A decade after delivering her own class speech as a graduating student, Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani, undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour in Qatar, returns to Northwestern University in Qatar—this time as the 2025 graduation speaker. Al-Thani will address the Class of 2025 at the University’s 14th annual ceremony on May 5 at the Qatar National Convention Center.
“Najwa embodies the very essence of leadership, excellence, and global impact that we champion at Northwestern Qatar,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “As a multidisciplinary institution dedicated to evidence-based storytelling and shaping narratives of the Global South, we take pride in alumni like Najwa, who exemplify these values in action. From her early work in human rights to shaping Qatar’s migrant labor policies, she has been a force for positive change—bridging research, advocacy, and policy to create meaningful impact. Her journey reflects the transformative power of a Northwestern education, and we are honored to have her return to inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”
Al-Thani’s career spans human rights, strategic communications, and labor policy. She began at Qatar’s National Committee for Human Rights before taking on a key role in communications at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the organization behind the 2022 FIFA World Cup. She later became assistant undersecretary for migrant affairs at the Ministry of Labour, where she helped shape Qatar’s labor policies. In December 2024, she was appointed undersecretary, overseeing strategic labor reforms and market policies.
Beyond her government role, Al-Thani has also served as vice chairman of the Board of Directors for the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, general secretary for the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, and chair of the National Minimum Wage Commission. She is also a member of the National Workforce Planning Committee and the board of directors for Qatar Manpower Solutions Company, Jusour.
“Najwa embodies the very essence of leadership, excellence, and global impact that we champion at Northwestern Qatar. From her early work in human rights to shaping Qatar’s migrant labor policies, she has been a force for positive change—bridging research, advocacy, and policy to create meaningful impact. Her journey reflects the transformative power of a Northwestern education, and we are honored to have her return to inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”
As the Class of 2025—comprising 118 students from 18 countries—embarks on their careers as leaders and storytellers, they will be joined by Al-Thani, who once stood where they are now. A Class of 2015 alum, she earned a bachelor of science in communication with a certificate of Middle Eastern studies before pursuing a master’s in global governance and diplomacy at the University of Oxford. She is currently completing a PhD in social sciences and humanities at Hamad bin Khalifa University.
Reflecting on her return to campus, Al-Thani said, "I’m truly honored to return to NU-Q, a place that played such an important role in shaping my own journey.” She added, “To stand before the Class of 2025, who are now beginning their own paths, feels like a full-circle moment. My time here gave me the tools and perspective to make a difference, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned along the way. I hope to inspire these graduates to embrace their unique journeys and make a meaningful impact wherever life takes them."
Graduation speakers are selected through a process led by the Graduation Speaker Committee, composed of faculty, staff, and students. This committee identifies individuals whose distinguished experiences and contributions resonate with the values of the occasion. Al-Thani has been selected for her exemplary leadership and the invaluable perspectives she brings with her work, shaping key global conversations and driving positive change in her field.
Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani joins a distinguished group of influential and prominent leaders who have addressed Northwestern Qatar’s graduating classes. Previous graduation speakers have included Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute; Dima Khatib, Managing Director of AJ+; and many other distinguished figures who have made significant contributions in their fields.
