Qatar National Library (QNL), in co-operation with the Italian embassy in Doha, yesterday hosted a special lecture by Luigi Marini, secretary general of the Supreme Court of Cassation of Italy, exploring the progress being made toward a new legal framework for the international protection of cultural heritage.
The event was an initiative under the Himaya project, launched by QNL to combat illegal trafficking in documentary heritage in the region.
HE the Minister of State and QNL president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, delivered a short speech at the event, which was attended by the Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi, embassy officials, specialists, and researchers.
Justice Marini’s lecture highlighted the innovations in Italy’s cultural heritage legal protection framework, adopted by the Italian parliament in 2022. Italy’s successful initiatives within the United Nations (UN) system paved the way for this framework. Such efforts culminated in the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2199 of 2015, and Resolution 2347 of 2017, the latter being a milestone in protecting cultural heritage during armed conflict. Alongside these developments, the Council of Europe’s Nicosia Convention of 2017 became the first treaty that builds on existing international instruments to establish criminal offenses relating to cultural property.
Justice Marini concluded with an insightful perspective on existing synergies and the potential for co-operation between UN member states, UN agencies, and other regional and international bodies. Italy co-chairs the Group of Friends for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, to encourage full implementation of the international legal framework.
Commenting on the occasion, HE Dr al-Kawari stated: “The Library has always been committed to protecting and promoting the world's cultural heritage, and we recognise the crucial role that international cooperation and legal frameworks play in achieving this goal. “We hope that this lecture will inspire further research and collaboration among international entities and regional organizations, and contribute to the collective effort to safeguard world history for future generations," he added.
Ambassador Toschi said: “Thanks to the experience of Justice Marini, the lecture has been a unique opportunity to share Italy’s commitment to the international protection of cultural heritage. In a time of uncertainty and increased challenges to stability and the international order, multilateral collaboration is pivotal to preserving people’s heritages, cultures and identities, which are being threatened everyday.”
The event underscored QNL’s role in supporting efforts to combat the unlawful distribution and trading of documentary heritage through initiatives and projects, that educate, advise, and encourage international entities to come together to safeguard world history. Upcoming events organised by QNL's Himaya initiative will strive to foster active participation between international agencies and regional organisations.
