Doha, November 08 (QNA) - The fourth edition of the "Youth at Hostel" international forum, organized by Qatar Youth Hostels under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, began on Sunday under the theme "Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being", one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and will continue until November 11.

The forum brings together 34 young men and women, including 20 participants from Qatar, alongside youth delegations from several countries, such as Slovenia, Spain, India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Libya, and Lebanon.

The event aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and ideas while opening new avenues for dialogue and cooperation on issues of importance to youth and the future of societies.

The forum's program features interactive workshops and discussion sessions involving various government and private entities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Qatar University, UNICEF, and Hostelling International, among other organizations and companies.

The program also includes field visits to several cultural, historical, and tourist landmarks in the country, such as Souq Waqif, Msheireb, Aspire, and Qatar Foundation.

The forum is held in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Youth Center under Qatar Museums.

In this context, Executive Director of Qatar Youth Hostels Hussein Ali Al Ahbabi emphasized that organizing the fourth edition of the forum aligns with the organization's commitment to providing international platforms for youth, enabling young people to connect, exchange experiences, participate actively in international programs, and showcase the achievements and expertise of local institutions in this field.

He noted that the forum serves as an interactive space bringing together youth, institutions, and experts to discuss issues of global priority, with the aim of transforming ideas and discussions into actionable recommendations and initiatives.

He further explained that focusing this edition on the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3), ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, underscores the importance of raising awareness about good health and quality of life, as well as the role of youth in actively contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. He reaffirmed that Qatar Youth Hostels remains dedicated to empowering young people, providing them with opportunities to become partners in driving change and building a more sustainable future.

For his part, Director of the Youth Center Abdulrahman Al Ishaq stated that the partnership with Qatar Youth Hostels to organize this forum reflects the Youth Center's vision of empowering younger generations, providing interactive spaces that integrate knowledge, experience, and dialogue, and offering young people genuine opportunities to share expertise, develop their skills, and engage in discussions on issues impacting their present and future. He explained that addressing good health and quality of life from a youth perspective underscores the importance of involving young people in crafting solutions rather than merely raising their awareness of challenges, noting that investing in individuals begins with empowering them knowledgeably, socially, and culturally, and fostering their capacity for critical thinking, initiative, and collaborative action.

He further remarked that such international forums serve as an opportunity to build bridges of communication between the youth of Qatar and the rest of the world, enriching their experiences with diverse perspectives and cultures and contributing to the preparation of a conscious and responsible generation capable of creating a positive, sustainable impact within their society.

Official Spokesperson for the fourth edition of the Youth at Hostel international forum Fatima Al Sulaiti stated that the event aims to advance the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, noting that it will feature a series of workshops designed to help young participants formulate recommendations to be presented to the forum's strategic partner, UNICEF, and the International Youth Hostel Federation.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Sulaiti highlighted the forum's commitment to empowering youth through a platform led by Qatar Youth Hostels, providing them with an opportunity to share their views, aspirations, and needs.

Regarding the translation of these recommendations into practical action, Al Sulaiti emphasized that participating youth can directly contribute to implementing the proposals they develop throughout the forum.

She further noted that participants range in age from 18 to 30, a demographic deliberately included to ensure young people play an active role in the forum's success, explaining that the selection process was based on specific criteria, most notably familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals.

For his part, member of the Qatari delegation Rashid Salem Al Rumaihi told QNA that the event serves as a valuable opportunity to benefit from international expertise, exchange ideas on public health and well-being, and gain significant insight.

He explained that this participation contributes to advancing the Qatar National Vision 2030, supported by a shared commitment among participants to promote health and well-being, enrich young experiences, and channel energy into actionable agenda proposals.

Meanwhile, Head of the Bahraini delegation Dr. Marwan Obaid stated to QNA that Qatar's organization of the forum reflects the global reputation earned by Qatar Youth Hostels and the country's excellence in hosting international youth-focused events.

He pointed out that the forum centers on fostering health and well-being through diverse regional and international experiences, creating an innovative and sustainable framework that shapes new youth perspectives in alignment with global trends. He added that the collaboration with international entities underscores Qatar's prominent global standing and a shared consensus to promote youth health guided by modern principles.

In the same context, Manager of Adolescent and Youth Development Programs at the UNICEF Gulf Area Office Dr. Abdullah Diwan told QNA that the forum holds special importance for addressing youth health, a key priority for the United Nations and UNICEF.

He noted that the forum explores topics including youth mental health, nutrition, access to clean water and sanitation, safe spaces, active participation, and physical fitness, positioning Qatar Youth Hostels as a vital global platform for launching recommendation implementation.

Praising Qatar's role in youth development, Dr. Diwan affirmed that the State of Qatar is a global leader in youth care, education, and skills development, holding a prominent position within the United Nations across youth-related fields. (QNA)