By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Energy World-Qatar 2015 — an interactive exhibition which inspires young people to take up careers in science and engineering to help offer solutions to pressing challenges on food, water and energy — opened yesterday at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Minister of Environment
H E Ahmed Amer Mohamed Al Humaidi attended the opening of the 10-day event, said to be the first of its kind in the Gulf.
Rabea Mohamed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Michiel Kool, Managing Director and Chairman, Qatar Shell Companies; and Sheikh Thani bin Thamer Al Thani, Deputy Managing Director, Qatar Shell Companies, were present at the launch of the event organised by Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Shell in association with Qatar Tourism Authority.
The event provides an interactive educational experience, taking people of all ages on a journey into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
It features a lively mix of physical and digital exhibits, workshops and science shows encouraging everyone to explore, make and learn.
“The aim is to inspire young people to take up studies in these fields (STEM) so that they become engineers, scientists and leaders of tomorrow that will help build a prosperous future for Qatar,” said Kool at the inauguration.
“We worked with the Supreme Education Council and reached out to more than 11,000 children in 120 schools across Qatar to encourage them to visit the event.”
Divided into 10 zones, the exhibition offers edutainment activities to raise awareness about the importance of the three essentials: Water, food and energy and the need to think of solutions to answer the growing demand for them, with the swelling global population.
The world is home to seven billion people and by 20150 the Earth will support another two billion. By 2030, the world will need 50 percent more food, at least 30 percent more fresh water and 40 percent more energy without increasing environmental impact.
“I believe that it is a good thing for society to encourage young people to study science and engineering to apply analytical and creative thinking in their innovations to deal with some of the world’s challenges in particular around food, water and energy,” Kool added
“We hope that this event will be a positive encouragement in that direction and in that way support Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Kool.
The event challenges visitors with fun STEM-themed activities and innovative questions along with an interactive journey comprising digital exhibits.
Upon answering the final question, visitors will step up to the screen to find out what type of innovator they are — designer, engineer, connector, inventor or adventurer. The event is open from Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, Fridays from 2pm to 10pm and Saturdays from 10am to 10pm. For free tickets, register at www.energyworldqatar.com
The Peninsula
