Participants in a panel discussion during the event.
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, the Unesco Office in Doha, and the “Education Above All” Foundation, organised a special event to mark the International Day of Education 2026 under the theme: “The Power of Youth in Building the Future of Education: The Role of Youth and Technology in Education and Building a Sustainable Future.”
The event aimed to highlight the role of education in empowering youth to keep pace with rapid technological transformations, introduce Assalam Schools and their role in providing high-quality education, develop critical thinking and dialogue skills among young people, and create an interactive space for youth to express their views on the future of education. It also sought to promote innovation and social responsibility in the use of technology.
The event opened with a speech by Omar Abdulaziz Al Namaa, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs, who emphasised that the technological revolution and artificial intelligence constitute a fundamental pillar for building a more just and sustainable future. He noted that the Ministry’s goal is not limited to enabling youth to keep up with technology, but also to preparing them to become innovators and leaders of change, while strengthening their critical thinking skills.
He stressed that education is a shared responsibility between schools and families in nurturing a conscious and creative generation capable of achieving a balance between digital skills and human values, enabling them to effectively address environmental and social challenges.
In her remarks, Farida Abu Dan, speaking on behalf of the Director of the UNESCO Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, affirmed that the region is witnessing rapid social, economic, and technological transformations that require a rethinking of how education systems are prepared to empower youth in a world characterised by innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. She called for investment in learning environments that foster critical thinking, community engagement, and problem-solving skills.
The event featured the screening of a video produced by students of Fifth Assalam School entitled “Education in Qatar: Initiative, Achievement, and Assalam Schools,” which documented the journey of the right to education and explored its future prospects in Qatar.
The event also included a panel discussion moderated by Sheikha Aisha Mubarak Al Thani, Head of the Unesco Section at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The discussion addressed various themes related to the development of education in the era of digital transformation and the role of different stakeholders in supporting sustainable learning and empowering youth and teachers.
