Qatar University (QU) and The Hague Institute for Global Justice have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote knowledge exchange, executive programmes, student opportunities, and the expansion of shared research projects.
The partnership will focus on highlighting the role of legal education in addressing issues such as extremism and advancing the spirit of citizenship.
The agreement signed by QU president Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham and The Hague Institute president Dr Abe Williams was facilitated by QU College of Law (LAWC).
The agreement underscores the importance of establishing effective partnerships and networking with local and international parties to explore and take advantage of new experiences to provide quality academic programmes and strengthen national competencies towards leadership roles in the judiciary, legislature and legal sector to serve the interest of Qatar.  
Dr al-Derham said the MoU aligns with QU’s ongoing efforts to ensure education excellence in the Arab region, and to provide students with the opportunity to benefit from international expertise and experience in the field of international law, which will have a positive impact on the Qatari society.
Dr Williams explained that the priority of The Hague Institute is sharing knowledge among practitioners, academics, students and policymakers globally with the aim of informing policy recommendations and improving best practices.
“Qatar University and the Qatar Leadership Centre share this important pillar of our mission and we are very eager to partner with them on teaching and research activities within Qatar and the Middle East.”
LAWC dean Dr Mohamed al-Khelaifi said the agreement will allow both institutions to actively co-operate in different educational and research areas.
“Our students and faculty will benefit in no small way from the expertise of The Hague Institute in the area of international law and human rights.”  
He added that each party of the agreement will nominate two members to create a committee that will design a clear and long-term strategic plan to implement activities of mutual interest.