College of Public Policy CPP Hamad Bin Khalifa University Hamad Bin Khalifa University

The ongoing blockade of Qatar provided the context for a recent webinar organized by the College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the School of Public Policy and Management at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). 

Taking place September 17, The Blockade of Qatar: Is this Conflict Resolvable? traced the financial, political and social impact of the blockade on Qatari life, particularly on the structure of the national economy. This was accompanied by an analysis of Qatari perceptions of the blockade as well as how the country has responded in policymaking terms. Discussions were brought up to date with an overview of how the blockade and COVID-19 pandemic have affected Qatar’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

CPP hosted His Excellency Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to the Russian Federation, to lead the webinar, joined by Dr. Leslie Pal, Founding Dean of the CPP, and fellow moderator Dr. Natalia Abramova, Director of RANEPA’s School of Public Policy and Management. Additional questions and insights were provided by an online audience consisting of faculty members and graduate students from both universities.

Speaking after the webinar, Dr. Leslie Pal, CPP, said: “Our latest discussion further underscores CPP’s commitment to supporting and contributing to Qatar’s policymaking capabilities. There can be no denying that the blockade has tested these as well as the country’s ability to remain resolute in the face of crises. 

“We were also delighted that H.E. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah accepted our invitation to participate. As an esteemed diplomat and policymaker, His Excellency is ideally placed to reflect on policymaking issues and how the blockade is perceived in Russia and further afield.  CPP and the School of Public Policy and Management at RANEPA recently signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in research and student exchanges, and this was our first joint event. It was a splendid beginning, and we look forward to working together in the next months.”

For more information on the work of the College of Public Policy, please visit https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cpp/about