Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned,
Excellencies,
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamad Bin Khalifa University,
Doctor Ahmad Hasnah, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University,
Members of the Faculty and Staff,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished guests,
I would like begin by thanking the administrators of Hamad Bin Khalifa University for their generous invitation to attend the 2018 commencement ceremony of the Masters and PhD students, that witnesses today the graduation of the inaugural class of PhD holders. Today we are proud to see higher education in our country on the rise, and as a beacon of knowledge and commendable competition.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, the strength of a people is measured first by their scholarly capabilities, followed by other factors. This has been imposed by history and confirmed by the direction of international relations and the investment of politics. The best repertoire any country could have is an educated youth, for it is the state's true wealth. In this sense, investing in the human element through education is the highest and most valuable type of capital with the greatest returns.
The basic feature in our world today revolves around liberalization of markets, and economic, investment, commercial, financial and service spaces. Competition is now the name of the game, which has led to the rise of the knowledge industry through transboundary scientific and technological research, that is not affected by population census, territories, or the abilities of armies.
The subject of work and academic communication for development and advancement has become an urgent necessity, and a matter of existence for states in order not to fall behind the international civilizational progress. History has taught us that many societies have not developed because they have paused knowledge in the minds of their children, and killed creativity among their citizens. They have become eroded with illiteracy, the well of knowledge has dried up, they are obscured by darkness of thought, and have led themselves down a path of closed mindedness.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Since the 1990s, the State of Qatar has made sure to give particular attention to providing distinguished education. Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, the state continues to place education as its highest priority in order to achieve a knowledge-based economy. This is based on our conviction of the importance and inevitability of the investment in the Qatari individual, who is the most important component of our national wealth, to be an active participant in the sustainable development and comprehensive advancement of the nation, and an essential contributor in creating a safe, developed and thriving world. This is reflected in Qatar's National Vision 2030, and Qatar does not spare any effort to establish this so that Qatari citizens can occupy the desired positions that suit them.
The fact that Qataris and residents were armed with education was one of the important factors in facing the challenges of the crisis that hit the Gulf region, and targeted the State of Qatar and its people since June of last year.
The State of Qatar has always praised its youth for their determination and progress, and today this can't be more true as we witness the successes of Qatari youth in all fields.
Investment in education, especially in higher education, is one of the main pillars for providing the environment and qualified personnel to produce and develop knowledge. Higher education is important in order to realize economic diversification and achievements in other fields, support the new knowledge revolution, and recognize the importance of merging knowledge and work.
In Qatar, we believe we should be actors and not consumers. The state has allocated 2.8 percent of its annual revenue to scientific research. It has also expanded the establishment of knowledge, science and culture centers, and attracted several prestigious international universities. Qatar considers this to be an essential investment in the infrastructure necessary to progress, and to achieve the desired aspirations to establish the country as a knowledge-based economy.
We value Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development's vision to unleash human potential. Hamad Bin Khalifa University was established in 2010, as an emerging research university working to contribute to the development of the State of Qatar and the region as a whole, and realizing Qatar's vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Education as one of the fundamental pillars of the internal policy of Qatar is no different from being one of the pillars of foreign policy based on diplomacy of dialogue, openness, and development. This applies within the comprehensive vision of a secure, peaceful, and stable world that is based on our belief that the human society has one fate.
There is no doubt that education is what we need to overcome challenges. Through education, we can build a culture of peace, tackle the phenomenon of extremism and violence, and prevent wars and conflicts that continue to be the greatest obstacles in the way of peace, development, and human rights.
In the State of Qatar we are aware that the deprivation of education at all stages is dangerous, and leads to the loss of generations. Lack of education is a factor in feeding extremism, violence and terrorism. Qatar's foreign policy has focused on the education sector at the forefront of developmental assistance to help and assist those in need, and to alleviate the suffering of those affected by disasters, wars, crises anywhere in the world without regard to religion, race, color, or doctrine. In this regard, the State of Qatar worked to replace weapons with pens.
Education should not be politicized in the case of differences between states, based on the rights of all people to benefit from the intellectual and scientific products of humankind. Education is the source of mutual wealth among people, and strengthens the values of alliances between them. It promotes understanding and coexistence, and disseminates a culture of dialogue among all humankind. Hamad Bin Khalifa University students, who hail from 50 countries, as well as the members of the faculty with their varied experiences and affiliations, are an exemplary example of that. They will play a significant role in promoting cooperation among nations.
Distinguished guests,
Today, we celebrate the graduates of one of Education City's institutions, which we credit to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned.
On this occasion, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the graduates on their success, which is a result of their determination and perseverance to gain knowledge, and take that knowledge with them to use in their practical life. I thank the faculty members of the university for the efforts to see these graduates graduate. These graduates have been entrusted with our hopes of creating a brilliant future for the State of Qatar, and participating actively in the process of the comprehensive advancement that the state is witnessing.
Today, my message to the graduates is that faith in Allah, self-confidence, pride in citizenship, the balance between modernity and authenticity, sincerity in work with a dedicated spirit, and true determination are the keys to success. As you look forward to your future to achieve what you desire in work and have a decent life, remember that your country sees you as its bright future and its desired progress. You have to engage positively, and continue the efforts of your predecessors to achieve a brilliant future for you and for your country in all walks of life.
Finally,
I would like to remind you that earning your Master's degree or your PhD does not mean you have reached the pinnacle of knowledge. I encourage you from this platform to continue to seek progress as knowledge does not have a limit.
Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings