The 16th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO 2019) got underway in Qatar yesterday, with the participation of as many as 409 students from over 70 countries. 

This is the first time an Arab country has organized the prestigious competition, which is being held under the theme, "Inspiring Today’s Young Generation for the Skills of Tomorrow," in Qatar.

His Excellency Qatar's Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi opened IJSO 2019 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) on Wednesday. 

While delivering the keynote address at the event, HE Dr Al Hammadi said, "The Olympiad hosts some of the world’s best-performing students to compete and exchange expertise with others from around the world."

He mentioned that the participation in this edition is the highest in the history of the Olympiad.

Qatar’s hosting of the event reflects the country’s growing stature in the field of science, education, and research.

قسماً قسماً قسمـاً بمـن رفـع السـماء قسمـاً بمـن نشـر الضـياء#قطر ستـبـقى حـرة *** تسمـو بـروح الأوفــيـاء"

النشيد الوطني لدولة #قطر ?? تعلن بداية فعاليات أولمبياد العلوم الدولي للناشئين 2019 .#ijso pic.twitter.com/GYeTPZGuma

— وزارة التعليم (@Qatar_Edu) December 4, 2019

"The country’s strategy, laid by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will continue to focus on the development of the educational system to bring up a new generation that has access to the most modern skills and the most modern scientific research capabilities," the Minister highlighted.

"This will enable them [the youth] to remain relevant in the light of the scientific and technological developments that are sweeping the world. This, in turn, will help meet the aspirations of the society for prosperity," continued the minister.

Prominent Qatari entrepreneur HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, former minister HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada, Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s undersecretary Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi, Qatar University president Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, Hamad Bin Khalifa University president Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, and several other dignitaries graced the opening ceremony.

Representatives of regional and international organizations, diplomats from various missions in Qatar, educational leaders, teachers, and students were also present on the occasion. 

Speaking at the event, Dr Al Naimi described the Olympiad as a source of pride for all in the country. He also pointed out that Qatar’s participation in the previous editions of the competition was useful in understanding various ways in organizing such global events.

16th edition of the International Junior Science Olympiad under the theme of "Motivating Today's Young Generation for the Skills of Tomorrow." #QNA pic.twitter.com/29yDNXaMyc

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 4, 2019

The president of the IJSO organization, Dr Paresh Joshi complemented Qatar for hosting the Olympiad in a highly professional manner as well as introducing a digital format for conducting the competitions.

He also encouraged the students to perform well in the competition to gain maximum benefits from the Olympiad in their scientific and professional journey.

The opening ceremony shined a spotlight on Qatar’s heritage and advancements in the scientific field through several videos, coupled with a performance highlighting the seafaring heritage of the country.

The ceremony also saw the announcement of winners of a competition organized by the Qatar Environment and Energy Institute. The team from Palestine won the first prize, while the Qatari team came second. The Indian team won the third position.

The 16th International Junior Science Olympiad will conclude on December 12.

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Cover Image Credit: Twitter/@Qatar_Edu

Source: Gulf Times and QNA