Daniel J Martin, President, Seattle Pacific University, delivering a lecture organised by the Hamad Bin Khalifa University at the Student Centre, Education City in Doha, on Thursday. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
The evolving role of education in Qatar despite the illegal blockade imposed by the siege countries, and the primary value of education in the advancement of societies was highlighted by educationalists on Thursday.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), of Qatar Foundation, hosted a public lecture titled ‘Education and the Blockade: Challenges and Opportunities,’ with Daniel J Martin, President of Seattle Pacific University, as the main speaker.
He expressed confidence in Qatar’s ability to emerge out of the crisis stronger than ever, describing the resilience shown by Qatar is as unlike that of any other nation.
“It’s (the blockade) is an opportunity for the country to re-invest its self, to invest capacity more into the development for the future. You have addressed the crisis stronger together, I have seen a real determination and resilience here, than I have seen at other places. As a nation you have been stronger,” said Martin.
He referred the denial of students from siege countries to enter Qatar as a challenge resulted from the unjust blockade. Other challenges included disrupted partnerships, which he said inhibit higher education from being a place where innovative solutions can be developed. “I think the partnerships made around the Gulf region have been impacted on some way on the continued good work in research and on students’ access, to come here and study,” said Martin.
During his lecture on ‘Education and the Blockade: Challenges and Opportunities,’ Martin also spoke of numerous opportunities, including possibilities for enhanced partnerships on an international level, as well as promoting the use of technology to counter impaired access to education.
While, he commended on Qatar Foundation’s and HBKU’s progressive mandate in providing high quality education and research, emphasising the growing demand for higher education all around the world, and fuelling Qatar’s advancement.
The public lecture was held as part of a series of talks that were conducted at HBKU to promote a better understanding of the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar. It was held at the HBKU’s Students Centre in the education City.
Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, President of HBKU, said, “The current political situation in the region is a topic of international interest; therefore, it is essential that educational institutions in Qatar explore the crisis through an analytical lens. By hosting informative lectures and seminars on the blockade, we are giving community members an opportunity to engage with leading experts on the topic, enabling them to understand the critical role of education and its importance in fostering a politically conscious society.”
