«إمباور 2026» ينطلق اليوم 250 شابا وشابة في الدوحة

The 17th edition of the EMPOWER youth empowerment conference opened today, Thursday 12 November, in Doha. Education Above All Foundation is organising it in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and it runs until 14 November at the Andaz Doha – Hyatt hotel under the theme "Youth Leadership for Peace and Security", according to a foundation statement carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The statement says the conference brings together 250 young people from Qatar, along with policymakers, United Nations representatives, civil-society organisations, academics, international youth representatives and experts. Its stated aims are to amplify young people's voices, build their leadership and advocacy skills, and connect their recommendations to the regional dialogue on youth, peace and security. The foundation said youth committees played an active part in shaping this year's theme, programme and activities.

Over three days, the programme includes 18 interactive workshops, four inspiring talks and four panel discussions. They are organised under four themes: youth participation in decision-making; protecting and engaging young peacebuilders; education and economic opportunity as pillars of peace; and the role of sport and cross-sector partnerships in building resilience and social cohesion. The conference also has an exhibition of youth-led ideas and projects, alongside a number of partner initiatives.

The opening ceremony includes a welcome address from Education Above All Foundation, a keynote from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, a screening of the short film "Youth Voices for Peace" and a creative address by young people titled "A Message from 2040".

According to QNA, Mana Mohammed Al-Ansari, Chief Executive of Economic Empowerment at Education Above All Foundation, said the conference rests on the principle that young people should not just take part in discussions about their future but help shape them. He added that the foundation aims to give them the knowledge, confidence and opportunities to turn their ideas into concrete action.

Fawaz Al-Musaifri, Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, said Qatar places young people at the heart of its development path. He said the strategic partnership with the foundation provides real platforms for young people to express their views and develop their leadership skills.

The main outcome will be the EMPOWER 2026 Youth Declaration, which participants are drafting as a call to action in support of the youth, peace and security agenda. Youth representatives of the foundation will present it at the Arab Forum on Youth, Peace and Security in Doha from 15 to 17 November.

The statement did not include a registration link or say whether the conference is open to the public.