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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

The EU Youth Short Film Festival – “Frames, Reframed” – taking place on November 24-25 at the Doha Beach Club, will bring together emerging filmmakers from the European Union member states and Qatar.The event offers a platform for creative expression and cultural exchange, statement from the Delegation of the European Union to Qatar said on ThursdayOn day one, 10 films will be showcased.*Index by Greek filmmaker Nicolas Kolovos explores the emotional toll of illegal immigration on families, while Qatari filmmaker Khalifa al-Marri presents *Olayan, a story about the pressure placed on a child to conform to manhood in a Bedouin environment.Bulgarian filmmaker Mariya Averina’s *Six Minutes of Happiness takes viewers into the childhood memories of renowned writer Georgi Gospodinov, offering insight into the inspirations behind his work.In *Through Her Eyes, Qatari filmmaker Lolwa al-Jassim explores the life of a mother raising a son with autism, while Nadia Khan, a student at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), presents *The Healing, about a 16-year-old girl coping with the loss of her sister.French filmmaker Djiby Kebe’s *L’Avance delves into the story of Aliou, a rising student who sells a painting of his deceased mother to a renowned art collector.*A Mother’s Touch by NU-Q students Timaa Kamar and Noof al-Hajri explores the enduring power of food to heal emotional wounds.Portuguese filmmaker Marco Espirito’s *Blood Brothers follows a night in the life of a Portuguese bullfighting squad, while Maltese filmmaker Shirley Spiteri Mintoff’s *Alicia offers a haunting exploration of grief and healing.Closing day one is *Memory Mosaic by Selma Fejzullaj, a student at VCUarts Qatar, about Albania’s Muslim community during a time of religious suppression.On day two, seven films will be screened.Italian filmmaker Chiara Brambilla’s *A Dose of Nature tells the emotional story of an adventurer’s recovery journey through nature after a major snowboarding accident.*Do You Remember Me? by Qatari filmmaker Maryam al-Mohammed explores the life of Areesha, a South Asian nurse caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, while Dutch filmmaker Robert-Jonathan Koeyers’ *It’s Nice in Here presents a fragmented portrait of a young black girl’s memories.In *A Simple Cut, Qatari filmmaker Maha al-Jufairi sheds light on the societal pressures faced by a young girl during her teenage years, and *Nashorn im Galopp by German filmmaker Erik Schmitt captures the disconnection felt by a young man as he navigates the fast-paced life of Berlin.The final films of the day include *Unyielding Determination by VCUarts Qatar students Alaa Albarazy and Shahd al-Saad, which captures the essence of growth through tradition and self-awareness, and *The Choice by NU-Q student Yumin Cho, which sees a police officer make a critical decision as the stakes rise.Professor Rafael Antunes, associate professor in the Bachelor’s programme in Cinema, Video, and Multimedia Communication at Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, said that the diverse selection of films highlight the cultural bridge being built between Europe and Qatar through these stories.The festival will culminate in an awards ceremony on November 25, where the winning films in two categories, “Best Picture” and “Best Screenplay”, will be announced.The jury, comprising Dr Angelos Lenos, Prof Pedro Canavilhas, Prof Firat Oruc, Latifa Regenbogen, and Grace Cruz, will evaluate the films and select the winners.The festival is open to the public, and registration is required to attend.Registration is through the event’s website at https://eufilmfestival.qa

The Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) has announced “Al Ghorrah” for Literature and Arts, a cultural event that celebrates Arab-Islamic culture and heritage.“Al Ghorrah” will take place at Education City from November 28 to December 2, with musical and theatrical performances showcasing local and regional talent, including *Al Feel Ya Malik Al Zaman, a play directed by Maher Salibi and starring Jamal Sulieman.During “Al Ghorrah”, a special performance by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) titled *1001 Nights: A Journey Through the Storm, produced by Dana Al Fardan, will blend traditional instruments with symphonic music.Performed on the opening night, it will mark the official opening of the event.Meanwhile, Nasser al-Jassim will direct a Qatari-Moroccan medley combining folklore, instruments, and music from both countries to celebrate the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.The choir from the QF's Qatar Music Academy will perform Arabic Fusha songs with the QPO.Egyptian singer Mustafa Said will perform with the Asil Band, presenting songs inspired by Mu'alaqat, while Sada Alebda, following the “Heritage Symphonies” project founded in 2019 in Yemen, which was aimed at promoting and disseminating folk music by integrating it into orchestral performances.Finally, the festival will end with a performance by Hamza Namira.“Al Ghorrah” is open for the whole community to experience and enjoy.Its programme includes poetry readings, lectures, interactive events, storytelling sessions, and culinary experiences featuring the flavours of countries including Egypt, Iran, and Syria.“Al Ghorrah” is sponsored by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM). Other partners include Qatar Calendar, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. – QNA

