Minister Highlights Family Key Role in Upbringing of Children. In an era where knowledge is key to effective leadership, Qatar is taking strides in nurturing leaders through intellectual growth. One notable initiative driving this change is Qatar Reads’ “Read to Lead” program, which focuses on promoting leadership, personal growth, and the transformative power of reading.
On October 7, 2024, government ministers and key leaders gathered at the Qatar National Library (QNL) for a profound discussion on leadership, social upbringing, and the significant role of reading in shaping future leaders.
Leadership and Personal Growth through Reading
The Read to Lead program, developed under the Qatar Reads initiative, unites individuals passionate about driving societal change through reading. The recent event at QNL saw the participation of 45 distinguished VIPs from various sectors across Qatar, including Minister of Social Development and Family H E Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.
The participants delved into the book The Role of Social Upbringing in Shaping the Proper Behavior of Children by Mahra Al Qasimi, sparking rich discussions on the importance of social upbringing in cultivating positive behavior in children—an essential aspect of leadership.
The Read to Lead initiative uses selected books as catalysts for thoughtful dialogue, allowing leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about topics critical to modern leadership. In this latest session, the focus on child upbringing resonated with the participants as they explored how nurturing children plays a vital role in shaping a progressive society. The exchange of ideas among Qatar’s leaders highlighted the importance of reading not just for personal development but also for building a stronger society.
The Role of Social Upbringing in Leadership
During the session, Minister Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad shared her thoughts on how social upbringing is fundamental to shaping the future. She emphasized the need for leaders to understand the importance of fostering positive behavior from a young age and acknowledged the significance of the book in addressing this critical issue.
She noted, “Understanding social upbringing is crucial, as it plays a vital role in shaping the future of our children and the well-being of society. It is our duty to support these efforts, as they lay the foundation for a brighter future.” This statement underscores the belief that leadership begins at home and that a solid upbringing can create future leaders who contribute positively to society.
The Minister also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Social Development and Family in implementing strategies that prioritize social upbringing. By adopting a scientific approach, the ministry ensures that families—the cornerstone of society—are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to raise future leaders.
Promoting a Culture of Reading Across Society
Minister of State and QNL President H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari emphasized the importance of reading as a tool for leadership. He remarked, “Reading is the primary source of knowledge not only for students and researchers but also for officials, decision-makers, and all leaders.” His words reflect the essence of the Read to Lead program—reading is not merely an academic pursuit but a crucial element of leadership that equips individuals with the insight and foresight necessary to anticipate and respond to future challenges.
The Qatar National Library (QNL) has taken a proactive role in promoting a culture of reading through its partnership with various ministries and institutions. By hosting sessions like Read to Lead, QNL fosters intellectual engagement among the country’s top decision-makers, reinforcing the belief that reading is the hallmark of effective leadership.
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Qatar Reads: Nurturing Future Leaders
The Qatar Reads initiative, under the guidance of QNL, has made significant contributions to the intellectual development of Qatar’s future leaders. Fatema Al Malki, Project Manager of Qatar Reads and Acting Director of the Children’s and Young Adults’ Library at QNL, emphasized the importance of the Read to Lead program in setting an example for Qatar’s youth. She stated, “Today’s event not only highlights the power of reading and the importance of informed debate in fostering intellectual growth but also sets an example for Qatar’s youth to follow in their personal development journey.”
By encouraging youth to embrace reading, the Qatar Reads initiative aims to shape the next generation of leaders who are equipped with the knowledge, values, and critical thinking skills needed to drive change and make informed decisions.
Reading as a Cornerstone of Leadership
The Read to Lead program is built on the understanding that reading is fundamental to leadership. It opens doors to new perspectives, cultivates empathy, and provides the knowledge necessary for tackling the complex issues that leaders face today. Whether it’s shaping policies, guiding organizations, or making community-based decisions, reading fosters the intellectual agility that leaders need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
In Qatar, the Read to Lead initiative not only supports the personal development of leaders but also aligns with the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. By promoting reading across all segments of society, the initiative contributes to the development of a knowledge-based economy, where education, critical thinking, and intellectual growth are paramount.
Conclusion
The Read to Lead program by Qatar Reads is a powerful initiative that underscores the transformative potential of reading in shaping effective leaders. By bringing together government ministers, key leaders, and intellectuals, the program fosters a culture of reading that drives personal growth, leadership development, and societal progress. Through the exchange of ideas and informed debate, participants are not only empowered with knowledge but also encouraged to pass on the value of reading to future generations.
As Qatar continues to invest in its human capital, initiatives like Read to Lead will play a crucial role in ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the future with wisdom, empathy, and insight. Qatar National Library (QNL) and Qatar Reads are at the forefront of this effort, nurturing a culture where reading is seen as a cornerstone of leadership and intellectual growth.