Moza bint Nasser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned |
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Sheikha Moza addressing the Third Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2010)
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| Consort to the Emir of Qatar | |
| Tenure | 27 June 1995 – 25 June 2013 |
| Born | 8 August 1959 Al Khor, Qatar |
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| Occupation | Chair, Qatar Foundation UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, 2003-2023 chair of the board, arab democracy foundation un advocate for sustainable development goals |
Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned (Arabic: موزا بنت ناصر المسند; born 8 August 1959) is an important figure from Qatar. She is one of the wives of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who used to be the ruler (Emir) of Qatar. Sheikha Moza is also the mother of the current ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
She is well-known for her work in education and community development. She helped start and now leads the Qatar Foundation. This is a large non-profit organization in Qatar that focuses on improving education, science, and community life. Many people see her as a leader who brings modern ideas to her country.
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Early Life and Education
Sheikha Moza was born in Al Khor, Qatar, on August 8, 1959. Her father was Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Missned. He was a well-known activist who sometimes disagreed with the government's policies. Because of this, Sheikha Moza spent part of her childhood in Kuwait when her father was in exile.
In 1977, her family returned to Qatar. In the same year, Moza married Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. At that time, he was expected to become the next ruler of Qatar. Sheikha Moza was the second of his three wives.
Her Academic Journey
Sheikha Moza has a strong educational background. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Qatar University in 1986. Later, she received a Master's degree in Public Policy in Islam from Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
She also has several honorary doctorates from famous universities around the world. These include Virginia Commonwealth University, Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon, Imperial College London, and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. These special degrees recognize her important contributions to society.
Sheikha Moza played a big part in bringing many American universities to Doha, Qatar. This area is known as "Education City." It is part of Qatar's plan to build strong connections with Western countries through education.
Work in Philanthropy and Education
Sheikha Moza is a co-founder and chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). This organization was started in 1995. She has worked hard to improve education in Qatar through the Qatar Foundation.
Supporting Education Globally
In 2012, Sheikha Moza created Education Above All (EAA). This program helps children who are in difficult situations around the world get an education. She strongly believes that education should be protected, especially in areas affected by war.
Under Education Above All, the Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC) program was created. Its goal is to provide education to children living in conflict zones. Qatar, with Sheikha Moza's support, helped establish September 9 as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Sheikha Moza has spoken at events for this day every year since it began.
Other Important Roles
Sheikha Moza has held many important positions:
- She has been the chairperson of Silatech since 2008. This group helps young people find jobs.
- She is also the chairperson of the Arab Democracy Foundation.
- She founded the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in 1998.
- From 2002 to 2012, she was the vice president of the Supreme Education Council.
- In 2003, she became UNESCO's Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education. She stepped down from this role in 2023.
- In 2002, she and her husband opened the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.
- She is the chairperson of Sidra Medical and Research Center. This is a modern hospital in Doha for women and children. She also gave a large amount of money to support this medical center.
Recognitions and Achievements
Sheikha Moza has been recognized for her influence and work.
- Forbes magazine listed her as one of the '100 Most Powerful Women' in 2007 and 2010.
- Gulf Business included her in the 'Top 100 most powerful Arabs' from 2013 to 2017.
- She has also been recognized for her fashion sense, appearing on Vanity Fair International Best Dressed lists. She is known for adapting high fashion to fit Qatari traditions.
- She was involved with Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA), which supports women's fashion design.
In 2010, she played a key role in Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Political Influence
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Sheikha Moza has a significant role in shaping Qatar's international image and relationships. She often uses her public position to share her views, especially on topics like education and humanitarian efforts.
As a co-founder and chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, she helps Qatar connect with countries around the world. For example, by bringing Western universities to Qatar, she helps build strong ties through education and charity. This is part of Qatar's strategy to improve its global standing.
Sheikha Moza also writes online about important global issues. She often focuses on the situation in Gaza, sharing her thoughts and supporting Qatar's policies. She has spoken out about the impact of conflict on children and the need to protect them.
Titles, Styles, and Honours
| Styles of Sheikha Moza |
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| Reference style | Her Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Highness |
| Alternative style | Sheikha |
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Titles and Styles
Sheikha Moza is formally known as "Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser."
Honours and Awards
Sheikha Moza has received many awards and honours from different countries, recognizing her global contributions.
Foreign Honours
Croatia: Grand Cross of the Grand Order of Queen Jelena
Italy: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Malaysia: Honorary Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (which gives her the title Tun)
Morocco: Dame of the Order of Muhammad
Netherlands:
- Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Recipient of the King Willem-Alexander Inauguration Medal
Portugal: Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry
Spain: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
United Kingdom: Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Foreign Awards
Poland: Member of the Order of the Smile- United Kingdom
United States
- Recipient of the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy
- Georgetown University: honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
- Carnegie Mellon University: honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
- George Bush Presidential Library: George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service
- Virginia Commonwealth University: honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
Pakistan
- Recipient of the Hilal-e-Pakistan Civilian Award.
She was also named one of the 100 Influential Celebrities in Oncology by OncoDaily, for her work related to cancer care.
Children
Sheikha Moza and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani have seven children, five sons and two daughters:
- Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1978) – He was the next in line to rule Qatar until 2003.
- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prince of Qatar (born 1980) – He became the next in line to rule in 2003 and is now the current Emir of Qatar.
- Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1983).
- Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1984) – She has been the director of the Emir's Office since 2009.
- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1986).
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1988).
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1991).
Images for kids
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Sheikha Moza addressing the Third Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2010)
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Sheikha Moza with her husband at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. From left to right: Sheikha Moza, Michelle Obama, the US First Lady, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and Barack Obama, the US president.
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Sheikha Mozah in the 5th Global Forum, 2013
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Coat of arms as dame of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (Spain)
See also
In Spanish: Moza bint Nasser al-Missned para niños
