Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani attended the convocation ceremony for the 9th cohort of master's students at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI). The event, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, was also attended by several ministers, Chair of the DI Board of Trustees Dr. Azmi Bishara, and members of the governing board.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony marked the graduation of 220 students from 28 nationalities, with 150 from the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and 70 from the School of Economics, Administration, and Public Policy. Among the graduates, 95 were supported by the Qatar Fund for Development as part of the State of Qatar's International Scholarships Program, with 71 being Qatari nationals.
Dr. Abdelwahab El Affendi, President of DI, remarked on the significance of this year's ceremony, coinciding with the Institute's 10th anniversary. He highlighted the symbolic value of the graduation, extending congratulations to the graduates, the Institute community, and the State of Qatar for their educational achievements.
Dr. El Affendi emphasized the importance of the graduates' role in the country's development, aligning with Qatar's National Vision 2030. He noted that DI plays a crucial role in advancing scientific inquiry, health, national development, and humanitarian leadership, among other areas.
HE Vice Chair of the DI's Board of Trustees, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani, praised the cohort for their critical thinking and societal responsibility, reflecting Qatar's commitment to education advancement.
Graduates Nawaf Al Dosari and Raghad Afghani expressed gratitude and aspirations, with Al Dosari highlighting the transformative nature of their academic journey, and Afghani affirming the knowledge gained as a tool for change.
The ceremony concluded with a video showcasing graduates' success stories, followed by the distribution of certificates by HE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and other dignitaries.
Since its inception, DI has celebrated the graduation of eight cohorts, totaling 1,419 graduates. The Institute offers 19 master's programs and eight doctoral programs across various disciplines.