Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) continues to widen its footprint in global education, with ongoing projects across conflict-affected and low-income regions, according to the QFFD’s Global Advocacy Coordinator Oweis Al-Salahi.
While the QFFD has not specified a fixed number of countries, Al-Salahi speaking to The Peninsula recently said the organisation’s global map “shows the regions where we operate,” noting extensive work “across many regions worldwide.” Current priority areas include Syria, Palestine, Afghanistan, and “several countries across the African continent.”
Al-Salahi, whose role focuses on amplifying Qatar’s leadership in global development, particularly in education, health and resilience, said his work centres on ensuring “that QFFD’s voice is present in shaping international agendas and driving partnerships that deliver real impact.”
Speaking about the tangible outcomes of the QFFD’s education programmes, he said, “With our holistic financing approach, we see ourselves driving global dialogue, an essential part of transforming communities affected by war or poverty.”
QFFD’s Global Advocacy Coordinator Oweis Al-Salahi
He added that innovative financing models such as blended finance and results-based mechanisms are helping close critical funding gaps for education in fragile settings.
“It is encouraging to know that our efforts contribute to addressing it,” he said. “Closing these gaps creates more room for collaboration and allows us to gather diverse perspectives from organisations around the world.”
Al-Salahi stressed that the QFFD remains committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, with education “at the heart of our mission because we believe it is the foundation for opportunity, stability, and growth.”
Despite global efforts since the adoption of SDG 4, the challenges remain stark. “An alarming number of young people remain out of school or displaced,” he said. “More than 2 billion people still lack Internet access, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas.”
To respond to these gaps, the QFFD focuses on closing financing deficits, expanding digital inclusion, supporting gender-responsive education, and linking learning to employment. The Fund also invests in crisis-response programmes, including safe schooling and psychosocial support for learners in conflict zones.
“Our approach is holistic, and education is not just about learning; it is about preparing young people for meaningful work and civic participation,” Al-Salahi said.
At the recently held WISE 12 Summit, QFFD hosted a high-level ministerial roundtable titled, Bridging the Divide, which brought together ministers from more than 10 countries to discuss financing inclusive and future-ready education.
The discussions centred on innovative models and digital equity.
The QFFD also partnered with SEEK Development to deliver a masterclass on shifting global priorities and their impact on education financing. The session explored approaches such as outcome-based funding and South-South cooperation. According to Al-Salahi, these engagements reinforced the QFFD’s role as a thought leader. “Hosting these roundtables allows us to gather perspectives from around the world and identify solutions that can create meaningful impact,” he said.
One challenge raised repeatedly by ministers, he said, was the lack of reliable data. “There is an urgent need to develop innovative ways to collect and analyse data effectively through academic methods, by empowering marginalised communities, and by ensuring that multiple voices are heard.”
Looking ahead, Al-Salahi emphasised that sustainable financing remains central to QFFD’s mission.
“Education financing is not charity. It is an investment in stability, growth, and equity,” he said.
“Our future depends on our ability to innovate, collaborate, and ensure that every child everywhere has access to quality learning and pathways to employment.”
“At the Qatar Fund, we hope to continue contributing to that vision,” he said.
