Alexis Mac Allister thundered the ball home from the 18-yard line past the flying Guglielmo Vicario.Now the party was well and truly started and Gakpo made it 3-1, slamming a shot into the bottom corner after Spurs failed to clear.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou had made eight changes from the team that lost to Nottingham Forest last week as he prioritises the semi-finals of the Europa League and they now had a mountain to climb.The Liverpool fans – deprived of celebrating the 2020 Premier League trophy due to Covid restrictions, ran through their full repertoire of songs as their team pushed for a fourth goal in the second half. Top-scorer Salah scored the goal the crowd craved, collecting Szoboszlai’s pass before cutting in and blasting his shot into the bottom corner. He celebrated by grabbing a fan’s phone before taking a selfie in front of the Kop.Deafening cheers of “We’re going to win the league” and “We shall not be moved” rang out.Liverpool had a fifth when Spurs defender Destiny Udogie poked the ball past his own goalkeeper from close range with about 20 minutes to go as the game turned into a procession.As the game went into added time the club’s anthem rang out again as scarves were held aloft and the final whistle elicited a thunderous roar. “It was clear we couldn’t lose this game,” said Slot.“Everyone on the bus said there’s no way we’re going to lose this game. They always find a way to win. Incredibly proud, not only of the players but the people standing here, sport directors, my staff members, we should give them a big round of applause.“Let’s forget it’s the second in 35 years, it’s the second in five years (second since 2020).”The win leaves Liverpool on 82 points, 15 clear of nearest challengers Arsenal with just four games remaining.Tottenham are a miserable 16th in the Premier League table after their 19th defeat of the season, putting Postecoglou under enormous pressure.Tens of thousands of fans swarmed around Anfield in the build-up to kick-off in anticipation of Liverpool’s coronation, setting off flares as the home team bus arrived. Flags and scarves saying “Liverpool 20-time Champions” were on sale from stalls outside the ground. At the start of the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were favourites to extend their dynastic Premier League reign and make it five titles in a row but their form collapsed.Arsenal emerged as their closest challengers but they drew too many games, failing to take advantage of the rare Liverpool slip-ups. It was feared Liverpool’s players would need time to adapt to the methods of Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp last June following the German’s departure after nine trophy-filled years at Anfield.But the former Feyenoord boss has sailed serenely through the season despite relentless speculation over the futures of three of his biggest stars – Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both Salah and Van Dijk have now signed two-year extensions, though England defender Alexander-Arnold is believed likely to be on the verge of a move to Real Madrid.

Qatar Foundation (QF) unveiled a comprehensive 10-year strategy designed to dramatically improve the lives of individuals with autism in Qatar, at an event Sunday in Education City.The 'Qatar Foundation Autism Strategy 2025-2035' outlines a multi-faceted approach covering inclusive education, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, groundbreaking genetic research, and streamlined healthcare pathways.The strategy aligns with Qatar’s national autism agenda, recognising autism as a significant national health challenge and reaffirming QF’s commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and inclusive national development.Speaking at the event, Dr Dena al-Thani, associate professor and head of the Information and Computing Technology Division at QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Science and Engineering, who chairs QF’s Autism Task Force, highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying: “This launch is a milestone for QF. It stresses inclusion, empowerment”.She noted that the roadmap reflects a proactive response to the diverse needs of individuals with autism and their families, setting concrete targets to be achieved by 2035.Key objectives include a 25% reduction in the average age of autism diagnosis, a 50% increase in the number of young people with autism participating in higher education, vocational training, or employment, a 50% improvement in the reported quality of life for families impacted by autism, and a 50% increase in QF-developed technologies supporting improved outcomes.Dr Dena said the strategy, developed over nearly two years, was built on evidence-based research, listening to the autistic community, and collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Public Health, ensuring alignment with Qatar’s broader national autism plan.