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is participating in the ongoing Kids Expo at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) under the theme *Our Children are the Greatest Treasure.The four-day event, which concludes Saturday, is a specialised platform bringing together professionals and stakeholders in promoting children’s rights across various fields.The MoI’s pavilion, according to a statement on X, features contributions from the General Directorate of Traffic, the General Directorate of Civil Defence, the Juvenile Police Department, the Economic and Cyber Crimes Prevention Department, and the Tomorrow’s Policemen Programme at the Police Academy.The participating departments are offering interactive and awareness-raising activities designed to enhance awareness among children and youth.

An international symposium on 'Climate Change and Sustainable Energy: Strategies for Low-Carbon Transition,' organised by the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (Sesri) at Qatar University (QU) brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers to address pressing climate challenges and explore innovative pathways toward sustainable energy solutions.The event took place against the backdrop of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the theme 'In Solidarity for a Green World.' The timing underscored the critical need for collaborative efforts to address the far-reaching impacts of climate change.In his opening remarks, Prof Aiman Erbad, vice president of Research and Graduate Studies at QU, emphasised the alignment of the event with Qatar's National Vision (QNV) 2030 and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) commitment to climate action.He highlighted ongoing initiatives across the region to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, promote economic diversification, and integrate sustainability into national development strategies. “QU has made climate change a top priority, embedding it across research, education, and training initiatives,” he noted.Engineer Abdullah Abdo Mohamed Salih al-Odani emphasised the critical nature of climate change as one of humanity’s most significant challenges. He outlined the Ministry of Municipality’s efforts in promoting eco-friendly urban planning, adopting green technologies, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, all aligned with QNV 2030.Prof Kaltham al-Ghanim, director of Sesri, underscored the symposium’s role as a platform for meaningful dialogue among experts, researchers, and policymakers. She highlighted the urgency of developing renewable energy strategies to ensure the sustainability of natural resources, safeguard human and environmental health, and create evidence-based policies to address emerging challenges.Prof al-Ghanim also announced that the next symposium will focus on 'Climate Change and the Environment: The Role of Technology in Sustainable Food Security.' Dr Sana Abosen, associate researcher at Sesri, provided an overview of the symposium's objectives and structure.The symposium featured three key sessions addressing critical aspects of climate change and sustainable energy. The first session focused on energy efficiency and the role of behavioral insights in adopting low-carbon technologies. The second session explored national strategies for transitioning to renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The final session highlighted decarbonisation strategies and shared experiences from GCC countries, emphasising collaboration and practical approaches to energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality, has participated in the ministerial meeting of the International Dates Council, which was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Qatari delegation participating in the meeting was headed by Eng Fahd bin Mohammed al-Qahtani, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, along with the participation of a number of ministers of agriculture and food security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, representatives of a number of countries producing and importing dates worldwide, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, and the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD).The meeting discussed a number of important topics, including the strategy of the International Dates Council, the work plan for the next five years, the organizational structure of the Council and its relationship with the private sector, the election of the Council's bodies, and attracting participating membership in the Council from importing countries, organizations and entities working in the field.The International Date Council meeting aims to activate international co-operation in the field of dates, implement activities that require collective action and address the challenges facing the palm and dates sector, address research issues and production techniques, develop date industries, and raise capacities to achieve sustainable development of dates at the level of the countries concerned globally and regionally.Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality, joined the International Date Council in 2024, as it pays great attention to the palm and dates sector, and is keen to support and encourage local production of dates, by developing the agricultural sector, supporting farm owners and those interested in palm cultivation, in addition to organizing an annual exhibition for local dates, and a local date festival to market the products of local farms, which reflects the importance of the role and position of the agricultural sector and food security in the country.

