By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Nasa research scientist Essam Heggy is one of the distinguished figures who will attend the eight annual Empower Youth Conference which will be inaugurated by H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Reach Out To Asia (ROTA).
The Egyptian-born space scientist will join International Inspiration CEO Jehangir Malik at the event along with a group of Arab youth entrepreneurs including Soukaina Rachidi, Lujain Al Ubaid and Firas Aljarrah. This was announced at a press conference yesterday by Abdullah Al Bakri, ROTA Community Development Manager.
The Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani and ROTA Executive Director Essa Al Mannai will also be attending the opening of the conference.
To be held from March 17 to 19 at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Centre, the conference will feature 48 workshops as well as panel discussions, seminars, and keynote speeches focusing on the theme “Innovation in Youth Social Entrepreneurship.”
“Social entrepreneurship has gained momentum across the region in recent years due to the emergence of an increasing number of startups and successful projects that are both socially responsible and financially sustainable. This emerging concept of social entrepreneurship will be the focus of discussions at the Empower 2016 conference in line with the sustainable development objectives outlined by the United Nations in 2015,” explained Al Bakri.
Among the trainers and speakers from Qatar are Hussain Habib Al Sayed, Salah Al Yafey and Abdallah Albuainain. In addition, more than 15 experts from the regional office of the United Nations Development Program as well as experts from Qatar Development Bank, Bedaya Center and Qatar Debate will conduct the workshops.
Qatar Charity is ROTA’s humanitarian partner for the conference while Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is the brand partner and Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) the hospitality partner.
“Youth Social Entrepreneurship aims to bolster skills development and education amongst young talents to motivate them to achieve success and independence. We can better accomplish these objectives with the support of organisations such as the Qatar Charity, QFC, and QNCC, whose belief in the importance of investing in future generations aligns with ROTA’s mission to support communities through education and training,” said Al Bakri.
Ali Atiq Al Abdulla, Qatar Charity’s Director of Community Development Centre, said: “We are pleased to be one of the sponsors of Empower 2016, and we look forward to being part of the conference by conducting several workshops. The conference aligns with Qatar Charity’s mission to invest in Qatar’s youth and support their development. In volunteering and servicing the Qatari community, we are working together to achieve Qatar’s vision.”
“Our collaboration with ROTA for Empower 2016, is rooted in common values and a joint commitment in providing today’s youths with the needed tools to become responsible global citizens and future young leaders, ” Said Abdulrahman Al Ajail, Senior Business Development Manager, QNCC. The conference has attracted more than 1,400 applicants from over 60 countries, of which 450 successful participants will be selected to attend the event.The Peninsula