“Our vision, our idea is to affirm firstly the incredible value of the diversity, and the unique strength individuals with autism bring to our society but also at the same time acknowledge the gaps, the challenges we have.She credited Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, and the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, for spearheading the initiative through the establishment of the Autism Task Force.The strategic priorities outlined in the plan include:1. Health Services: Ensuring individuals with autism have access to integrated, accessible, timely, and user-friendly health services.2. Education and Employment: Improving access to education, vocational training, and employment services for individuals with autism.3. Community Support Services: Fostering an informed, inclusive, and supportive society where individuals with autism can thrive.4. Research and Innovation: Driving groundbreaking discoveries and technological solutions that lead to innovation and policy action, benefiting individuals with autism.QF noted that the strategy comprises several key initiatives aimed at achieving these targets. One cornerstone is the expansion of Renad Academy, a pioneering school under QF’s Pre-University Education, to cater to students aged 3 to 21. This expansion will enable the institution to provide comprehensive support to children with autism throughout their educational journey. Furthermore, QF will implement measures for early autism identification and intervention within its network of schools.QF also plans to establish a community hub offering digital solutions for parents of children with autism. This hub will provide culturally relevant autism support, counseling services, and peer networks, fostering a strong support system for families. A vocational hub will also be created within Education City to offer specialised autism programmes and services, preparing individuals with autism for employment opportunities.According to QF, AI plays a central role in the QF Autism Strategy 2025-2035, tapping its existing partnerships to develop innovative solutions for early autism detection, interventions, education, assistive technology, and parental support.The strategy also prioritises genetic research to identify the genetic factors underlying autism. QF’s Sidra Medicine, a leading women’s and children’s hospital and medical research centre, will play a crucial role in this area, conducting genomics and multi-omics research to enable the development of personalised healthcare and therapies. Sidra Medicine will also introduce an integrated care model tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism.Speaking to Gulf Times, Dr Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development and Innovation Advisor to the Chairperson of QF and QF’s executive director of RDI, underscored the importance of unlocking the potential of all members of society, including individuals with autism.He said the main objective of the strategy, based on the vision of QF’s Research, Development and Innovation, is to unlock the potential of all its people, including people with autism and disabilities.“The idea here is to make sure that no one is left behind and individuals with autism or other disabilities have an equal opportunity to develop, live an independent and fulfilling life, and contribute to society.“We need to be able to recognise them, we need to support them, we need to empower them, and we need not only evolve things based on their needs but based on our belief in their capabilities. So this requires a comprehensive system, a new vision, a new way of reimagining autism care, not just one based on support but based on empowerment,” Dr Lashuel said.Qatar Foundation’s contribution to building an autism-friendly nation1996: QF establishes The Learning Center to provide families with assessment services for learning, socio-emotional needs, and developmental challenges.1999: QF founds a school that would become Awsaj Academy, a specialized school for students aged 3-18 years with mild and moderate learning disabilities.2007: Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, advocates at the United Nations for the establishment of World Autism Awareness Day, now marked annually on 2 April.2012: QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University initiates a study to determine the autism prevalence rate in Qatar.2016: QF opens Renad Academy, Qatar’s first school for children with autism.2016: Awsaj Academy’s Prime Program is launched to further support children’s learning needs; and Awsaj’s satellite programs are introduced into mainstream schools.2016: QF’s World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) issues its report ‘Autism: A Global Framework for Action’, identifying challenges facing the autism