Egypt
Association of Arab Universities Honors QNL President as 2025 Personality of the Year: The Association of Arab Universities has named HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library (QNL), as the 2025 Personality of the Year for Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development. The announcement came during the Second Forum for the Arab World’s International Day for Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, held on December 4, 2025, at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo.
Recognition of Qatar’s Cultural Leadership
The forum, organized by the Department of Sustainable Development and International Cooperation of the Arab League, highlighted Qatar’s pioneering role in education, cultural advancement, and creativity. Moreover, it emphasized QNL’s contribution as a regional and global beacon of knowledge and enlightenment.
Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities and Honorary President of the Arab Council for Social Responsibility, Professor Amr Ezzat Salama, extended a formal invitation to Dr. Al Kawari, applauding Qatar’s efforts to support education, culture and regional development.
Dr. Al Kawari Expresses Gratitude
In his acceptance statement, Dr. Al Kawari remarked that the recognition honors Arab educators and intellectuals who continue to enrich society with knowledge and culture. He stressed that the distinction reflects Qatar’s unwavering belief in “cultural diplomacy”, through which QNL connects heritage with modern advancement.
Knowledge at the Heart of Sustainable Development
Dr. Al Kawari underscored the critical role of education in Arab society. He asserted that sustainable development is rooted in accessible knowledge and innovation. Combatting ignorance, preserving Arab heritage, and expanding access to science form the foundation of his social responsibility vision.
A Vision of Empowered Youth
He highlighted that Qatar views culture and knowledge as responsibilities rather than luxuries. Dr. Al Kawari emphasized that youth are not merely the future but the active present, deserving empowerment and opportunity.
Key Achievements of QNL’s Social Responsibility
He outlined QNL’s major initiatives that strengthen sustainable development:
- Democratizing knowledge via the Qatar Digital Library
- Promoting reading and literacy through “Qatar Reads” and the “One Book, One Doha” campaign
- Preserving regional heritage and Arab historical memory
- Ensuring accessibility through the Sensory Room, assistive technologies, and the “Manara” open science platform
- Building global cultural bridges with international partnership programs
Dr. Al Kawari dedicated the honor to Arab youth, asserting that the greatest investment lies not in infrastructure but in people—their values, knowledge, and creativity.
The event aligns with the Arab League’s long-term strategy to enhance sustainable development, empower youth and women, and expand cooperation across Arab universities.
