Doha, Qatar: Educators, students, families, and institutions have come together at Qatar Foundation's International Day of Education celebrations to reaffirm the shared role of society in shaping inclusive and future-ready education.
Held at Barahat Msheireb under the theme 'Education is Everyone's Responsibility', the two-day event outlined the evolution of education at Qatar Foundation (QF) and the vision that has shaped its development; and highlighted the role of QF's Rasekh initiative as Qatar's bilingual, identity-based education model and a cornerstone of national education reform. Rasekh is designed to strengthen cultural and linguistic foundations while engaging with global learning.
The International Day of Education celebrations reflect QF's continued commitment to engaging the wider community and advancing the future of education. Observed annually on 24 January, the day highlights how education is a basic human right and a shared responsibility, encouraging collective efforts to enhance its quality.
The Vice President of Strategic Educational Initiatives for QF's Pre-University Education, Sheikha Noof Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said: "The International Day of Education is a global occasion to renew our commitment to the right to education as a cornerstone of human and social development, and a shared responsibility that requires coordinated efforts between educational institutions and the wider community.
"Through marking this day, QF reaffirms the role of education in shaping individuals, strengthening values, and equipping future generations to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence, awareness, and deeply rooted knowledge."
The event marked the launch of the Rasekh Accreditation, a new framework for QF schools and international schools in Qatar. The accreditation aims to scale impact, strengthen bilingual education, localise learning, reinforce cultural values, and empower students to present their innovations confidently in their mother tongue. The first cohort of schools nominated for Rasekh Accreditation were also announced.
"Rasekh is rooted in a national educational vision that strengthens cultural and linguistic identity through balanced bilingual education," said Sheikha Noof. "Rasekh Accreditation represents a strategic step toward supporting educational quality and enabling schools to adopt identity-based practices that prepare students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and take an active role in shaping their future."
The event also featured a talk focusing on 'Building a Multilingual Future: Learning to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World', delivered by Professor Roberto Filippi of University College London's Institute of Education. Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and education, the keynote highlighted multilingualism as a resource for learning rather than a challenge, demonstrating its role in enhancing student engagement, wellbeing, achievement, belonging, and social equity.
The Rasekh Village offered an immersive experience that translated the model's principles into practice. Through interactive exhibits and educational pavilions presented by Qatar Foundation entities and participating schools, visitors explored approaches that promote balanced bilingual education, cultural identity, and localised global learning.
The event also featured a Storytelling Platform, where students, educators, and community organisations shared inspiring educational journeys through dialogue, performance, and interactive sessions, emphasising the power of storytelling in nurturing values, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Complementing the public celebrations, the Thunai Conference was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, promoting bilingual education models that balance cultural and linguistic identity, particularly Arabic, with global engagement through English. The conference brought together regional and international experts to explore approaches that prepare students to thrive in diverse global environments while remaining rooted in their cultural values.
Additional sessions featured insights from UNESCO and regional experts on multilingual education policies, heritage-rooted learning, and identity in the MENA region, reinforcing the role of education in preparing learners for an interconnected world.
In parallel, the Takaafu (Equity) Conference underscored QF's commitment to inclusive education, with a focus on neurodiversity and special educational needs, through lectures, panel discussions, and parent-focused sessions led by international experts.
