The Strategic Foresight Forum on Global Youth Competencies and Lifelong Learning opened on Monday, 12 October 2026, in Doha, Qatar. The three-day event is jointly organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Qatar’s Ministry of Sports and Youth, and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) in Saudi Arabia. It brings together experts and specialists to strengthen young people’s capacity to navigate contemporary transformations and contribute to shaping the future.

In a recorded address at the Forum’s opening, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, affirmed that young people, as the architects of the future, need quality education, relevant skills, and genuine opportunities to build their capacities and strengthen their participation in innovation and leadership. He underscored the importance of lifelong learning, critical thinking, and adaptability, alongside the responsible use of technology.

Dr. AlMalik added that ICESCO established its specialized Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence as part of its efforts to promote a culture of foresight across its Member States. He noted that foresight helps societies understand transformations, identify opportunities and risks, envision alternatives, and connect young people’s skills with the decisions shaping the future of their communities.

He reviewed ICESCO’s efforts to support youth, foremost among them the Young Professionals Program (YPP); the Leadership Training in Peace and Security Program (LTIPS); the “Future Leaders Qualification: Developing International Skills for Sustainable Youth Leadership in the Middle East and North Africa” Program, implemented in partnership with PMU; and the program to train 10,000 leaders in artificial intelligence.

For his part, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Harami, Assistant Undersecretary for Youth Affairs at Qatar’s Ministry of Sports and Youth, stated that preparing for the future begins with engaging young people by honing their skills and instilling the values that enable them to navigate and contribute to developing their world. He stressed that investing in youth includes providing opportunities for them to participate in decision-making, set priorities, and devise solutions.

Dr. Issa bin Hassan AlAnsari, President of PMU, highlighted the responsibility of educational institutions to prepare young people for a world in which knowledge is continually renewed and the demands of life and work are constantly changing. He noted the gap between the knowledge and skills graduates acquire during their studies and those they need, calling for a deeper understanding of this gap and for education to be developed in ways that enable graduates to continue learning and adapt to emerging developments.

Mr. Salem Saeed Al Mansoori, Consultant at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, emphasized the importance of investing in people as the primary drivers of development and as individuals capable of turning difficulties into opportunities. He noted that the Forum’s themes and focus areas align with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Following the opening ceremony, a plenary session titled “Youth and Future Leadership” was held. The Forum also features sessions and workshops on the future of education, skills, work, and artificial intelligence, providing a platform to exchange expertise and develop initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of youth in building the societies of the future.