community.2016: QF establishes Sidra Medicine, providing world-class healthcare services to children and families across the region and comprehensive services to children with autism. The hospital is officially inaugurated in 2018.2017: QF’s global education initiative WISE publishes reports on meeting the needs of students with autism in Qatar, and providing inclusive quality education.2017: Equine-assisted therapy sessions for children with autism are introduced at QF’s Al Shaqab.2018: Sidra Medicine begins the BARAKA study to determine the genetic and environmental basis of autism and build a national resource for advancing autism knowledge.2018: QF establishes the Ability Friendly Program, providing inclusive, accessible sporting opportunities, with its Qader Award providing subsidized access to sport for people with disabilities.2019: HBKU’s Qatar Biomedical Research Institute publishes the results of a seven-year study that determines an autism prevalence rate in Qatar of 1 in 87 children.2019: QF’s Doha International Family Institute publishes a report addressing the challenges of families caring for children with autism.2019: QF introduces the DARB initiative to provide educational evaluations and therapy services for those aged 3-18 years.2020: QF validates the Arabic version of an eye-tracking tool for diagnosing and detecting autism.2021: QF develops learning tools for children with autism in response to barriers to inclusive learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; and collaborates with the Ministry of Public Health on a report on educating children with disabilities amid the backdrop of COVID-19.2021: A WISH report explores the challenges facing adults with autism in Qatar.2022: QF collaborates with the Supreme Council for Delivery & Legacy and FIFA to install sensory rooms in three FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadiums.2022: QF partners with Paris Saint-Germain to build capacity for football coaches to better support children with autism.2023: The first evaluation study on accessibility at QF’s Education City is produced, and QF establishes an Autism Task Force to coordinate and prioritize action to support Qatar’s autism community.2023: A sensory room is designed at Qatar National Library in Education City.2024: Sidra Medicine’s Autism-Friendly Hospital Initiative is launched.2024: QF partners with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to operate Warif Academy, serving children and young people with severe disabilities.2024: HBKU establishes the Autism Sensing Center of Excellence (A-Sense), which is contributing to innovative technological enhancements in autism assessment and intervention.2024: A WISE report proposes a national roadmap to enhance inclusion in education and employment for people with disabilities in Qatar.

The successful collaboration between the health ministries of Malaysia and Thailand, industry partners in Egypt and Malaysia, and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) to bring a new hepatitis C antiviral drug – ravidasvir – to market in 2022 was an important milestone. For years, a 12-week course of treatment using sofosbuvir cost between $70,000 and $80,000, putting it out of reach for many in the Global South. But ravidasvir – a safe and effective alternative when combined with sofosbuvir – costs far less, averaging less than $500 per course.This type of South-South co-operation could serve as a model for developing countries with endemic disease, highlighting how collective action can help them address health challenges and promote medical innovation. As this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Malaysia plans to advance the agenda of collaborative, need-driven research, and foster the development of therapeutics and diagnostics in the Global South.Ravidasvir’s success depended on several factors. First, DNDi worked with an Egyptian drug manufacturer to develop the molecule, which was originally produced in the US but overlooked by large pharmaceutical companies. Second, once it became clear that this R&D initiative would produce an independent, affordable treatment for hepatitis C, the Malaysian Ministry of Health (where I am Director-General of Health), together with DNDi leadership in Southeast Asia, designed an aggressive access strategy based on market competition, driving down the prices of three treatment options. Throughout the process, Global South partners were in the driver’s seat.This sense of ownership prompted a flurry of activity in Malaysia, ultimately lowering the barriers between siloed government departments and dispelling conventional thinking. For example, our regulatory authority was the first to register the combination of ravidasvir and sofosbuvir without approval by a stringent regulatory authority. Pharmaniaga, a Malaysian generic-drugs manufacturer, supported these