HH The Father  Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and QF chairperson HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with new graduates and distinguished guests at the QF graduation ceremony yesterday.

By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

A total of 549 students from the Education City of Qatar Foundation (QF) were presented with graduation rings at a ceremonial event in the presence of HH The Father  Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and QF chairperson HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

QF vice chairperson HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani and a number of distinguished guests were present at the ceremony which took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Dr Abdulla bin Ali al-Thani, president Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), said that the graduation ceremony was a clear pointer to the  fact that  education is the key instrument for the development of a society.

He said: “The number of our talented graduates at convocation is growing and so is the range of their specialisations.  We have achieved this in such a small number of years due to our strong partnerships. And this spirit of collaboration continues to serve us well as we develop more research-based graduate programmes.”

“These are unforgettable moments for our graduates, who have spared no effort in their studies.. Moments like these crystallise how our educational programmes are reflecting the needs of our society and its aspirations. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the international knowledge hubs, and with the great centres of learning that existed in the Arab world in centuries past,” he added.

Wendy Kopp, chief executive officer of Teach For All, who was the guest speaker on the occasion, motivated the students with her focus on the need to take up the cause of education all around the world.

She also praised the visionary leadership of HH  Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and said “HH Sheikha Moza  is not only a person who  understands the power of building a generation where all children have access to education but also who  acts on that understanding in such a big way.”

Kopp also inspired the graduates by pointing out “I am excited because of who you are – 549 future leaders who have the potential and the education necessary to play vital roles in strengthening and transforming the many countries you call home.”

She underscored the importance of education and challenged the graduates to take up the cause of education in a big way. “Education is one of those things that needs time and  the work of a generation, or more for change. Basic education is currently underfunded by $26bn a year. Globally, less than 9% of development assistance is directed at education.”

Kopp exhorted the graduates: “Today, I challenge you to take inspiration from the leaders who built this place that has given you such a solid foundation for your future. I challenge you to be the Long Game Changers. To be clear, the world needs people to innovate cutting-edge technology that will have quick, far-reaching impact. “

HBKU graduates received their diplomas and rings from Dr Abdulla while graduates from the partner universities received the rings. Five students from HBKU’s Translation and Interpreting Institute and 76 students from Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, make up HBKU’s graduating class this year. The HBKU graduates represent Qatar and 23 other nations.

Other graduates were from the HBKU’s partner universities which are Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, HEC Paris in Qatar, and University College London Qatar.

Below: HH The Father  Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, QF chairperson HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and QF vice chairperson HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani among a number of distinguished guests present at the QF graduation ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. PICTURES: AR al-Baker/HHOPL