Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Sports and Youth has highlighted a wide range of programmes designed to empower young people and strengthen their participation in national and international platforms, reaffirming its commitment to placing youth at the centre of policymaking and development as Qatar marks Arab Youth Day.
Speaking to Qatar TV yesterday, Rashid Ali Al Nuaimi, Head of the Youth Development and Empowerment Section at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, outlined the ministry’s flagship initiatives aimed at equipping young Qataris with the skills and opportunities needed for future success.
Al Nuaimi said the ministry offers year-round youth empowerment programmes, including the Istaed (Be Ready) programme, which prepares young people for the labour market by enhancing their professional and practical skills. He also highlighted the Youth Delegates to the United Nations Programme, which trains and prepares young Qataris to represent the country in UN forums and international discussions.
Among the ministry’s newer initiatives is the Young Inventors Programme, implemented by the Qatar Scientific Club, which seeks to nurture a new generation of innovators and inventors. In addition, numerous activities and initiatives are organised by youth centres affiliated with the ministry to broaden youth engagement across the country.
Al Nuaimi stressed that young people are not merely beneficiaries of these programmes but active partners in shaping them. He explained that the ministry consistently seeks the views of both male and female youth when designing programmes, events and initiatives to ensure they reflect their aspirations and needs. “We are keen to ensure that everything we offer, whether a programme, event or initiative, is developed with the participation of young people,” he said.
He noted that the ministry gathers feedback through surveys, regular meetings, official communication channels and ongoing dialogue with youth, enabling them to contribute directly to the planning and improvement of initiatives. “Our work is by the youth and for the youth,” Al Nuaimi said, adding that young people themselves are best placed to identify their priorities and the types of opportunities that will help them thrive.
The ministry’s approach, he added, reflects its broader commitment to empowering youth, encouraging innovation and ensuring meaningful youth participation in Qatar’s social and economic development.
