A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last Thursday between the Center of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) and Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development will provide a comprehensive framework to facilitate collaboration in areas of common interest, specifically in addressing Arab family issues.
The agreement was signed by CAS dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi and Ms. Noor Al Malki Al Jehani, DIFI Executive Director in the presence of CHSS director Dr Kaltham Al Ghanim, CAS Associate Deans, for Academic Affairs Dr Hassan Abdulaziz, for Research and Graduate Affairs Dr Mohammed Ahmedna, for Outreach and Engagement Dr. Khalifa Al Hazaa, DIFI Director of Implementation and Social Outreach Faisal Al Hitmi, DIFI Director of Family Policy, Ms. Lara Hussein, DIFI Senior Lead Researcher Dr. Anis Brik and DIFI Senior Program Specialist Ms.Dana Al Khalout.
The agreement includes enhancing the knowledge base of the family and supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of policies and programs on the family in the State of Qatar through Conducting research and studies, holding joint seminars and workshops and exchanging technical, advisory and training services.
Dr Eiman Mustafawi noted that The Center for Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) was established to promote excellence in interdisciplinary research, advancing knowledge and attracting international research experts in the humanities and social sciences with a special focus on Qatar and the Arab world. “CHSS conforms to Qatar University’s vision of archiving and conducting “high quality research that addresses contemporary challenges and advances knowledge, this involves creating awareness of research opportunities, guiding faculty and students through the application process for research grants, and encouraging publication in prestigious academic journals in order to elevate the research visibility and the status of the university and the reputation of the humanities and social sciences in CAS”, she said.
Dr. Mustafawi added: “We are proud to sign this agreement with Doha International Institute of Family studies, which is part of a prestigious foundation as Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. We hope that this cooperation will be fruitful in the issues facing the Arab family through the development and spreading leading research to evaluate and develop relevant policies".
Ms. Noor Al Malki Al Jehani, DIFI Executive Director, underlined the importance of the MOU in promoting a common understanding to consolidate the institutional cooperation between the two parties as a means to contribute to the development priorities focusing on families and their members in Qatar. According to Al Malki, DIFI believes that family is not only the fundamental group unit of society, but is also the fundamental agent for sustainable social, economic, and cultural development.
The MOU, she added, will contribute to the knowledge base of the family in Qatar and provide policy makers in Qatar with evidence based research and policy analysis that supports the design and implementation of new or more effective family oriented policies and programs. The role the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences plays in conducting high quality research that deals with contemporary challenges while contributing to the advancement of knowledge is what attracted the Institute to work with the Center. Al Malki also maintained that the MOU will enable DIFI to contribute to promoting Qatar Foundation’s vision in leading the efforts aimed at achieving leadership in human, social, and economic development in Qatar”.
Dr Al Ghanim said: “This MoU will provide opportunities for capacity building, exchange and transfer of best practice and research and studies. It will also provide a framework for working with DIFI on joint projects and advocacy activities that will enhance the role of both organizations in attaining human development goals.
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