Doha, Qatar: As the world marks International Youth Day, Qatar continues to strengthen efforts to empower young people, develop their capabilities and ensure their active participation in shaping the country’s future, with youth development forming an important component of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030).
International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, is being marked this year under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” highlighting challenges facing young people worldwide as well as their ambitions and contributions to sustainable development.
Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Fawaz Abdullah Al Musaifri, said Qatari youth share aspirations for a better future built on quality education, equal opportunities, decent employment and meaningful participation in decision-making.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Musaifri said the Ministry has established an integrated system of programmes and initiatives that places young people at the centre of the development process while providing them with tools to strengthen their capabilities and realise their potential.
He said the Ministry focuses on developing leadership and professional skills, promoting volunteerism and active citizenship, and creating platforms for dialogue and participation. It also supports youth initiatives, innovation and entrepreneurship in line with the Human Development pillar of QNV 2030.
According to Al Musaifri, partnerships with public and private sector organisations are helping broaden opportunities available to young people, reflecting the Ministry’s conviction that youth empowerment is a shared national responsibility.
Among the flagship initiatives is the “Qatar Youth Delegates to the United Nations” programme, which has graduated 53 young people following training in leadership, diplomacy and international affairs, preparing them to represent Qatar at international forums.
The “Get Ready” programme, designed to prepare high school graduates for university life, has benefited and graduated 95 young people, while the “Intilaqah” programme, which develops skills and prepares participants for the labour market, has graduated 53 youth.
Another initiative, “Jeel Mubader”, supports projects contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and QNV 2030 and has graduated 31 young people.
Al Musaifri said the Ministry also supports youth initiatives through its Youth Initiatives Incubator and youth centres, helping young people transform innovative ideas into community projects capable of generating tangible impact. With rapid technological and economic transformation reshaping employment, he said particular emphasis is being placed on preparing youth for future requirements.
