{
  "id": 18283149,
  "title": "Qatar Reads-QLC leadership session broadens horizons",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/qatar-reads-qlc-leadership-session-broadens-horizons",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/737562/qatar/qatar-reads-qlc-leadership-session-broadens-horizons"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Qatar Reads, a project by Qatar National Library, collaborated with the Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) for their second annual leadership session this year. Titled “Leadership Insights from Mostafa Saadeq al-Rafe’ie’s Wahi al-Qalam,” the event welcomed over 128 participants from both public and private sector organisations in Qatar. The gathering took place at Qatar National Library and built upon the success of the inaugural session last year, bringing together attendees from various QLC leadership programmes, including the Executive Leadership Programme, the Government Leadership programmes, and the Future Leaders Programme.\n\nThe discussions centered around reading as a foundation of leadership, cultural engagement, and community development. Speakers delved into how literature can reveal the complexities of human character and how continuous reading can empower leaders to tackle intricate challenges with clarity, comprehension, and sound judgment. They drew inspiration from Wahi Al-Qalam, chosen as part of the “One Book, One Community” campaign.\n\nDuring his keynote address, Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, the Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, emphasized that leadership is essentially a series of decisions, with the quality of those decisions hinging on the depth of thought of the decision-makers. He highlighted that literature, arts, and history contribute to broadening leaders’ perspectives, sharpening their judgment, and reminding them of the human aspect behind each choice. Al-Kawari stressed that Wahi Al-Qalam showcases how words can unveil the true nature of character, underscoring Qatar National Library’s belief that culture is an integral part of leadership.\n\nAbdullah Mohammed Khalifa al-Binali, the General Manager of QLC, stated that exceptional leaders are avid readers, and reading enhances their capacity to lead with awareness and a clear vision. He further noted that the partnership with Qatar Reads for the second year in a row reflects a shared dedication to equipping leaders for the future. Binali pointed out that future leaders embrace lifelong learning, expand their knowledge, and explore opportunities in diverse sectors. He explained that reading cultivates critical and creative thinking and bolsters the ability to make well-informed decisions, enabling leaders to move beyond traditional thinking and foster positive, sustainable change, aligning with Qatar’s future objectives.\n\nSelma Talha-Jebril, the Director of Research and Education Policy at the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), shared her extensive experience in leading international education programmes, policy initiatives, and research collaborations. She discussed the significance of reading in developing leadership skills. Sheikha Al Jawhara al-Thani, the Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing at Qatar Foundation’s Inclusion and Wellbeing Department, emphasized reading as a tool that aids leaders in navigating workplace challenges and fosters understanding and reflection. Mounes Mheidat, the National Curriculum Support Coordinator at Qatar Foundation and a contributor to the “One Book, One Community” campaign, presented a session titled “Wahi al-Qalam: How Literature Reveals the True Character of a Leader.” He explored leadership insights derived from the essays of the late Mustafa Sadiq al-Rafe’ie’i.",
  "summary": "Qatar Reads, an initiative of Qatar National Library, and the Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) brought together more than 128 participants from various public and private sector organisations in Qatar ye...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}