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Panel examined how identity can shape renewed approaches to education systems

Doha, Qatar – 25 January 2026: Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby hosted a panel discussion, ‘Education from the Roots: A Strong Identity, Renewed Learning,’ on Sunday at the Mandarin Oriental, Doha, in Msheireb Downtown, to mark the International Day of Education.

Held as part of a Qatar Foundation (QF) event, the panel was moderated by Habes Howail, Government Partnerships Manager at QF’s CEO Office. The discussion featured Dr. Said Ismail, Professor of Genomics at Hamad Bin Khalifa University – a member of QF – and Engineer Fedaa Al-Deen Yahya, a social media influencer and blogger.

The BilAraby session explored education not only as a process of knowledge transfer,  but a means of preserving collective memory, forging mindful connections between past and future, and liberating creativity from confining structures to expand opportunities for innovation.

Discussions highlighted how identity can drive innovation, with language and heritage positioned as living sources of knowledge capable of reshaping our relationship with society and redefining our place in the world.

Commenting on the discussion, Howail said: “Any significant reform in education starts with understanding our identity. In the session, we viewed memory as a tool for renewal rather than nostalgia and emphasized that language is fundamental to education. It shapes our thinking and guides how we engage with the world.”

The panel explored four interconnected themes: collective memory as an educational force where engagement with the past inspires contemporary solutions; identity as dynamic foundation for innovation across diverse fields; language as more than a communication tool, shaping how cultures interpret the world and assign meaning; and conscious education as an approach that balances individual autonomy with collective belonging, positioning schools as interactive environments that promote inclusion without diminishing individuality.

BilAraby’s participation aligned with the objectives of International Day of Education, emphasizing inclusive, high-quality learning, safeguarding the Arabic language, and strengthening societal responsibility for education. The initiative also highlighted the importance of connecting curricula with local context, supporting teacher development, and fostering innovation to ensure education remains responsive to contemporary challenges.

Building on this work, BilAraby is continuing preparations for its second forum, scheduled for April 2026 in Education City, Doha, under the theme ‘With Our Ideas, We Build.’ The BilAraby Forum 2026 is expected to bring together more than 1,000 participants from over 22 countries, featuring keynote sessions, workshops, and interactive activities.

The initiative welcomes institutions and organizations that believe in the transformative power of ideas from the Arab world to join the forum. Further updates can be found at www.BilAraby.qa.