The Education Above All Foundation and the Ministry of Sports and Youth hosted a vibrant event at Place Vendôme to celebrate International Youth Day, focusing on youth empowerment and opportunities.
Doha, Qatar Aug 13, 2026 ALN: The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the Ministry of Sports and Youth recently celebrated International Youth Day with a vibrant public activation at Place Vendôme. This event was designed to connect young people with a variety of opportunities in education, skills development, volunteering, and leadership. International Youth Day is an annual event observed on August 12, established by the United Nations in 2000 to promote the importance of youth in global development and to encourage their active participation in society. The day serves as a platform for raising awareness about various issues affecting youth, including education, employment, health, and civic engagement.
Under the theme ‘From Learning to Leading: Empowering Youth’, the activation at Place Vendôme aimed to engage young people, families, and visitors through a series of interactive experiences that highlighted different stages of youth development and participation. The event is set to remain open until August 16, 2026, providing a long-term platform for youth engagement and empowerment. This extended duration reflects a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders invested in youth development.
The significance of this event lies not only in its celebration of youth but also in its commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment and leadership among young individuals. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that youth play in shaping their communities and the world at large. By providing a space for young people to engage with one another and with leaders from various sectors, the event underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by today's youth.
The event features a variety of installations designed to encourage participation and dialogue among attendees. These interactive experiences aim to provide insights into the pathways available to young people and to inspire them to take active roles in their futures. By engaging with these installations, participants can explore various avenues for personal and professional growth.
This installation focuses on the various pathways through which the EAA Foundation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports support young people. It highlights critical areas such as education, employability, volunteering, and advocacy. By showcasing these pathways, the installation aims to inform young people about the resources available to them and encourage them to utilize these opportunities. In a rapidly changing job market, understanding these pathways is essential for youth to navigate their futures effectively.
In this installation, visitors have the opportunity to listen to recorded messages from EAA beneficiaries, Youth Advocates, and Qatar’s UN Youth Delegates. These individuals share personal experiences detailing how education and opportunities have significantly influenced their lives. By sharing these stories, the installation aims to inspire others and demonstrate the transformative power of education and engagement. Such narratives can help demystify the challenges that many young people face and provide relatable examples of success.
This interactive experience invites visitors to share their interests and priorities while learning about future opportunities for youth participation. It encourages dialogue and engagement, allowing young people to express their aspirations and concerns, thereby fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. This installation not only serves as a feedback mechanism but also as a catalyst for future initiatives that resonate with the youth's needs and desires.
Alya Fakhroo, Head of Advocacy at EAA Foundation, emphasized that the initiative aims to create a space where young people are recognized as active contributors and partners in shaping their future. This perspective is crucial as it aligns with the broader global movement towards recognizing the agency of young people and their potential to drive change. By positioning youth as stakeholders rather than mere recipients of aid, the initiative seeks to empower them to take ownership of their futures.
Fawaz Al Messaifri, Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities that support young people’s participation in education, professional development, volunteering, and community engagement. Collaborative efforts between various stakeholders are essential to ensure that young people have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Such partnerships can amplify the impact of individual programs and create a more cohesive approach to youth development.
Rashid Al Naimi, Head of the Youth Development and Empowerment Section at the Ministry, noted that youth empowerment should focus on working with young people and providing platforms that allow them to contribute ideas and participate in developing solutions. This approach not only empowers young individuals but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their communities. By involving youth in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, the initiative aims to cultivate a generation of informed and engaged citizens.
According to the EAA Foundation, the activation reflects its broader efforts to support young people beyond access to education. These efforts include programs focused on employment, entrepreneurship, skills development, volunteering, and civic participation. By addressing these diverse areas, the foundation aims to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The multifaceted approach recognizes that education alone is not sufficient; young people need a holistic set of skills and experiences to navigate the complexities of modern life.
The initiative was delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Place Vendôme, with support from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). This collaboration underscores the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges faced by youth and in creating sustainable solutions that empower them. By pooling resources and expertise, these organizations can create a more impactful and far-reaching initiative.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen youth engagement and provide opportunities for young people to contribute to their communities and future development. By fostering an environment where young individuals can learn, lead, and innovate, the initiative aims to create a brighter future for the next generation. The long-term nature of the project, running until 2026, indicates a commitment to sustained engagement and the evolution of programs based on feedback and changing needs.
In conclusion, the celebration of International Youth Day at Place Vendôme serves as a significant reminder of the potential of young people when given the right opportunities and support. It highlights the need for continued investment in youth development and engagement to ensure that they can play an active role in shaping their futures and contributing to their communities. The event not only celebrates youth but also sets the stage for ongoing dialogue about the challenges they face and the solutions that can be developed collaboratively.
For more information about the Education Above All Foundation and its initiatives, interested individuals are encouraged to explore the resources available through the foundation and engage with the various programs designed to empower youth. By participating in these initiatives, young people can take active steps towards realizing their potential and making meaningful contributions to society.
Check out ’s FREE e-Guides for everything you need to know about Qatar.
To learn more about the latest developments in Education News, stay updated with our exclusive reports and analyses on AILensNews.
