Qatar is strengthening its focus on youth empowerment, skills development and leadership, as it positions young people as active partners in addressing global challenges.
Speaking at the second Global Youth Summit for Change in Geneva, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, HE Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, said the country has placed significant emphasis on building the capabilities of young people.
The approach supports Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its human development pillar. It also promotes volunteerism, active citizenship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Empowering young people means giving them trust, skills, space and opportunity,” Dr. Al Muftah said. She added that policymakers must move from “talking about young people to talking with them” and from designing policies for them to designing policies with them.
Youth participation becomes central to global challenges
Dr. Al Muftah said rapid political, economic and technological changes are reshaping the global landscape.
At the same time, conflicts, climate change, food security and social justice are creating more complex challenges. Therefore, governments and institutions need diverse perspectives and stronger cooperation between generations.
She said Qatar views young people as key partners in climate action, sustainability and peacebuilding. Young people can also drive digital innovation and social entrepreneurship by developing practical solutions to social and environmental challenges.
Moreover, she stressed that meaningful youth participation can help shape more effective responses to global issues.
Qatar Youth Delegates programme trains future leaders
Qatar has translated its youth development strategy into several practical initiatives.
One of them is the Qatar Youth Delegates to the United Nations Programme. The initiative has so far enabled 53 young men and women to represent Qatar at international forums.
Participants receive training in leadership, diplomacy and international affairs. As a result, the programme aims to give young Qataris greater exposure to global policymaking and international dialogue.
The initiative also reflects a wider focus on developing future leaders with the skills needed to participate in international institutions.
Doha Forum Youth Edition connects young voices with policymakers
Dr. Al Muftah also highlighted the Doha Forum: Youth Edition, organised by QatarDebate and the Doha Forum.
The platform connects young people with global policy discussions. It also gives participants an opportunity to present their ideas and engage directly with issues shaping the world’s future.
Meanwhile, the 24th edition of the Doha Forum will take place on December 5 and 6, 2026.
The forum will be held under the theme “Redefining Global Trust”. Discussions will examine trust in the current global environment, alongside diplomacy, mediation, institutional credibility and international cooperation.
Dr. Al Muftah said she also expects meaningful youth participation through the Doha Forum: Youth Edition.
Qatar calls for youth to become partners in shaping the future
Qatar’s approach reflects a broader shift towards involving young people in decision-making rather than treating them only as beneficiaries of policy.
Dr. Al Muftah said youth empowerment requires more than training programmes. It requires trust, opportunity and meaningful participation.
She expressed hope that discussions at the Global Youth Summit for Change would lead to partnerships and initiatives that support a more peaceful, sustainable, just and innovative world.
