Tuesday, 15th November, 2011: Doha, QATAR; Qatar Career Fair, in cooperation with FHI 360, an international organization active in the fields of health, education, gender, environment, and youth organized the Arab Youth and Employability Symposium in Education City – Student Activities Center. This important symposium was supported by the GE Foundation, a global organization that supports education and health programs worldwide.

A group of experts in the fields of youth, career planning and development participated at the symposium, those are: Mr. Abdullah Al-Mansoori, Executive Director of Qatar Career Fair, Mr. Nabil Buainain Executive Director of the New Port Project - Qatar, Mr. Robert Corcoran President and Chairman of GE Foundation, Ms. May Rihani, Senior Vice President for gender and cross cutting issues, FHI 360, Ms. Zamila Bunglawala, researcher at the Brookings Institute and Fellow of the Young Foundation – England, Dr. Tarik Yousef, CEO of Silatech, Mr. Rami Khouri, Professor at the American University of Beirut, and Mr. Mohamed Saad Mraikhi Director of National Manpower Development, Ministry of Labour.

The symposium is considered to be an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of youth and economic productivity and career planning. The symposium presented in depth analysis of the status of youth in the Arab world, discussed constraints and opportunities, and analyzed policies affecting youth and the centrality of gender and inclusivity within these policies.

The symposium discussed the current situation in the Arab region and its repercussions on the future of our young people; it was an opportunity for young people to determine their future and plan for their careers, as well as an opportunity for cooperation between Qatar Foundation and two international organizations concerned with education and community development. This symposium was undoubtedly inspired by the goals of the national development strategy 2011-2016, including the development of human capacity, the goals of Qatar Foundation, particularly the unlocking of human potential, knowing that this symposium addresses the Qatari youth in particular and Arab youth in general.

The symposium tackled a number of themes, notably “The State of Arab Youth”, overview and analysis of and "The policies and solutions, the way forward". It is worth mentioning that the seminar aimed at reaching a number of conclusions, including:

- Strengthen the role of Qatar in the field of career development and Arab youth support
- Encourage Arab to plan for their career and shape their future
- Provide an opportunity for young people to benefit directly from the objectives of the symposium
- Provide appropriate opportunities to the parties interested in career development and guidance to exchange experiences
- Create networks to communicate with specialists in the field of career development at the international level