efforts by taking on the challenge of preparing a registration dossier for a new chemical entity.The Malaysian health ministry has continued to advance this treatment option. In February, the ministry unveiled results from a clinical trial showing that a shorter regimen (eight as opposed to 12 weeks) of sofobusvir-ravidasvir treatment was not inferior in non-cirrhotic hepatitis C patients. This represents a big win for those living with the disease in the Global South, as it lowers the therapeutic cost even further and improves patient compliance.While making treatment affordable and accessible is an important step toward eliminating hepatitis C, the same needs to be done for diagnostic tools. Traditional lab-based testing is expensive and logistically challenging for mass screening programmes across Southeast Asia. But instead of waiting for high-income countries to develop solutions, the Global South should take the lead in innovating point-of-care diagnostics that are inexpensive and scalable.The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of global medical-supply chains and the limits of solidarity among countries in the face of a public-health crisis. The Global North’s reluctance to share vaccines, tests, personal protective equipment, and therapeutics fuelled an “every country for itself” mentality. As a result, a credibility crisis has consumed the global health system, now exacerbated by a widening funding gap, largely owing to America’s recent withdrawal from the World Health Organisation. The need for new models has never been clearer.Recognising the need for greater regional resilience, Southeast Asian countries have shown an increasing willingness to support clinical trials and boost local manufacturing of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Malaysia has played a central role in these efforts. In July 2024, the Malaysian government hosted a workshop with the United Kingdom’s Academy of Medical Sciences to explore strategies for improving diagnostic and therapeutic access in the region. Workshop attendees recommended establishing a product-development partnership to foster collaboration among governments, academia, and industry.In May, Clinical Research Malaysia, a research management organisation under the health ministry that has focused on building clinical-trial capacity across the country – including for first-in-human phase 1 studies – will host CRM Trial Connect. Focused on accelerating clinical trials in Asia, the conference will bring together more than 1,000 academics, clinical researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the region.As the current chair of Asean, Malaysia is also well positioned to engage in dialogue with regional and international partners on how to address the Global South’s health challenges. The Asean-Gulf Co-operation Council-China Summit scheduled for May will provide a venue for exploring ways to strengthen South-South collaboration, particularly regarding knowledge and technology transfers and access to medical innovation.The development of ravidasvir offers insights into how regional collaboration and targeted investment can lead to affordable medical innovations, adding to a growing playbook of strategies for improving access to therapeutics and diagnostics in the Global South. If these countries agree to act collectively, they can likely repeat this success for a wide range of neglected and non-communicable diseases – and take ownership of a process long dominated by the Global North.Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan is Malaysia’s Director-General of Health.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the economic pressures resulting from the new tariffs imposed by the United States will cause global public debt to rise to levels exceeding those recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching nearly 100 percent of global GDP by the end of the decade.The IMF explained in a report issued Wednesday that the slowdown in economic growth and global trade is exacerbating pressures on countries' budgets and contributing to an increase in public debt levels around the world.The report forecasts that global public debt will grow by 2.8 percentage points to 95.1 percent of global GDP in 2025, noting that the upward trend will likely continue to reach 99.6 percent of global GDP by 2030.The report stated that the average annual fiscal deficit for countries is expected to reach 5.1 percent of GDP in 2025, compared to 5 percent in 2024, 3.7 percent in 2022, and 9.5 percent in 2020.Global public debt peaked in 2020 at 98.9 percent of GDP as countries resorted to borrowing massive amounts to cope with the repercussions of COVID-19 and the contraction of production.Debt fell by 10 percentage points over two years, but it has begun to rise again, and the latest forecasts indicate that it is accelerating.

