Doha - November 12, 2013

Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and Mowasalat hosted a workshop to discuss sustainable solutions to public transport and citizen responsibilities. The event, titled "Planning and Promoting the Use of Public Transport in Qatar", took place on Sunday November 3rd and was attended by students from across Education City in addition to students and faculty from Qatar University.  

Mowasalat is taking several initiatives to promote citizen responsibilities for a sustainable future and greener environment, extending its commitment to realize the National Vision 2030 and following the four pillars. Mowasalat is confident that combined efforts such as these offer platforms that build relationships among stakeholders, infrastructure planners and developers, as well as project owners.  They further allow the youth the opportunity to network with such professionals and become part of the continual development process for mass transport solutions.  The end result is increased sustained mobility, enhanced quality of life, conservable nonrenewable energy resources, reduced pollution and a safer, greener environment.

The event's program was executed by the youth and for the youth with participation and presentations by HBKU and Qatar University students.  Mowasalat facilitated the program by bringing in the Director of the International Association of Public Transport's Youth for Public Transport (UITP Y4PT) to share her experience and ideas from past programs held across and outside of the region.  

Mr. Nasser Al Khanji - Executive Director of Mowasalat mentioned that "We mark through this program our collaboration with Hamad bin Khalifa University to engage the youth, urging them to evolve with Mowasalat for a sustainable future.  Through bringing their exuberance and fresh minds, students are encouraged to  tothis is his quotedent Centergenerate creative and innovative ideas that enable Mowasalat to prepare and deliver their projects, products and services.  This in turn promises reliable, economical and comfortable integrated public transport services in the area of public transport and mass transportation."

Transformation from single occupant vehicle transportation to mass transit will not happen on its own.  Growth of ridership and usage of mass transportation will happen gradually by positively changing the public perception, removing hurdles and through giving mass transport options priority on roads.  Mowasalat wants to set high standards in public transport services through embracing innovation and technology, including alternate green gas fuel solutions.  In addition, Mowasalat aims to provide varied transportation options for customers to both choose and enjoy, ultimately helping reduce congestion and pollution for an improved lifestyle.

Growth and usage of public transport should be proportionate to growing urbanization and population.  Single occupant vehicle transportation will cause traffic woes, congestion, and pollution and will have a negative impact in economic growth and quality of life.

Dr. Khalid Al Khanji -Vice President of Student Affairs at HBKU mentioned that "We are happy to support and collaborate with Mowasalat in their endeavor for delivering sustainable mobility solutions as it directly supports Hamad bin Khalifa University's sustainability objectives.  HBKU believes that such interactive programs outside of regular academic classes will evince interest, involvement and helps our students to contribute to the community.  The platform provided through our joint program with Mowasalat will develop their confidence and gives them a sense of ownership over their role in contributing to a sustainable future.  Through programs like these, students realize their responsibility to the Qatari community and feel proud to play a role in contributing to it."

Ms. Ameena Hussain, Director of Hamad Bin Khalifa University Student Center, said "I believe in partnering with local organizations in our efforts to offer opportunities for students to be engaged on campus but also with the Qatari community. This I believe would enrich the student experience during their university life".  The program will be a roundtable activity, giving the opportunity for students to comprehend and evolve with their ideas for sustainable future mobility.  HBKU Student Center continues to plan for more programs to engage with community partners.

-Ends-

Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is an emerging research university building upon unique collaborations with local and international partners. Located in Education City, HBKU seeks to provide unparalleled opportunities for scholarship, teaching, discovery, and learning for all of its students through an array of interdisciplinary programs.

HBKU's partners are Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, HEC Paris in Qatar, and University College London Qatar.

© Press Release 2013