QF’s inaugural QIYADA conference opens – inspiring Qatar’s youth to contribute and lead

Doha, Qatar: Leading scholars, thinkers, influencers, and role models from around the world have urged and inspired Qatar’s next generation to lead with integrity and contribute to their communities, as Qatar Foundation’s inaugural QIYADA: Qatar Islamic Youth Aspiration and Development Assembly began.

Taking place over two days at Multaqa (Education City Student Center), the conference aims to equip youth with the confidence, knowledge, and tools for leadership and positive social impact, while strengthening their Islamic identity in today’s ever-shifting world.

The first day of the conference – organized by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Higher Education division and sponsored by QIIB – welcomed over 1,000 students from schools and universities across Qatar, who took part in discussions aimed at exploring faith and knowledge-based solutions to contemporary challenges.

Its opening ceremony featured a welcome address by journalist Amjad Al-Nour, followed by a poetic performance reflecting the aspirations and identity of Muslim youth in today’s world.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Hend Zainal, Executive Director, Strategy, Management and Partnerships within QF’s Higher Education division, said: “For three decades, Qatar Foundation has been working to build an educational environment that encourages research, reflection, and dialogue, grounded in openness of spirit and rooted in the values of our faith.

“Our mission is to empower you – our youth – to explore new horizons and leave a positive impact on your communities. The QIYADA conference is a new step in this direction. Its goal is to support young Muslims in drawing inspiration from their faith for the principles of true leadership – leadership based on morality and service to the world.

“As I look at you, I see a generation capable of combining academic excellence with pride in your Islamic identity; a generation equipped to shape the future with determination and steadfast faith. We live in a world of political, economic, and technological challenges, and we can only overcome them by adhering to our Islamic values.”

Among the QIYADA speakers was Islamic scholar Dr. Nayef Bin Nahar, who spoke about how engaging with young people must be based on their intellectual capacity, rather than their age, emphasizing the need to engage them on major issues and not to succumb to social perceptions that they lack the maturity to address them.

He explained that when seeking to be leaders, Muslim youth should adhere to the Qur’anic approach, which encompasses a system of values ​​and success criteria based on morals, a sense of responsibility, and a sound personality.

"We have a real challenge in our societies, which is the gap between the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and what we practice on the ground,” he said. “This gap appears between the true Islamic value system, such as the concepts of gratitude, piety, a pure heart, and commitment to work, and what we practice in our daily lives, upon which we build our societies.

"By applying and adhering to the true Islamic value system, both individuals and society will benefit, and consequently our Islamic societies will rise, lead, and pioneer."

Scholar and human rights activist Dr. Omar Suleiman, Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, urged the young audience to embrace life’s trials as opportunities for spiritual growth, aligning themselves with the teachings of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

“Great leaders are often forged in the fires of crisis,” he said. “In our personal lives, the soul is refined through hardship. When life is comfortable, we must willingly introduce challenge – not through harm, but through the sacred acts of worship Allah has gifted us. These acts prepare the soul for moments of real adversity.”

Dr. Suleiman also explained how worship can simulate crisis, saying: “When we fast, we endure the pangs of hunger – not for suffering’s sake, but to train the body and soul in endurance. When we rise in the stillness of night to pray, we conquer sleep. And it is said that the one who conquers their sleep can conquer the world.”

QIYADA’s first day also featured specialized workshops aimed at developing youth skills, enhancing spiritual and intellectual awareness and providing opportunities for networking and exploration, as well as exhibitions from QF entities.

The conference continues on 20 September. For more information, please visit here.