Doha, January 21 (QNA) - Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education has marked the International Day of Education by launching a series of educational and awareness activities highlighting the role of young people in shaping the future of learning.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said the celebrations were held under this year's global theme, "The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education", reflecting the United Nations' emphasis on youth as key drivers of educational transformation and sustainable development.

The International Day of Education was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2018 and is observed annually on January 24 to underline the importance of education as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of development.

As part of the celebrations, the ministry is hosting a two-day educational technology exhibition on January 21 and 22 at its headquarters, in partnership with Dakakeen Group. The initiative highlights cooperation between the public and private sectors to support innovation and enhance learning environments. The exhibition was officially opened on Wednesday and features interactive displays showcasing smart educational tools and digital learning solutions designed to support blended learning and meet the demands of the digital age.

Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs Maha Zayed Al Al Ruwaili said the occasion reflected strong confidence in students' ability to lead meaningful changes in education.

She stressed the ministry's commitment to equipping students with digital tools and advanced skills, positioning them as active partners in building the future, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes investment in human development.

Dakakeen Group chief executive Nasser Al Jaber praised the strategic partnership with the ministry, saying it highlights the latest educational innovations. He noted that the collaboration began last year through specialized workshops held at five summer centers, as part of the "Young Innovator" initiative, which used virtual laboratories and virtual reality technology to deliver enriched learning experiences.

He added that the group's participation in this year's celebrations builds on that success, with strong student engagement underlining the need for dynamic learning environments that encourage creativity and critical thinking. The program also includes guided tours and panel discussions focusing on youth empowerment and the effective use of technology to improve educational outcomes.

Beyond the ministry's headquarters, activities have been rolled out across government schools nationwide over the course of a week. These included creative and critical thinking exercises, as well as field visits to the National Leadership Center and the Msheireb Smart City project, aimed at linking classroom learning with real-world applications.

Senior ministry officials conducted site visits to schools and the exhibition, praising the level of engagement shown by teachers and students. The ministry said the International Day of Education serves as an annual opportunity to renew its commitment to inclusive and equitable education, and to preparing future generations capable of leading Qatar forward and addressing global challenges, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)