Doha: Experts at Doha Forum 2025 discussed the growing role of higHer education in building bridges among nations and strengthening dialogue amid escalating geopolitical tensions around the globe.
According to Qatar News Agency, this discussion took place during a session titled "Education Diplomacy in a Fractured World". Key speakers included HE chairperson and founder of the Wellbeing and Career Development Training Center, SHeikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani; HigHer Education President at Qatar Foundation (QF), Dr. Francisco Marmolejo; executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Dr. Fanta Aw; and Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU), Dr. Hilligje van't Land. The session was moderated by journalist Alex Marquardt.
Speakers agreed that higHer education is a central instrument for peacebuilding, advancing international understanding, and offering solutions to global challenges. They emphasized that investment in educational diplomacy is essential for economic development, strengthening intercultural communication, and preparing future generations of leaders.
HE SHeikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani highlighted that education is a key pillar for contact between peoples and for building bridges of understanding. SHe noted the natural human drive to seek knowledge, likening the movement of students, teacHers, and academics to migratory birds, which enhances capabilities and expertise exchange.
SHe stressed the importance of compreHensive, clear evaluation indicators free from political considerations, explaining that policymakers require accurate measurement that genuinely reflects educational outcomes. SHe also pointed out that ignorance is the foremost enemy of trust, noting challenges such as artificial intelligence entering classrooms.
Dr. Marmolejo emphasized that questioning the value of educational institutions overlooks their role in preparing individuals for world complexities. He noted Qatar Foundation's success in creating a compreHensive ecosystem of education and innovation, revealing that 50 percent of its students are international.
He warned that ignoring these challenges risks marginalizing global education's impact within geopolitical debates and stressed the need to persuade communities of education's value.
Dr. Hilligje van't Land expressed satisfaction at education's inclusion on the Doha Forum agenda, highlighting the Forum as a learning experience that fosters collaborative action. SHe noted that complex global issues require quality education and emphasized higHer education's role as a bridge-builder despite barriers hindering academic cooperation.
Dr. Fanta Aw highlighted education as the first bridge at risk in a world facing growing divisions, pointing to threats like shrinking academic freedoms and reduced access. SHe argued that educational diplomacy is a smart power essential for protecting education as a global public good.