DOHA: Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, honoured the winners of the 2024 Akhlaquna Awards during a ceremony held at Qatar National Library in Education City.

The ceremony was attended by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, alongside ministers, officials, and the parents of the awardees. Akhlaquna is an initiative initiated in 2017 by Sheikha Moza that highlights the connection between ethics and knowledge, and reflects the strong ties between virtuous traits and ethical behaviours that are a key driver for social progress and development.

This year's edition of Qatar Foundation’s Akhlaquna Awards received entries for the Individual Contributions Award from across Qatar and also the Gulf region, recognizing individuals and initiatives that contribute to fostering positive change in society.

Among them was Ali Mohammed Al-Kuwari, from Qatar, for his Etqan Program initiative: a television program that emphasizes the significance of performing tasks with skill and precision and make it an integral part of religious and societal commitment. The program spans a wide range of topics, highlighting how Islamic ethics can be applied in all areas of life.

Yousuf Ahmad Al Omran from Kuwait was honoured in the Individual Contributions from the Gulf Region category - presented for the first time – in recognition of his initiative Boujarrah Makes a Change. This project focuses on the repair and restoration of infrastructure in Kuwait, involving over three thousand volunteers and completing more than fifty-five projects.

The Akhlaquna Youth Award for 2024 – honoring school students aged 15-18 years who develop projects and initiatives for, and make contributions to, their community and their school – was won by Jassim Khamis Al-Meraikhi, from Qatar Academy Al Khor; Ghalya Ebrahim Al-Maraghi, from Al-Arqam Academy for Girls; Roudah Mubarak Abdullah, from Al-Eiman Girls Secondary School; Mohammed Abdulla Ebrahim, from Ahmed Bin Mohammad Boys Secondary School; Moza Abdulla Alfakhroo, from Al-Arqam Academy for Girls; and Noof Khamis Al-Merakhi, from Al-Maha Academy for Girls.

And the Akhlaquna Junior Award, an award honouring school students aged 7-14 years who are exemplary role models, was presented to 15 students from schools across Qatar were awarded. Their projects ranged from caring for nature and humanitarian initiatives to awareness campaigns and projects aimed at promoting the importance of morals such as compassion, benevolence, and patience.

Muhammad Abdullah Al-Ibrahim, an 18-year-old winner of this year's Akhlaquna Youth Award, said: "I'm really excited to have been chosen among this year's participants. It's been a tough and long journey, but a rewarding one. My projects focused on sharing the moral values taught by the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), particularly within my school community.

"The award inspires us to strive and contribute more. True success lies in witnessing the positive impact our projects have on society. The concept of the Akhlaquna Award, which targets various age groups, plays a crucial role in advancing our society across all areas.

"Throughout its seven years, every effort made, whether in a project or an initiative, contributes to the betterment of our community. We take great pride in this, especially as it helps empower the young leaders of tomorrow.”

"Receiving this award is truly amazing, and I'm incredibly proud," said 17-year-old, Moza Abdulla Alfakhroo, who was also honoured with the Akhlaquna Youth Award and named an Ethics Ambassador for Akhlaquna.

"However, for me, the real achievement has always been about making a meaningful difference in my community.

"My ambition is to serve as a catalyst for change. I aim to inspire other young people to realize their potential for impact. I believe each one of us can contribute positively. My focus is to do as much good as possible within my community and to make a positive lasting impression.Being named an Ethics Ambassador offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate that success encompasses more than academic achievements. It's about personal growth and making a tangible impact."

During the ceremony, the launch of the Ambassadors of Akhlaquna Club – aimed at strengthening community bonds among individuals through a series of interactive activities planned throughout the year – was announced. The club will focus on instilling values of ethics and cooperation across different segments of society.

The Akhlaquna initiative also announced its 2025 campaign under the slogan ‘Our Compassion is Our Strength’, intended to continue Akhlaquna’s journey of promoting positive and ethical values within the community. The campaign aims to inspire youth to spread compassion and empathy in society, encouraging them to embody these values in their daily lives.