Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF) for Education, Science and Community Development, is holding a two-day international workshop on the role of peace education in Africa. To be held on February 8th and 9th, the workshop, titled “Peace Education: Qatar Engagement in Mapping of Policies, Programs and Resources in Africa”, will bring together renowned academics, United Nations delegates, and prominent practitioners to delve into a number of crucial issues in education and peace-building that can affect Africa’s socioeconomic and political transformation.

In line with HBKU’s modern approach to higher education, which promotes pushing the limit of innovation and research to respond to the needs of communities, the workshop highlights the role that universities should play in fostering peace education in diverse post-conflict and conflict-prone countries. Panelists will discuss the most effective ways universities in war-affected countries can be functionally relevant to the everyday needs and challenges of their immediate environment by promoting peace building through peace education.  Participants will discuss lessons from Qatar and analyze specific strategies, case studies, and new ideas utilized in the building of peaceful and resilient communities.

Dr. Abdullahi Hussein from Qatar National Research Fund, Hany Besada from the United Nations and University of Ottawa, and Dr. Mohammed Evren Tok, Assistant Professor of Public Policy in Islam at HBKU’s Faculty of Islamic Studies will open the event.  The workshop will host panelists from various international organizations, such as the United Nations, World Bank, New York University, University of Oxford, Education Above All, the African Union Commission, Plan International, and Women in Cities International

Dr. Tok commented on the occasion: “This international workshop will help identify current and necessary capacities, and impacts of multi-level education actors to develop social cohesion through conflict-sensitive education protocols and mechanisms as well as to improve our understanding of the capacities needed for peace building leadership development and resource management at varying levels.”

At a time of economic and political turmoil in regions across the world, the workshop, through the diversity of its themes and participants, is a demonstration of HBKU’s commitment to education and community development, integral to the mission of Qatar Foundation, in and beyond Qatar.  

The workshop will be held at the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS) building in Education City. Registration is now open, with those interested invited to learn more at: www.hbku.edu.qa/PeaceEducation.