JOSEPH VARGHESE DOHA QATAR is fast emerging as a platform for interaction of various cultures and civilisations, said Vice-Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Dr Saif Ali al-Hajari. Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the inaugural function of the third Mosaic Summit on Tuesday, Dr al-Hajari said “This is the first time Mosaic Summit is being held outside the UK.
The organisers chose Doha as the venue because they are impressed by the leadership role Qatar has been playing in the region, especially the country’s role in the areas of education and youth development.” He also said Qatar has attracted the attention of the whole world due to its proactive activities under the visionary leadership of His Highness the Emir. He explained that the country offers the best facilities for everyone to become able leaders of tomorrow. The 10-day summit is being held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa. The summit was founded in the UK by the prince of Wales in 2007.
The summit was opened at the Coral Hotel in the presence of the British Ambassador to Qatar HE John Hawkins as well as other dignitaries. Altogether 80 delegates aged between 25 and 35 from 16 countries- Qatar Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, , Saudi Arabia, Somalia (resident in Kenya), Turkey, the UAE and the UK - are participating in the event. The summit programme includes leadership skills workshops, inspiring talks by speakers who share their leadership experiences with the participants and discussions about global issues such as sustainability and poverty. Earlier in his keynote address, Dr al-Hajari said that the summit was a perfect occasion for the participants to learn from one another. He said, “The youngsters need to develop leadership skills and this has to begin with right behaviours.
Knowledge, technology and the right behaviour can produce the best results. Therefore, it is the right opportunity for you to learn from each other, choose the best practises and translate them to better living in daily life.” He said that living in a community brings more hope to the world as it allows more interaction among people. A short video of the Prince of Wales was shown to the gathering at the opening ceremony.
In his address, the Prince said “The purpose of establishing Mosaic was to establish a network of youth volunteers from the Islamic countries to provide inspiration and encouragement to thousands of people from around the world. It aims to nurture the potentials of the youth who have the capacity to become world leaders. The aim of getting people from different regions to is to prove that diversity is a strength not a weakness.” British Ambassador to Qatar HE Hawkins said that the region was going through one of the most significant times as the Arab Spring has become a significant turnaround in the 21st century.
He said, “What is happening in the Arab World is one of the game changers in the region and Qatar is taking an active and positive role in it. The Mosaic Summit has been organised at the right time in Qatar as the country is moving forward to greater heights in the education and related fields.” Mosaic International Director Alison Bradley outlined the focus of the summit. She said “Mosaic Summit is all about developing leadership skills and nurturing the inspirations of the youth. Leaders have the potential to make a hugely positive impact in their workplace, local community and beyond, particularly with the increasing effects of globalisation.” Jonathan Freeman, the Director of Mosaic coordinated the proceedings of the inaugural function.
