Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth; Qatar University (QU) hosted the seventh annual Leadership and Community Service Conference, “Taqadam," under the theme, “Connecting Point."
This conference, organized by QU Leadership and Civic Engagement Department, brought together students from universities and higher education institutions across Qatar, the GCC, and Arab countries to engage in dialogue on the importance of leadership development and volunteer work in shaping individuals and institutions, contributing to societal progress.
The conference served as a platform to discuss the vital role of leadership and volunteerism in fostering community advancement. It aimed to showcase university-led initiatives in volunteer work, community service, and leadership; to emphasize the importance of these efforts in strengthening education, fostering individual growth, and promoting social solidarity; and to bring together student leaders with experts from participating countries. The event allowed participants to exchange knowledge on successful leadership and volunteer models and explore new trends in volunteer work, focusing on defining modern leadership roles within volunteerism.
The conference aimed to achieve several key outcomes, including; fostering a sense of community responsibility by exploring new concepts in volunteerism and building a network among experts and enthusiasts in leadership and volunteerism. The conference also aims to equip participants with essential skills for leadership and volunteer work, while also enhancing their leadership thinking. The conference is also keen to raise awareness about the importance of the role of volunteering and leadership in the sustainable development of societies.
The conference was held over two days, hosting student delegations from various higher education institutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The event featured interactive workshops, training sessions, and panel discussions.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohammad Shahin Al- Kuwari, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Services Office at QU, emphasized the importance of progress through cultivating forward-thinking mindsets to build better communities. Dr. Al- Kuwari highlighted the role of effective leadership in fostering a culture of community service and teamwork. Dr. Mohammad noted that leadership should inspire and motivate individuals toward shared goals, while community service reflects cooperation and solidarity and contributes to sustainable development.
Mr. Abdulrahman bin Musallam Al-Dosari, Advisor to the Minister of Sports and Youth, stated that the ministry's sponsorship of the conference demonstrated its commitment to developing young leaders and encouraging them to actively contribute to building a cohesive society. He emphasized the importance of volunteerism in maintaining social cohesion and promoting sustainable development, underscoring the role of education in implanting values of volunteerism and social responsibility in future generations.
Ms. Fatima Al-Amadi, Director of the Leadership and Civic Engagement Department at QU, noted that the conference effectively combined the promotion of volunteerism and leadership by gathering a large number of student leaders and experienced professionals in volunteerism and leadership. Ms. Al-Amadi shared that participants had engaged in specialized workshops linking volunteerism with leadership concepts, motivating them to find their paths in various leadership fields beginning with volunteer work.
She expressed her appreciation for the participating organizations and individuals who contributed to this significant event and extended her gratitude to the organizing student committee, volunteers, and department team, highlighting their essential role in the conference's success.