Traders saw the all-clear last Thursday from the European Central Bank to bet on even steeper interest rate cuts ahead, confident the central bank will ease policy further if trade tensions dent a fragile economy.The ECB cut rates by 25 basis points (bps) for a seventh time this cycle to 2.25%, to bolster an already struggling eurozone economy facing a large hit from US tariffs that have whipsawed markets since President Donald Trump’s April 2 reciprocal tariffs.The euro weakened and government bond yields across the bloc fell sharply as traders reacted to the dovish ECB message.It stressed a deteriorating growth outlook due to trade tensions that have sparked “exceptional uncertainty” and removed a reference to rates being “restrictive” from its policy statement.The latter would normally be seen hinting at slower cuts, but came as a relief as ECB chief Christine Lagarde explained, assessing the bank’s policy stance against an unobservable neutral rate would be “meaningless” during an economic shock.The decision was unanimous, while a few weeks ago several governors would have argued for a pause, Lagarde said, a sign of how seriously policymakers take the risks to the economy.All of that “suggests the ECB is willing to do what is needed,” said Barclays’s head of euro rates strategy Rohan Khanna.Traders now see around a 75% chance of a June rate cut, up from roughly 60% before the ECB’s decision, according to LSEG data, while pricing from ICAP showed a roughly 90% chance of a June move.By year-end they see around 65 bps of rate cuts, up from nearly 55 before the decision, according to LSEG, meaning they now reckon three rate cuts rather than two are more likely by then.Contrast that with less than a full chance of another move this year and the pricing in of a chance of a 2026 hike after the March meeting, as investors bet on Germany’s historic fiscal overhaul boosting economic growth and inflation.German two-year bonds yields, sensitive to monetary policy expectations, dropped as much as 7 bps and Italian equivalents fell to their lowest since 2022. Bond yields move inversely with prices.While the impact of tariffs on inflation looks less clear than on growth, hefty market moves since Trump’s latest tariff announcement point to further disinflation.The euro, which neared parity against the dollar in February, has surged over 9% to around $1.135 since the start of March, which will contain import costs. It trades at an all-time high on a trade-weighted basis.Oil meanwhile has slumped nearly 10% this month and China, the biggest source of EU imports, is taking the biggest hit from tariffs.Markets have parked aside any concerns around inflation , with a key gauge of long-term expectations the ECB also tracks showing inflation right at the ECB’s 2% target. That’s down from 2.2% in March.Some economists stress the risk that inflation will fall below the ECB’s target. Citi, for example, said ahead of the ECB meeting that it sees price growth at 1.6% next year and 1.8% in 2027.That’s a potential headache for the ECB which struggled for years with below target inflation before the Covid-19 pandemic.A wide range of estimates on the ECB rate outlook speaks to the scale of uncertainty, which could keep eurozone markets volatile.Indeed, some ECB policymakers see a high chance of a further interest rate cut in June but others are far from deciding before seeing more economicindicators, sources told Reuters.In markets, some analysts reckon pricing had gone far enough. Steve Ryder, portfolio manager at Aviva Investors, said markets expectations now reflected the downside risk to ECB rates, so the firm was now neutral on European bonds, while Nordea expects the ECB to cut rates just once more to 2%.Barclays, however expects the ECB to cut rates to 1.25% by October, delivering more cuts than markets anticipate.And Frederik Ducrozet, head of macroeconomic research at Pictet Wealth Management, said while a recession was not his baseline scenario, if one did materialise it would require a bigger response.“Now you can imagine the ECB cutting 100 bps this year but hiking next year,” he added.

From its earliest days in 1906, when the University of California secured a small stretch of fertile soil in the state’s Central Valley, a quiet promise took root - that this place, originally called University Farm, would someday grow mighty.For decades, UC Davis stood tall among the world’s giants in agricultural research. All that changed in a few short days amid a sweeping overhaul of the federal government as the Trump administration froze funds, closed down labs and shut out scientists’ ability to secure grants for future research.Poultry genetics research was shut down, fruit and vegetable test plots went unwatered, and work to help small farms insure against crop loss was handed off to partners overseas as federal support, by far the largest pool of funding, evaporated. Collectively, millions of dollars in funds from the shuttered United States Agency for International Development disappeared and US Department of Agriculture and other federally backed grants were frozen, while broad new administration rules regarding diversity crippled crucial science on food security and climate resilience at one of the nation’s top agriculture schools.The