Doha: Awsaj Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education, successfully concluded its inaugural Model United Nations (MUN) conference. The two-day event, which took place on the academy's campus, revolved around the theme "Building Inclusive and Sustainable Communities: Empowering Education for All."

According to Qatar News Agency, the conference underscored QF's dedication to empowering young individuals through dialogue-oriented platforms that enhance leadership and critical thinking skills. The event saw the participation of 180 students, including 30 from Awsaj Academy itself and 150 from 14 other schools, both within and beyond the Qatar Foundation. This initiative provided students a valuable platform to examine and engage with pressing global issues.

The primary objective was to bolster students' leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving capabilities through discussions on significant global challenges. The event emphasized dialogue, diplomacy, and global consciousness, equipping students to contribute to creating more inclusive and sustainable communities.

Mark David Hughes, Executive Director of Special Schools and Inclusive Education at QF, remarked on the significance of the conference, stating, "This conference is a powerful platform that engages students in key global issues, especially those linked to the UN's goals. It gives them a voice in shaping the dialogue around the future of our communities."

He highlighted that convening students and schools in a single space is indicative of QF's robust commitment to nurturing youth and fostering meaningful discussions. This initiative helps elevate their awareness and empowers them to assume future leadership roles.

Hughes also emphasized that the venue, Education City, is perfectly suited for such conferences due to its amalgamation of academic, research, and community facets. He commented, "It is not only a hub for advanced learning, but also a space for intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange."

The conference prioritized the development of teamwork skills among the youth, instilling in them an understanding of their potential as future changemakers. Hughes expressed hope that students departed the conference feeling inspired and motivated to continue engaging in collaborative dialogue.

Over six weeks, participants honed their communication skills and built friendships across cultures, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their capacity to engage effectively with others.

"At the heart of this experience are connection, dialogue, shared thinking, and the exchange of ideas, key pillars in preparing a conscious generation capable of leading and making a difference," Hughes concluded.