Welcome to the 7th MENA Adolescent Health Conference,

taking place in Doha, Qatar, from November 15–17, 2026.

On behalf of the Arab Coalition for Adolescent Health and Medicine (ACAHM), it is our privilege to welcome policymakers, youth leaders, researchers, practitioners, development partners, humanitarian actors, educators, and advocates from across the Middle East and North Africa to this landmark regional gathering.

The future of our region depends on the health, well-being, and potential of its adolescents. Today, more than ever, young people are navigating a rapidly changing world shaped by conflict, displacement, economic uncertainty, climate change, technological transformation, and growing mental health challenges. Yet amidst these complexities, adolescents continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, innovation, and leadership. They are not merely beneficiaries of programs and policies—they are partners, changemakers, and leaders whose voices must be at the center of decisions that shape their futures.

The 7th MENA Adolescent Health Conference is built on the belief that advancing adolescent health requires collective action, bold investments, and meaningful partnerships across sectors and borders. It is a platform for regional collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share innovations, strengthen partnerships, and develop solutions that respond to the realities and aspirations of adolescents across the region.

This year, we are proud to partner with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, whose team has been exceptionally welcoming and supportive of this initiative, both technically and financially. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing adolescent health and strengthening regional knowledge and capacity.

This year’s conference will focus on strengthening adolescent-responsive systems, elevating mental health as a regional priority, promoting meaningful youth engagement in governance and decision-making, advancing sustainable financing for adolescent health, strengthening humanitarian-development collaboration, addressing the impacts of climate change and conflict on young people, and creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

A defining feature of this conference is its commitment to youth leadership. Young people will play an active role in shaping discussions, sharing experiences, presenting solutions, and contributing to recommendations that influence policies and programs across the MENA region. Their perspectives, creativity, and leadership are essential to building systems that are truly responsive to their needs.

As governments and institutions strive to achieve sustainable development and build more resilient societies, investing in adolescent health is not only a moral imperative—it is a strategic investment in the region’s future. Every investment made today in adolescent health, education, protection, and empowerment yields lasting benefits for communities, economies, and future generations.

We invite you to join us in Doha as we strengthen regional partnerships, amplify youth voices, and work together toward a future where every adolescent has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and reach their full potential.

We look forward to welcoming you to the 7th MENA Adolescent Health Conference.

Dr. Umaiyeh Khammash
President
Arab Coalition for Adolescent Health and Medicine (ACAHM)