moves at UC Davis and other land-grant universities have halted farm-related research projects midstream, according to interviews with more than a dozen agricultural researchers, professors and economists. “US universities, they’re really a model for the world,” UC Davis economist Michael Carter told Reuters. “What’s at risk of being lost is stuff that can make a difference in the lives of lots and lots of people.”Future food and farm research is also in jeopardy with new federal grants tied up in lawsuits winding through the courts.And Davis risks having to turn away graduate students this fall: There simply may not be funding for jobs at the scaled-back labs.The university has not rescinded admission offers to students who submitted a statement of intent to enrol, UC President Michael Drake told Reuters. But some graduate programs have moved students who have not accepted their offers to waitlists due to the funding uncertainty, he said.Davis researchers applied for about $2.75bn in federal grants in fiscal 2024, eclipsing $1.83bn in funding sought from state grants, private contributors and non-profits, according to UC data.Those funding proposals yielded $441mn of federal dollars in fiscal 2024, compared with $238mn from the state, $120mn from non-profits and $95 million from companies, a UC Davis spokesperson said.The university said it did not have an estimate for the recent cuts because Trump’s executive orders are still being litigated.The White House said in a statement to Reuters that Trump’s actions would allow for “more critical research, not less, while cutting bureaucracy, bloat, and programs that do not align with the America First agenda,” but did not elaborate further.The State Department, in a statement to Reuters, said its actions were aimed at aligning its programs with the administration’s foreign policy priorities and ensuring tax dollars are spent in the national interest.The USDA did not respond to a request for comment.Money remains frozen while the Trump administration considers appeals of court orders blocking its freeze on $3tn in federal grants, loans and other financial aid.The aftermath has left everyone here shaken.On a recent morning, researcher Tara Chiu awoke at 3am, as she has every day since a USAID notice arrived, terminating her work helping poor farmers manage market and climate risks. The e-mailed notice from USAID Agreement Officer Olivia Ricks, reviewed by Reuters, said the work was “not aligned with agency priorities” and “not in the national interest.”“I’ve had a panic attack every night,” Chiu said. “I feel like my entire torso is being crushed.”She and her boss Carter, the economist, relied on USAID funding for research that helps small-scale farmers escape poverty traps. Their appeals to the State Department to remain open went unanswered. The lab’s $4.3mn in USAID funding remaining from a nearly $22.6mn, multi-year grant is unlikely to be restored, Carter and Chiu said.The State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.Across the Davis campus, Erin McGuire’s USAID-funded horticulture lab, will also shut down at the end of April. The lab is renowned for tackling some of the world’s most pressing questions, including how to feed a growing global population while climate change threatens farmers’ ability to grow food.As the deadline nears, McGuire is scrambling to hand off management of fruit and vegetable test plots overseas to research partners there while also tackling a mound of paperwork required to close out any research project, a process that would typically take up to six months. McGuire’s work cultivated drought-resistant tomatoes and ways to kill produce-eating pests and control toxic fungi. It helped the United States remain a leader in agricultural technology even as rivals like China and Brazil ramped up public investment in their own research. Two time zones to the east, University of Illinois researcher Peter Goldsmith laid off 30 staff and will shutter his Soybean Innovation Lab this month.His research into soybean cultivation in hotter, drier climates was aimed at making soybeans the industry standard for vegetable oil worldwide, opening up future markets for US producers in the coming decades.The three labs were among 17 lead labs and dozens of collaborating labs at universities across the country within the USAID-funded Feed the Future Innovation Labs program created in 2012.The US government’s funding of agriculture research was slumping even before the Trump cuts, falling by about a third over the past two decades, according to USDA data. According to the agency’s Economic Research Service (ERS), funding levels for public agriculture research and development were around $5bn annually in 2020 - or about the same level as in 1970, when adjusted for inflation. How much private investment offset this drop is not known, ERS said.Meanwhile, top farm goods importer China and major exporter Brazil have poured money into such research, with China becoming the largest funder of agricultural R&D in the world, ERS said. If US government funding of public R&D continues its decline, US farmers would see lower crop yields as climate pressures intensify by midcentury, Cornell University and University of Maryland economists and an agricultural ecologist