QIYADA conference brings together young people for discussions on faith, resilience

Doha, Qatar – The second annual QIYADA conference kicked off in the capital today, convening roughly 1,500 young individuals to discuss faith, resilience, and the challenges of navigating a rapidly evolving world. This two-day event, held at the Multaqa center within Qatar Foundation's Education City campus, centered on the theme "Guided by Faith: Thriving in a Changing World."

Scholars, academics, and experts convened to delve into topics ranging from artificial intelligence and mental health to resilience and community service. The conference also introduced a new Qiyada Academy, which will provide 30 selected youths with a year-long leadership training program, empowering them to mentor and guide other young people both within Qatar and globally.

Qatar Foundation's Dr. Abdulnassir Shamlan Al-Tamimi, Executive Director of Student Services, hailed QIYADA as a unique gathering both in Qatar and potentially across the broader Middle Eastern region. He emphasized the importance of resilience in the program, particularly in guiding young people through emerging technologies and fostering ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Community service was also highlighted as a crucial component, encouraging participants to sustain their outreach efforts both locally and internationally post-conference.

The conference drew participants from across Qatar, including higher education institutions such as Qatar University, Lusail University, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology. Local students aged 17 and 18, as well as those from Qatar Foundation schools, were among the attendees. Attendance mirrored last year's inaugural event, with around 1,500 participants, of which between 65% and 70% were female and the remaining around 30% male.

While interest from neighboring countries in the region has been expressed, QIYADA's current focus remains on Qatar's youth. However, organizers are contemplating expanding future editions to encompass the broader MENA region, potentially starting with other Gulf nations. Last year's conference sparked ongoing discussions among participants, leading to additional sessions organized by QF and a subsequent six-day Umrah trip for students last December.

Future QIYADA conferences will continue to adapt to the evolving priorities of the young attendees, with organizers relying on feedback, discussions, and focus groups to determine themes for each year's event.