Doha Film Institute (DFI) chief executive and 2024 Ajyal Festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said the organisation has built a sustainable ecosystem for Arab and independent cinema, underpinned by its commitment to supporting creative expression, particularly during challenging times."Film festivals are now more important than ever as they have become the microphone for the people in a world of silence," Alremaihi said at an Ajyal 2024 media briefing, adding that the "DFI’s commitment to cinema extends beyond entertainment, viewing film festivals as catalysts for positive societal change"."On opening night, everyone who spoke to me told me that they had never been to a festival where people can voice their opinion or voice issues like they can here,” she said. “They said it is really refreshing and that should be the norm of film festivals. Unfortunately, it is not.”"Film festivals are there to make people's lives better, to make societies better,” the official added. “There's a mission behind it. It's not just to bring films to entertain, but to bring films that will impact us."Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) on this year's success, as DFI prepares to host the 2025 Doha Film Festival, Alremaihi said that the core mission and programmes would remain intact while expanding to embrace new opportunities."Nothing is changing in the sense that we are replacing Ajyal,” she said. “This is simply the next stage of our festival, the next stage of our industry, and the next stage of the Institute. We have always been evolving and adapting to industry needs.”The DFI’s role in nurturing local talent has shown remarkable results, particularly through the “Made in Qatar” programme."It has evolved from showcasing locally-made films to include projects developed in Qatar but produced elsewhere, demonstrating our flexible approach to supporting creative talent,” she added.Highlighting another significant achievement, Alremaihi noted that the DFI's global impact has been independently validated by a Sorbonne University study that identified Qatar as the world leader in supporting women filmmakers with a presence at international festivals."The DFI’s impact is now global but we will continue to aim to generate more creative power not only for women, but for all underrepresented voices," she said.Reflecting on *Ode to Our Land, directed by young Qatari filmmakers Amal al-Muftah and Rawda al-Thani, Alremaihi said: "The film took four years of work, but we were able to convey its message with the support of our talented Qatari female directors.”“Currently, we are working on other projects under ‘Made in Qatar’, featuring diverse local and global stories and ideas,” she added.Speaking about regional partnerships, Alremaihi said that the DFI is honoured to have brought Ajyal Film Club to Morocco for the first time to the city of Tangier."I was impressed by the Moroccan jurors their critiques, eloquence, and way of thinking were remarkable,” she said. “We look forward to building future partnerships with Morocco."Alremaihi said that the DFI’s longstanding support to Palestinian cinema remains unwavering."Whatever we do will never be enough to bring their voices to the world,” she stated. “We have been supporting cinema from the region for the last 14 years and Palestine has always been an integral part of that contribution. It is important for us to amplify the stories that matter, and show them to the world.” – QNA

