5/1/2025
The Steering Committee of the Skills, Training, and Education Program (STEP) for Refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and Host Communities in the member countries of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) held its fourth meeting in Doha. Hosted by STEP's strategic partner, Qatar Charity (QC), the meeting was chaired by Mr. Syed Qadri, Director of Resilience and Climate Action at IsDB, and attended by STEP's Steering Committee members to evaluate the programs’ projects and progress.
STEP is IsDB’s comprehensive and integrated initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and enhancing livelihoods for young refugees, IDPs, and vulnerable host communities in IsDB member countries (MCs). The program is tailored to augment access to education, facilitate skills development and nurture entrepreneurship incubators, as well as generate employment opportunities. Since its launch in 2022, the program achieved significant and tangible outcomes. By the end of 2027, it is expected to benefit 650,000 children and youth from refugees, IDPs, and host communities.
At the opening session of the meeting, Mr. Nawaf Al-Hammadi, Chief Global Operations Officer at Qatar Charity, welcomed the members of the STEP Committee. He expressed his hope that the meeting would yield outcomes that positively impact refugees IDPs, and vulnerable host communities in IsDB member countries.
Mr. Syed Qadri, Director of Resilience and Climate Action at IsDB, welcomed the Steering Committee members, noting that such regular meetings are key for evaluating STEP’s project progress and overall advancement. He expressed hope that the meeting would generate additional ideas that would lead to further improvements in STEP’s outcomes and the implementation of practical measures to advance its progress. Mr. Qadri also thanked Qatar Charity for its generous hospitality and hosting and organizing the meeting, emphasizing that these gatherings "help deepen bonds and strengthen partnerships among us."
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), and Qatar Charity, along with strategic partners from the International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO), Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society, Jusoor Foundation, Al Awn Foundation for Development, and SPARK.
During the STEP Steering Committee meeting, participants reviewed ongoing projects and their progress, shared ideas and experiences, assessed the program's overall advancement and achievements, and approved new projects for the next phase.
The meeting’s closing session presented the STEP Steering Committee’s key recommendations, including: attracting more strategic and funding partners to boost resources and sustainability; adopting policies to ensure diverse project selection for greater impact; enhancing monitoring and evaluation to improve efficiency and outcomes; focusing more projects on education; encouraging knowledge exchange among partners; tracking progress using key performance indicators; increasing visibility through media campaigns; maintaining a unified visual identity; and showcasing the program’s impact through regular reports and success stories.