at Stanford University wrote in a Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal paper published in March.If farm productivity drops, the likelihood of government aid bailouts increases, the researchers said. During the first Trump administration, farmers received about $217bn in crop support, disaster and other aid programs, including some related to Covid and his trade war with China - more than in any four-year period since 1933 when adjusted for inflation, according to a Reuters examination of USDA data. Now, the Trump administration is deciding whether to bail out farmers damaged by the current tariff backlash - even as research programmes that benefit them are shuttering.Kevin Bellido, manager at the UC Davis avian research and teaching facility, was already concerned that bird flu that has decimated poultry flocks across California would find its way into his research barns.Now, he worries that suspensions of federal grants would deprive the 18-acre research facility of projects like one aimed at identifying birds that are genetically more resilient against Newcastle disease, which spreads similarly to avian flu and is equally deadly.“If we get our funding cut, we basically wouldn’t have anything to teach students,” he said over deafening rooster crows from a nearby barn housing a half dozen breeds, including the heat-tolerant and more disease-resilient Egyptian Fayoumi.The funding uncertainty is beginning to ripple across the Davis campus in other ways.Allen Van Deynze, director of the seed biotechnology centre, relies on federal and private grants to fund his work to develop more disease-resistant spinach and easier-to-harvest peppers. His federal grants were spared in the wave of cuts, but that funding only runs through June.Van Deynze said he is unable to apply for new federal grants because the government’s online grant request platform has been frozen.“Nobody’s taking students this fall,” he said, “because nobody knows if they’ll have money.” - Reuters

Amid the rapid global evolution of the media landscape, along with Qatar’s endeavours to upgrade its media infrastructure in alignment with its National Vision 2030, the Qatar Press Center (QPC) stands out as one of the nation’s institutional cornerstones dedicated to advancing journalism and empowering journalists.QPC is one of the leading press institutions serving the press sector in Qatar and has forged exceptional relationships with numerous press institutions and unions at both the regional and global levels. The Center is supported by its founders, drawn from the pioneering pillars of journalistic and media work in Qatar.In addition, QPC strives to fulfil its mandate with the requisite professionalism and efficiency, sustaining its trajectory while advancing the national journalistic experience, in addition to extending services to the various facets of the media and press professions.Director General of QPC, Sadiq Mohammed al-Amari, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Center was established in December 2017 as a private institution of public interest pursuant to Law No 21 of 2006. Since its inception, it has sought to serve as an inclusive umbrella for journalists at home, enriching their professional experience through specialised training courses, seminars, and open lectures, whether on journalistic issues or broader societal concerns.The Center continues to advance journalistic culture and reinforce the media’s role in national development.Al-Amari elaborated on QPC’s departments and training activities, stating that it comprises multiple divisions, including training courses, syndicate liaison, research and publications, as well as membership and events.The Center regularly organises courses in key areas such as political analysis, news anchoring, media institution management, television correspondence,and mobile journalism. During the past month of Ramadan alone, QPC held several interactive workshops that received significant approbation from participants, al-Amari said.He added that upon its establishment, QPC has been committed to dedicating its halls to bearing the names of outstanding figures in Qatari journalism,indicating that the move was taken in recognition of the legacies of those press entrepreneurs in Qatar.Al-Amari highlighted that they include Abdullah Hussein al-Naama Hall, named after the founder and first editor-in-chief of Al Arab, Qatar’s first daily newspaper; Nasser Mohammed al-Othman Hall, commemorating the veteran journalist and former editor-in-chief of Arrayah, who was also honoured with the Arab Media Personality Award; Abdulrahman al-Muadhadi Hall, named after the former director of Qatar Radio; as well as Dr Rabia bin Sabah al-Kuwari Hall, paying tribute to the renowned media professor at Qatar University and founding member of Al Sharq newspaper.These halls are fully outfitted with cutting-edge training technologies, allowing the Center to independently host all events without reliance on external venues, he said.Al-Amari further explained that QPC’s board of directors comprises a phalanx of Qatari media figures chaired by Saad bin Mohammed al-Rumaihi, with the members including Jaber Salem al-Harami, Dr Khalid Mubarak al-Shafi, Mohammed Hajji, Abdullah Talib al-Marri, Abdulrahman al-Qahtani, Dr