Connecting Qatar’s youth with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is one of the key themes of the first Maker-Majlis presented by the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). The four-day event also considers how the global goals are relevant for the Islamic world, while serving Qatar’s strategic objectives.

His Excellency Dr. Hamad Al Kawari, Minister of State, will be giving the opening remarks. Leading academics and experts will attend the event, including guest speakers Dr. Richard Falk, Princeton University; Dr. Azza Karam, Senior Adviser, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Dr. Hugo Slim, Head of Policy, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). 

Maker-Majlis: Islam in a Global World promises an eclectic mix of exhibitions, high-level talks, and activities by 22 local and international organizations designed to enhance understanding of the challenges addressed by the SDGs. 

These include the Comic Zone, which looks at efforts to make the SDGs more accessible to citizens around the world through comics. Finding local solutions for SDG-related problems will also be the theme of the Halaqa Talks. These 10-minute TED-style discussions seek to foster inspirational and innovative thinking among youths.

Participants at Maker-Majlis will be encouraged to engage in an interactive setting with is-sues tackled by the SDGs during a number of breakout sessions. The weeklong  Makeathon tasks university students with designing projects based on various SDGs. Meanwhile, the Refugee Experience, organized by the Qatar Red Crescent, showcases registration process-es, health checks and other issues associated with refugee zones. 

An opportunity to come face-to-face with refugees is offered by Doha Debates in the Portable Inflatable Shared Studio, designed to connect people separated by distance and difference. Participants will also be able to connect with experienced practitioners working with the SDGs during Braindates. 

The event will round off with the SDG Awards, which recognize civil society, individuals, private sector leaders, and other individuals who have advanced SDGs on the global stage. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. M. Evren Tok, assistant dean of Innovation and Community Advancement and associate professor, CIS, said: “We’re naturally excited to be staging an event of this size and scope. Not only does the Maker-Majlis underscore that CIS is an established home for contemporary Islamic studies, it also demonstrates that we are connected to a network of SDG experts that is second-to-none. To this end, we’re confident that the event will effectively join the dots between the SDGs, the Islamic world, and Qatari youth.”

The College of Islamic Studies regularly hosts public lectures and conferences to promote a deeper understanding of the various aspects of Islam among the wider community. 

Maker-Majlis: Islam in a Global World will take place from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm between September 22 and September 25 at the Minaretein (College of Islamic Studies building), Education City. For more information, or to register to attend, please visit hbku.edu.qa