Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Qatar University (QU) recently participated in NAFSA 2019 Annual Conference and Expo, a premier professional learning and networking event for international educators, held under the theme ‘Global Leadership, Learning, and Change’ from May 26-31 in Washington, D.C.

HBKU and QU delegates headed up the Qatar Pavilion at the event, under the theme of ‘Study in Qatar’. The dedicated stand served to showcase Qatar as an emerging global destination for higher education and research, and the successes achieved through its ongoing collaborations with global partners.

The event saw the participation of more than 9,000 industry professionals from 3,500 institutions and organizations across 100 countries, who exchanged valuable insights on all areas of international education administration, student services, research and teaching from a global perspective.  

University delegations included senior members of management and international office associates, who were actively engaged in a series of events, sessions, and conference hall showcases.

Ms. Maryam Al-Mannai, vice president for student affairs at HBKU, said: “NAFSA is a key event on the international education calendar, and HBKU is proud to have participated for the fifth year running. The global education ecosystem continues to evolve and adapt, and the event provides an invaluable platform to assess these ongoing developments, compare notes and evaluate the efficacy of latest advancements. 

“HBKU is at the forefront of multidisciplinary education in the region and it is always an exceptional honor to represent Qatar and showcase our innovative teaching methods to the global education community, while gleaning invaluable information from our international peers.” 

The theme of this year’s conference sought to encourage reflection on the status quo in the education field and how best to overcome current challenges faced in the teaching profession.   

Dr. Khalid Al-Khanji, QU vice president for student affairs, commented saying, “Qatar University is the first, largest, and most prominent institution for higher education in Qatar. NAFSA 2019 mirrors QU values such as partnership, international diversity and innovation. We attract international students because we put our student’s first. Our key focus is to draw students via our specialization in key science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas, by providing an exciting learning environment and prioritizing research methodologies.”

More than 200 professional learning sessions and programs were held throughout the duration of the event, including specialized pre-conference learning workshops; leadership programs for presidents, provosts, directors, and managers; signature programs supporting global learning, peace building, risk management, and internationalization; poster presentations; and a NAFSA community celebration. 

HBKU is a multidisciplinary academic institution that regularly collaborates with local and international partners to promote knowledge exchange and showcase its innovative approach to delivering world-class graduate programs. The university’s commitment to international outreach is a reflection of its global outlook and desire to remain interconnected in a rapidly evolving world.

As a premier national institution, QU continuously invests and participates in studies which further science and society. As both a leader in emerging gas technologies and an environmentally-conscious institution, QU’s autonomous research units strive to make an impact on a global scale. The university plans to utilize its findings to amass an intellectual reservoir that will establish a strong knowledge-based economy in Qatar.

For more information about HBKU and its worldwide initiatives, please visit www.hbku.edu.qa.