Rabia bin Sabah al-Kuwari, and Abdulaziz Mohammed al-Abdulghani.In addition, al-Amari highlighted that the board is vested with the task of crafting the Center’s general policies and work plans, while keeping pace with global developments in this profession, as the Center has dedicated a section to membership affairs, registering 300 journalists from a wide diversity of the nation’s media institutions.He added that those members are endowed with ID cards that streamline professional duties and provide access to various service benefits.Overall, al-Amari stated that the Center performs an incredible role in supporting young journalists on social media platforms, in recognition of the significance of their inclusion in this career, particularly the fresh entrants. He emphasised that essential training is provided to prepare them for the labour market.The Center accords special priority to content creators who share beneficial material on social media platforms. They are rehabilitated by inculcating in them the principles of comprehensive journalism, al-Amari noted, affirming that journalism is no longer confined to institutions alone, as long as any individual equipped with the right tools and professional awareness can emerge as a powerful media voice.Regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently signed with the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC), al-Amari says this memorandum intends to bolster institutional relationships within the national media sector and launch joint training and professional seminars that contribute to honing the skills of media practitioners.The MoU includes collaboration with radio and TV channels to produce films and documentary programmes chronicling the trajectory of Qatari journalism, in addition to forging partnerships with the Al Jazeera Media Institute and Joaan bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, al-Amari highlighted.He noted the foremost priority the Center gives to espousing the issues of journalists regionally and globally, emphasising that the Center has always been the first media entity that condemned the Israeli assaults on Palestinian journalists since the flare-up of the aggression on 7 October 2023.QPC documented the killing of 214 Palestinian journalists, hosted several of them, communicated with journalists in Gaza, and issued official letters to international organisations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and Human Rights Watch (HRW), al-Amari continued.He stressed that the aim was to call for protecting the journalists and holding the aggressors to account, stating that the Center declared its solidarity with the Sudanese, Yemeni, and Syrian journalists who had been subjected to gross violations.With the rapid technological advancements and the new techniques currently being leveraged in all aspects of journalism and media, particularly in terms of artificial intelligence, AI has undoubtedly become a reality that can’t be ignored. However, it cannot replace the human mind — neither in crafting news, nor in analysing or interpreting it, al-Amari highlighted.Al-Amari clarified that AI may serve as a supportive tool, but the human element remains the guarantor of professionalism, accuracy, and sound editorial judgement. Full reliance on machines would be inherently limited; what is required is a strategic fusion of technology with human expertise.On the future of media institutions amid the increasing pressures and financial challenges, al-Amari elucidated that financial challenges are the prime hitches facing the media today, particularly following the significant downturn in the advertising market since 2014.This decline, he said, was further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, as advertisers pivoted towards digital platforms and influencers, putting conventional channels in a precarious position.Hence, there is a relative improvement in the post-pandemic era, but this is not enough, as long as media institutions need new resources to survive; otherwise, some mammoth media entities might be shuttered in the years ahead, al-Amari noted.On the Center’s external relations, al-Amari stated that QPC maintains collaborative ties with several Arab journalist unions, including those in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, as the Center is a member of the Federation of Arab Journalists and the Gulf Federation of Journalists, and strives to join the International Federation of Journalists soon enough, in pursuit of enhancing communication among journalists globally, sharing expertise, and expanding the network of joint engagement.Domestically, QPC contributes to promoting journalistic performance through leveraging the latest global technologies in this area, in addition to connecting the journalists at home with their peers abroad.Concluding his remarks, al-Amari sent a message to journalists and media institutions in Qatar, confirming that QPC will always be open to all national and foreign talents and those with a genuine passion for media work. He underlined that the media future in Qatar is burgeoning, on the condition that professionalism and knowledge should be maintained to keep up with the updates without dispensing with the core precepts of journalism. (QNA)