Doha, May 06 (QNA) - HH Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attended on Tuesday the 2025 Qatar Foundation Convocation ceremony, held at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). More than 1,000 students who graduated from Qatar Foundation’s higher education institutions were honored.

HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al- Thani also attended the ceremony, which marked a pivotal moment in the lives of the graduates and in the journey of Qatar Foundation. The event was also attended by several ministers, dignitaries, university deans and faculty members, as well as the families of this year’s graduating class.

Speaking on the occasion, HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser said: "Congratulations to our graduates and your families. Let this day be, not the end of your studies, but the beginning of your journey of lifelong learning. While a degree is important in securing financial and job security, always remaining open to new ideas and knowledge is essential for spiritual and emotional wellbeing, enabling us to overcome prejudice and preconceptions."

This year’s convocation holds special significance, as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Qatar Foundation’s establishment, three decades of impact, innovation, and opportunity in education, science, and community development.

The anniversary also underscores QF’s continued role in knowledge creation and its commitment to human and social development both regionally and globally.

Over the years, Qatar Foundation has graduated more than 11,000 students from its universities, students who have gone on to make their mark locally, regionally, and internationally as leaders, innovators, and catalysts for positive change.

HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, who attended the ceremony, said:"As we celebrate the graduates of Qatar Foundation, we also pause to reflect on a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom. For three decades, QF has redefined the role of education, not as a destination, but as a continuous journey toward inquiry, purpose, and innovation. It is a model rooted in our national values, yet open to the world; one that equips learners to lead with insight and integrity. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education takes pride in supporting this vision, one that continues to shape Qatar’s path toward a future that is inclusive, enlightened, and grounded in knowledge."

This year’s graduating class, who symbolically passed through the "Door to the Future" during the convocation, represents 74 nationalities, with 61% of graduates being female and 39% Qatari. Passing through the "Door to the Future" symbolizes their transition into a new phase of life.

President of Higher Education and Education Advisor at Qatar Foundation, Francisco Marmolejo, stated: "At QF, we are very proud of the dedicated work done by graduating students. We are confident that they received top, world-class education, and that they nurtured a strong sense of professionalism, ethics, and community service at Qatar Foundation. This year’s graduating class is especially important for us, because this is one of the most impactful ways to continue celebrating 30 years of remarkable achievements of Qatar Foundation".

"Our Convocation is much more than just a ceremony – not even the end of a journey for our graduating class, but rather an opportunity to recognize the hard work of students, to appreciate the support of their families, and to celebrate new beginnings," he added.

Founder and CEO of WHOOP (a wearable health and fitness technology company), and the keynote speaker at the 2025 Qatar Foundation Convocation Will Ahmed said: "Education City is a special place that brings together students from all over the world. It’s an honor to celebrate the graduates."

He added: "It’s very meaningful. The diversity in this class isn’t just about geography or culture, it’s about mindset, ambition, and the unique paths these students are on. They represent the next generation of leaders in fields ranging from science and medicine to policy, design, and beyond."

He continued: "When I graduated from college, I was deeply committed to building a company, but I also faced a lot of skepticism even from people close to me. Graduation can be daunting. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, and it’s easy to feel pressure to meet expectations set by others. My goal is to help these graduates feel empowered to pursue their dreams and trust their own convictions."

During the ceremony, 16 graduates from the Class of 2025 received the Qatar Foundation’s Award for Academic Excellence in recognition of their outstanding achievements throughout their educational journey at QF. More than 100 applications were submitted this year, and a dedicated review committee comprised of representatives from QF’s partner universities selected the top candidates.

Director of Academic Affairs at Qatar Foundation Dr. Samah Gamar said: "We designed the QF Excellence Award to capture the full arc of the student experience at Education City – from intellectual rigor and interdisciplinary thinking to social responsibility and career readiness.

"And this year’s awardees represent the very best of what QF’s multiversity ecosystem offers, students who transcend disciplinary boundaries and channel their knowledge into real-world impact."

The awardees were recognized for their academic excellence, interdisciplinary thinking, and commitment to making a tangible social impact. Their contributions ranged from sustainability research powered by AI to clinical innovations using virtual reality. Many went beyond the classroom by organizing cultural events, launching national campaigns, participating in international conferences, building local partnerships, and empowering others through mentoring and inclusive initiatives they led.

Dr. Gamar continued: "What makes these students exceptional is not just what they know, but what they have done with that knowledge."

Qatar Foundation’s higher education ecosystem includes its homegrown Hamad Bin Khalifa University and seven international partner universities: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, HEC Paris in Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, and Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar.

Graduates of these universities, as well as students continuing their academic paths within them, benefit from a unique and interconnected academic environment that QF has established and nurtured over the past three decades. They receive a world-class education in disciplines ranging from medicine, engineering, arts, design, and communication to international affairs, computer science, Islamic studies, law, public policy, humanities, social sciences, and business administration.

The integrated nature of QF’s ecosystem enables students to enroll in cross-registered courses across neighboring universities, gain hands-on experience in research and tech entrepreneurship, including turning their startup ideas into real businesses, and grow as active citizens through leading and supporting community initiatives, engaging in volunteerism, embracing intercultural understanding, and exploring new interests. (QNA)