· Preserving identity to bolster Qatar Vision 2030

· Promoting education based on clear values and principles

· Fostering loyalty and nationalism amongst the young Qatari generation

Doha, Qatar 14 December 2011:  As part of its celebrations for Qatar National Day, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is organizing the 'National Day Forum 2011,' where elite academics and other education, sociology and media experts will discuss the younger generations' cultural identity in the modern age.

The Forum, held today under the slogan of 'Youths ready to take on globalization through identity preservation,' will seek ways to bolster nationalism amongst its youth.  The event, at Qatar National Convention Centre, will be introduced by keynote speaker His Excellency Hassan Bin Abdullah Al-Ghanem, Minister of Justice in Qatar.

In the Forum's first session, Dr. Kaltham Ali Al Ghanim, Associate Professor at Qatar University (QU), will speak on national identity and its significance in social integration.  Shortly following, the director of Media Training and Development Centre of Al Jazeera Network, Dr. Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Horr, will speak about the role of identity in fostering cultural harmony.

The second session, titled 'Threats to Cultural Identity,' Dr. Asmaa Abdullah Al Attiyah, Associate Professor of Mental Health at QU, will explore means of protecting children from identity loss in the era of globalization.  Dr. Hassan bin Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, Vice-Chairman of the Permanent Population Committee, will also speak on Qatar's demographic structure and its impact on Qatari identity.

The second day of the Forum, Dr. Abdul Nasser Saleh, Associate Professor at QU, and Dr. Rabia Sabah Al-Kuwari, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Chairman of Faculty at QU will also discuss how to prevent identity loss in Qatari children.

Dr. Ghadnana Saeed Al-Ben Ali, Head of Educational Sciences at QU, will also take part in the Forum's second day, where she will tackle the role of educational curricula in promoting loyalty and patriotism amongst the youth.

Reem Al Mansoori, the manager of ICT Skills Development of Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology (ictQATAR) will explore the role of information and communication technology to emphasize Qatar's national identity.

The Forum will conclude its activities on the second day with a presentation by Mohammed M. Al Badr, Head of Graphics and Promotions at Al Jazeera Sports Channel, who will demonstrate the role of cinema to manifest national identity.

By organizing this Forum, Qatar Foundation remains committed to its goals of unlocking human potential in local communities and to building a modern society with strong cultural values. Preserving Qatari traditions will directly meet the needs of society, realizing the greater mission of achieving a knowledge-based economy in Qatar and worldwide.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2011