At the heart of NCCT’s mission lies a commitment to sustainable peace that extends beyond the mere absence of violence, advancing both the role of media and the engagement of young academics within this framework. As part of this mission in Doha, Qatar, on September 2nd, Executive Director Noufal Abboud, who headed the NCCT delegation, delivered an engaging lecture at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies titled “Rethinking Peacebuilding: The Imperative of Human Rights and Creative Conflict Transformation.”

Central to NCCT’s approach is a critical re-examination of traditional peacebuilding models, which often remain overly technocratic and exclusive. By questioning these traditional paradigms, NCCT seeks to broaden the scope of peace efforts toward more dynamic, people-centered, and innovative practices that address the emerging trends of asymmetric conflicts and current proxy wars. In this context, the emerging researchers and academics were recognized as vital actors in shaping the future of peacebuilding through their capacity to challenge prevailing narratives and to advance approaches grounded in their lived realities.

Equally important to NCCT is the bridging of academic inquiry with practical engagement. During the lecture, Noufal Abboud highlighted the limitations of existing frameworks while encouraging students to channel their passion into inclusive, evidence-based, and transformative strategies. This exchange underscored the value of amplifying the voices of the younger generation, whose courage and creativity are essential to reshaping the practice of sustainable peace.

While in Doha, the Executive Director also had the pleasure of being invited by Al Jazeera English to visit the heart of global news: its vibrant newsroom. Having previously contributed analysis to Al Jazeera’s coverage of world conflicts, including appearances on the Inside Story program, this visit was also a meaningful opportunity to reconnect in person with the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes. The encounter highlighted NCCT’s recognition of the central role of credible media in shaping narratives of peace and conflict, and reaffirmed its collective commitment to building bridges between academic inquiry, media engagement, and innovative conflict transformation.

By cultivating space for young academics to share their perspectives on conflict, while engaging with influential media platforms such as Al Jazeera, NCCT not only confronts the shortcomings of traditional peacebuilding but also fosters innovative pathways capable of delivering more meaningful and lasting peace outcomes.