Tribune News Network]
Doha
The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and National Geographic Learning jointly hosted an inspirational educational conference titled ‘Empowering Minds’. Held on campus and graced by the presence of Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST, and Eng Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, assistant undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, the event served as a dynamic platform for discussing various topics, notably the significance of creativity in employability and the integration of sustainable practices in education. The entire UDST community, along with schools and representatives from major educational institutions in Qatar, was welcomed to attend.
The conference featured Dr Salem Al-Naemi, who delivered an enthusiastic welcome address, and guest speakers such as John Hughes, an award-winning ELT author; Charlotte Ellis, head of Strategic and Digital Marketing for National Geographic Learning; Andrés Ruzo, a geothermal scientist and educator; and Bader Alamari, a Youth Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Generation (SDGeneration) network and a current UDST student.
Dr Salem Al-Naemi stated, “Empowering Minds shows that we are on the right track towards a future where both creative thinking and sustainability are education fundamentals. It is exciting and an honour to collaborate with National Geographic Learning on an initiative like this. It also reflects the commitment of both organizations to nurture environmentally conscious thinkers – our teachers and our learners – and to encourage adaptive, original problem-solving in our approaches to education. The conference not only informed but inspired change.”
John Hughes presented ‘Seven Steps Towards Creative Thinking’, providing enlightening insights on enhancing creativity in language learning and its crucial role in career development. Charlotte Ellis conducted a session on ‘Sustainability in Education – The What, The Why, and The How’, offering a comprehensive overview of integrating sustainability into educational curriculums. Andrés Ruzo discussed the intersection of conservation, exploration, and career choices in his talk ‘Your World, Your Change: Impact Mapping to Shape Your Future’.
Bader Alamari, a student ambassador and firm sustainability advocate, explored the role of youth in sustainability in Qatar, highlighting the importance of student involvement in environmental initiatives.
‘Empowering Minds’ underscores UDST’s ongoing commitment to fostering a generation of innovative and environmentally conscious leaders. The overwhelming support from attendees is a testament to the event’s impact and anticipation for future collaborations.
