(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the Geneva Graduate Institute, has concluded the 2025–2026 executive programmes in Development Policies and Practices for the Middle East and North Africa region and Conflict and Fragility Management.
Held in partnership with the Qatar Fund For Development(QFFD), the programmes brought together a diverse group of mid-career professionals committed to advancing leadership, governance, and sustainable development in their respective fields.
The Doha module, conducted from August 24 to September 4 began with an opening ceremony attended by representatives from the embassy of Switzerland in Qatar and the QFFD, alongside faculty and academic coordinators from both institutions. The event set the tone for an enriching and collaborative six-month learning journey that blends academic rigour with real-world policy application.
During the Doha sessions, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops, lectures, and site visits to bridge theory and practice. Also, 18 lecturers from HBKU, 10 from external institutions in Doha, and three from the Geneva Graduate Institute contributed to the success of the Doha Module.
Highlights included a visit to Al Jazeera, where participants met Salah Negm, director of news for an engaging discussion on the evolving role of media in shaping global narratives.
A visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, included an insightful session with Dr Abdulaziz al-Horr, director, Diplomatic Institute, who shared insights on Qatar's diplomatic strategy and contributions to regional and international affairs.
The programme also featured a panel discussion on“Peace & Conflict Mediation: Approaches and Perspectives,” with experts Dr Achim Wennmann, Geneva Graduate Institute and Dr Dalia Ghanem, Middle East Council on Global Affairs. The session offered valuable perspectives on mediation practices and the challenges of fostering sustainable peace in complex contexts.
Following the Doha module, participants continued with four months of part-time applied learning at their workplaces, supported by e-learning, before joining peers from Accra, Bangkok, Bishkek, Lima, and Ouagadougou for the final module in Geneva, where they presented their professional theses and participated in cross-regional policy dialogues.
Reflecting on the successful completion of the programmes, Dr Logan Cochrane, acting dean, CPP, stated:“This collaboration continues to empower professionals with the analytical and leadership skills needed to address today's most pressing policy challenges. We are proud of our participants and their contribution to advancing evidence-based policymaking across the region and beyond.”

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