Qatar and Colombia have issued a joint statement on the occasion of the official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Colombia. The statement reads as follows:His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and Gustavo Petro, President of the Republic of Colombia, held bilateral discussions on November 20, 2024, at the Narino Palace in Bogota. The leaders, joined by high-level ministers including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Transport, Energy and Communications, reaffirmed the strength of the Qatar-Colombia partnership and their shared commitment to expand co-operation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.Bilateral co-operationQatar welcomed Colombia's announcement to establish an embassy in Doha, marking a significant advancement in diplomatic relations. Both sides witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on economic, commercial, and technical co-operation, which will facilitate joint initiatives and promote exchange visits between business leaders and chambers of commerce.The two governments signed additional memorandums of understanding in tourism, ports, sports, and news exchange to strengthen bilateral engagement across various sectors. Colombia expressed interest in developing initiatives to support health and education, particularly in remote areas and conflict-affected regions.Economic partnershipBoth sides agreed to advance discussions toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Colombia presented a roadmap for negotiations, building on discussions held during COP28 in Dubai in December 2023. To strengthen trade and investment ties, both countries agreed to establish a dialogue between Colombia's National Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN) and its Qatari counterpart to enhance co-operation in taxation and customs matters.Regional peace and securityThe two sides held in-depth discussions on regional developments, focusing on efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability. Both nations emphasized the importance of achieving a permanent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, upholding international law and international humanitarian law regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, securing the release of hostages, and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Colombia commended Qatar's diplomatic role in promoting regional peace and stability, including its mediation efforts. Qatar appreciated Colombia's steadfast support for a two-state solution and its opposition to illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.Looking aheadQatar and Colombia expressed satisfaction with the concrete outcomes of this visit and reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral co-operation. Both countries pledged to maintain regular consultations on bilateral and regional issues while working together to address global challenges.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited Colombia on Thursday, the third stop of his Latin American tour that began in Brazil and continued in Costa Rica.In the Colombian capital, Bogotá, HH the Amir met President Gustavo Petro to discuss ways to enhance relations between the two countries in various fields and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.HH the Amir’s visit to Colombia and the discussions during the visit will strengthen bilateral relations and push them toward broader horizons. This reflects HH the Amir’s keenness to open new markets and opportunities for the Qatari economy, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and its ambitious goals to build stronger and more resilient relations with nations worldwide.The two countries enjoy distinguished relations, further reinforced by both sides’ desire to develop and elevate them across all fields, particularly in political, economic, and investment domains. These relations are based on mutual interests and respect, supported by numerous agreements signed between the two countries and official reciprocal visits at various levels.His Highess the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani visited Colombia in February 2013 as part of a tour that included Peru and Ecuador. This visit marked a pivotal moment in the development of co-operative relations. During the visit, discussions were held on bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them across various fields. A number of agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, including an air services agreement, a memorandum of understanding in the field of sports, a memorandum of understanding between the Qatar Chamber and the Colombian Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, a memorandum of understanding in the field of mining, and a memorandum of understanding in the area of investment.Additionally, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s visit to Colombia in July 2016 marked a new phase in bilateral relations. During this visit, an official meeting was held, chaired by HH the Amir and the then-president Juan Manuel Santos, which focused on bilateral relations in various fields and ways to enhance them in line with a shared commitment to further development, especially in the areas of investment and energy. A number of regional and international issues were also reviewed during the session.HH the Amir and Santos witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding at the Presidential Palace in Bogotá, including the establishment of a political consultation mechanism between the two countries, an agreement to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports, a memorandum of understanding on legal and judicial co-operation, and a memorandum of understanding between the Qatar Investment Authority and ProColombia to enhance investment co-operation and exchange information on investment opportunities in various sectors.As part of ongoing meetings and communications between the leaderships of the two countries, HH the Amir met President Gustavo Petro last December during COP28 in Dubai. They discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop them in various fields, as well as issues on the Summit’s agenda and both countries’ efforts to combat climate change.In October, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani received Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo during his visit to Qatar, where they reviewed co-operation between the two countries and ways to strengthen it, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.To enhance political co-ordination, the first round of political consultations between the foreign ministries of Qatar and Colombia was held in Bogotá in October of last year. The Qatari side was chaired by HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi, while the Colombian side was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco J Coy.Also in October of last year, HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi met in Doha with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and co-operation in the energy sector between Qatar and Colombia and discussed ways to develop them further.As part of co-operation and consultations between the two countries in international forums and on global issues, representatives from the governments of Qatar, Colombia, and Finland in January 2022 emphasised the need for the swift implementation of the youth, peace, and security agenda worldwide. This was expressed in a high-level statement issued by representatives of the three governments at the conclusion of the High-Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes, which was held virtually from January 19 to 21, 2022.The High-Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes was a joint initiative by the governments of Qatar, Finland, and Colombia. The conference was co-organised by the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and the Search for Common Ground, in partnership with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Women, the UN Development Programme, the UN Population Fund, Education Above All Foundation, and the United Network of Young Peacebuilders.In June 2018, the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN and the Permanent Mission of Colombia at the UN hosted an event at the UN headquarters in New York to launch the book Herstory: Celebrating Women Leaders in the UN, which was prepared by the Permanent Missions of Qatar and Colombia.HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani said that Qatar’s participation in the creation of this book is a recognition of the leadership role of women at the UN and an opportunity to highlight significant achievements through a historical narrative in photographs.

Msheireb Properties and Doha Design District (DDD) have announced their partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to host the AIA Middle East Chapter’s final annual conference and design awards ceremony Friday and SaturdayThe 11th edition of the conference under the theme, 'Qatar: Morphogenesis of a Pearl' will bring together a select group of architects, urban planners and design experts from international firms, including Pei Architects, Foster + Partners, Isozaki + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects, to explore Qatar’s architectural development and highlight the transformative role played by Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) in promoting architectural innovation and intelligent design.Engineer Ali Mohammed al-Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “We are honoured to support this event dedicated to promoting the importance of architectural excellence and design. Our focus on building Msheireb Downtown Doha on a human scale has guided many of the architectural choices we have made, prompting us to look at On inspiration from traditional practices. We look forward to sharing our experiences and lessons learned from building the world’s first sustainable downtown revitalization project with our peers from around the world.”The conference is being held at the Park Hyatt Doha Hotel in MDD, showcasing the area’s distinctive architectural character that combines traditional Qatari design elements with modern sustainable practices. All buildings in the area have been LEED certified. Gold or Platinum, confirming the highest standards of environmental sustainability in real estate development.