BilAraby, an innovative cultural initiative by Qatar Foundation, recently hosted a pivotal panel discussion titled ‘Education from the Roots: A Strong Identity, Renewed Learning’ to mark the International Day of Education. The event, held in Doha, brought together thought leaders to explore how cultural identity, collective memory, and the Arabic language can serve as powerful catalysts for innovation and educational reform in the modern era.
Education as a Foundation for Identity
The panel, moderated by Habes Howail, Government Partnerships Manager at QF’s CEO Office, featured insights from Dr. Said Ismail, Professor of Genomics at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Engineer Fedaa Al-Deen Yahya, a social media influencer. The discussion reframed education not merely as a transfer of knowledge but as a crucial means of preserving collective memory and connecting the past with the future to unlock new opportunities for creativity and innovation.
“Any significant reform in education starts with understanding our identity,” said Howail. “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.”
Redefining Innovation Through Heritage
Discussions highlighted how a strong sense of identity can drive innovation across diverse fields. The session explored four key themes, positioning language and heritage as living sources of knowledge capable of reshaping society. These included viewing collective memory as an educational force for contemporary solutions, understanding identity as a dynamic foundation for innovation, recognizing language as more than a communication tool, and promoting a conscious approach to education that balances individual autonomy with collective belonging.
This approach aims to foster inclusive learning environments within schools that empower individuality while strengthening community ties, ensuring education remains responsive to contemporary challenges.
Building a Regional Platform for Arab Ideas
Building on the dialogue, BilAraby is preparing for its second annual forum, scheduled for April 2026 in Doha’s Education City. Under the theme ‘With Our Ideas, We Build,’ the forum is expected to convene over 1,000 participants from more than 22 countries. The event will feature keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, and interactive activities, creating a major regional platform for innovators, learners, and organizations to share transformative ideas from the Arab world.
About BilAraby
BilAraby is an innovative cultural initiative launched by Qatar Foundation in 2024 to amplify ideas and innovation within Arabic-speaking communities. Building on QF’s longstanding commitment to culture and the preservation of the Arabic language, BilAraby fosters an inclusive environment that nurtures passionate minds, encourages collaboration, and inspires innovators to express their vision for a better future in Arabic. Under the slogan ‘Ideas Have a Voice and an Echo’, the initiative celebrates the creativity and stories of Arabic speakers.
Source: Zawya
