Doha, November 12 (QNA) - Qatar Youth Hostels concluded the third edition of the international forum Youth at Hostel today, a four-day event addressing SDG4: Quality Education.

The forum was organized in partnership with UNICEF and the Youth Centre at Qatar Museums.

At the closing ceremony, Qatar Youth Hostels announced the launch of the Qatar Youth Hostels Sustainable Tourism Award, a competition aimed at middle school students to promote sustainable domestic tourism. Participants will engage in field trips across the country linked to Qatar's history curriculum, fostering experiential learning and raising awareness of sustainability.

Fatima Al Sulaiti, Head of Programs and Events at Qatar Youth Hostels, described this edition as "exceptional in terms of organization and participation," praising the creativity and social responsibility demonstrated by Qatari youth. She highlighted the involvement of the deaf community as an inspiring example of inclusive engagement.

The forum included workshops and discussion sessions with local and international partners such as UNICEF, Hostelling International, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Qatar University, Qatar Museums, and Education Above All Foundation. Participants also selected the theme for the next edition of the forum, continuing a global youth dialogue on sustainable development goals.

The event emphasized the intersection of education and tourism, exploring how sustainable tourism can enhance cultural awareness, provide informal learning experiences, and foster community engagement.

Delegations from 10 countries - Spain, Slovenia, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Qatar - took part, contributing to diverse discussions and recommendations connecting tourism with experiential education.

The forum was structured around three main committees: Education and Experiential Learning and Youth Empowerment; Inclusion and Social Justice; and Educational Tourism and Youth Exchange, aligning with Qatar's national youth policy and the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Sports and Youth.

International organizations and local governmental representatives played a key role in providing practical insights that shaped the forum’s final recommendations. (QNA)