DOHA: Qatar University (QU) will officially introduce its Shell Professorial Chair in Sustainable Development in Sociology at the second International Social Sciences Symposium to be held from November 3 to 5.

The announcement was made by Head of the Department of Social Sciences Professor Fadwa El Guindi at a press briefing to outline details of the symposium and to introduce Qatar Shell Professorial Chair Professor Paul Sillitoe. The theme of the symposium is “Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges”.

“This is in line with Qatar Vision 2030 and in light of the recent Arab Human Development Report. It will address the scientific, social and cultural aspects of sustainability,” said El Guindi.

“The purpose of the symposium is to take account of an emergent awareness about sociology in Qatar as the key to reaching a fuller understanding of the world, its cultures, its peoples, their values, their politics and the very sustainability of the planet and the quality of life for people in it, in the face of development and rapid change. It recognises the significant role sociology plays in bringing about our understanding of ‘sustainability’ in world development. Qatar Shell is aware of this significance and its awareness is reflected in its initiative of endowing the Chair in the Sociology Department,” El Guindi said.

A keynote address on sustainability and higher education will be given by QU President Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad at the opening ceremony. Qatar Shell Pearl GTL Managing Director Andy Brown will give the address at the closing ceremony banquet.

“The conference consists of a scientific forum on November 4 comprising sessions of debate and discussion, teaming faculty and students from Qatar University and University of Durham, UK, with Qatar industry and government researchers”. A film titled The Age of Stupid which will be aired during the forum which he said highlights the extent to which the planet was abused and how the human population neglected to take necessary measures to prevent it. The sessions will include topics such as ‘Politics of Sustainability’, ‘Saving the Planet: The Energy Agenda’, ‘Sustaining Health and Well-Being’, and ‘Society, Culture, Sustainability’.