The College of Public Policy (CPP) recently hosted Abdulaziz Al-Mahmoud, Deputy Head of PMO, Planning and Statistics Authority of the State of Qatar, for an interactive discussion on the Third National Development Strategy (QNDS). 

Chaired by Dr. Leslie A. Pal, Founding Dean, CPP, the discussion was an opportunity for students enrolled in the Master in Public Policy and Master in Social Policy and Program Evaluation programs to hear Mr. Al-Mahmoud’s insights and perspectives on a core component of Qatar’s contemporary policy landscape. Moving beyond a conventional lecture format, audience members were encouraged to regularly intervene in proceedings with questions, comments, and their own take on key discussion points. 

A power systems professional, Mr. Al-Mahmoud started his career in transmission network planning, before moving onto transmission and distribution control centers, telecommunications,  and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) infrastructure. His research interests include renewable energy, energy storage, power quality, crisis management, and regulations, policies, and strategies in the power sector.

Speaking after the discussion, Dr. Pal said: “We were honored to host Mr.  Al-Mahmoud for such a proactive session. As well as being vitally important to the continued advancement of Qatar’s economy and society, QNDS is also a focal point for our students and scholars of public policy.  Mr. Al-Mahmoud’s first-hand experience and knowledge surrounding this strategy will undoubtedly contribute to their thesis writing, capstone projects, and academic discussions. And we, of course, look forward to welcoming him back to HBKU in the future.”