DOHA: Qatar University will host an international conference on transformations taking place in societies around the world and how these are recorded, particularly in the Gulf and Middle East.
The conference will take place at the university’s library from March 18 to 20.
The three-day conference — The Rise in Public Engagement: The Region and The World — is organised by QU’s Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) in collaboration with Arab Barometer and the World Values Survey.
Experts will present findings of a range of new surveys on issues, including identity, democracy and governance, economic development and cultural change, women and gender issues and religion.
The conference will be opened by QU President Professor Sheikha Al Misnad and SESRI Director Dr Darwish Al Emadi.
Topics which are particularly relevant to local society include ‘Qataris’ attitudes towards foreign workers’, ‘What does the Arab public think about democracy’, ‘Does economic satisfaction really breed political apathy among Gulf citizens?’ and ‘Qatari attitudes towards gender role’.
Al Emadi, who will talk on topics including ‘Why we need surveys in the Gulf’, said: “Society is changing fast, particularly in the Middle East since the Arab Spring.
“It is vital that we engage with the public in these countries — to find out what they think about these changes and document how they impact all areas of life — to help shape public policy.
SESRI regularly conducts research on issues related to the social, economic and cultural development of society in Qatar, which is used to inform decision-maker for guiding policy planning and formulation.
The Peninsula
