HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser participated in the Qatar Foundation Annual Alumni Forum held at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) today.
The Forum was also attended by HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, as well as ministers and dignitaries, industry and business leaders, and hundreds of alumni from across Qatar Foundation’s (QF) ecosystem of education – which includes 13 schools, seven international partner universities, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
Speaking at the Forum, HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser told alumni: “The essence of the Forum is to maintain the deep ties between QF and its alumni, and its goal is not only to meet, but to discuss your ideas and reflect on what you have achieved in order for us to develop effective ways of implementing what we are looking for.” Her Highness added: “Most innovations around the world – especially in the fields of education and health – have stemmed from new ideas that students share. This Forum is intended to enhance the relationships between our alumni, and is an opportunity for you to meet your peers, turn relationships into friendships, and then turn these friendships into partnerships and projects. Around the world, we have seen that most initiatives and projects that generate positive impact are connected to students who have been peers, who share their dreams and goals, and who have faith in their abilities.” At the end of her speech, HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser emphasized QF’s support for its alumni, announcing the establishment of an alumni startup accelerator fund to provide various forms of support for QF graduates.
The Annual Alumni Forum aims to provide an open platform for alumni to explain challenges they face directly to key decision-makers, and discuss solutions for overcoming them.
Sessions held during the Forum allowed alumni to have direct dialogue with government and private sector representatives based around on three themes – nation-building, entrepreneurship, and employability – before an open discussion on challenges that alumni face, and solutions that can expand their opportunities to succeed and contribute, in these areas.
Commenting on the occasion, President of Higher Education at QF Francisco Marmolejo said: “Our alumni are the greatest embodiment of Qatar Foundation’s investment, and belief, in the power of education to allow everyone to define their path, realize their potential, and benefit Qatar, the region, and the world,” “Whichever school or university they graduate from, they are also part of one community – a local, regional, and global community of Qatar Foundation alumni. They have different goals and have embarked on different journeys through life, but their connection to Qatar Foundation is their connection to each other, through the values they exemplify, the mindsets instilled on them, and the contribution they share to driving positive change.” he continued.
Marmolejo concluded by saying: “Our annual Alumni Forum provides them with an opportunity to strengthen existing bonds and make new connections that help them succeed in their careers and lives, and to directly speak with key national stakeholders to identify ways of ensuring their talents can bring the greatest benefit to Qatar’s industry, economy, and society – making our alumni catalysts for the advancement of the nation. It reflects how our Alumni Program is a platform both for connectivity and fostering a sense of proudly belonging to a community of knowledge and ambition, and for generating ideas and impact that can best position our alumni to support the development of Qatar.”
Source: Qatar News Agency