Qatars pioneering role in promoting cultural diplomacy discussed at 33rd Doha International Book Fair

As part of the cultural activities accompanying the 33rd Doha International Book Fair, the Ministry of Culture organized a symposium entitled "Qatar and Cultural Diplomacy" on Tuesday evening.The symposium was attended by HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, dignitaries, intellectuals and the book fair audience.HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hanzab, and former Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO Ali Zainal participated in the symposium, moderated by Dr. Nawzad Abdulrahman Al Haiti, a professor at the Diplomatic Institute and an economic consultant.Zainal initially reviewed the ongoing efforts of the State of Qatar to enhance its cultural diplomacy, which included many initiatives, the most recent of which was holding a celebration organized by the Ministry of Culture at the UNESCO headquarters in the French capital, Paris, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding and Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also pointed out a number of other initiatives, the most important of which is the "Years of Culture", which began in 2012 with Japan, and included a large number of countries, continuing this year with the Kingdom of Morocco, in addition to the establishment of the Arab Cultural House Al Diwan in the German capital, Berlin, which was launched during the Qatar - Germany year of culture 2017, and the Arc de Triomphe horse racing award, which is held in the French capital and is accompanied by many cultural events.He also touched on the efforts of private institutions and individuals to enhance Qatari cultural diplomacy, citing in this context the "The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue" initiative, which is a cultural exhibition that includes unique collections from the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. Zainal called for the state of Qatar to adopt the establishment of cultural centers in important international capitals within the framework of its interest in promoting Arab culture and spreading diplomatic culture.For his part, HE Dr. Nasser Al Hanzab discussed the early interest of the State of Qatar in cultural diplomacy since the era of the Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, who printed books at his own expense in India and sent them throughout various countries to spread knowledge, which indicates the existence of an approach by the State of Qatar in this regard that continues to this day. He also referred to the establishment of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding and its role that confirms this approach, and what the award does in introducing cultures. It was also interested in signing an agreement with UNESCO to translate its publications on the Silk Road.His Excellency said that there is a political will in the country to introduce Qatari culture, praising at the same time the efforts of the Ministry of Culture at the local and international levels in this regard, including the culture exhibition that was held at the UNESCO headquarters recently, which was attended by more than 300 diplomats around the world and constituted a turning point in introducing Qatari culture in a headquarters that includes representatives of countries around the world.He also stressed that the State of Qatar played a fundamental role in establishing international peace and security at the regional and international levels by establishing a culture of dialogue between peoples.The state of Qatar leads many international efforts in promoting peace and creating stability, especially within the scope of the work of the UNESCO, which formulates international policies in achieving sustainable development goals.The State of Qatar is a member of the Executive Council of UNESCO, and chairs its Conventions and Recommendations, as a result of the cultural efforts of the State of Qatar globally, His Excellency added.His Excellency also noted that the goals of UNESCO intersect with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which is concerned with culture and heritage, pointing out the Ministry of Cultures keenness to register a number of elements of intangible cultural heritage on the UNESCO list, most notably the "bisht" and the Qatari "ardha".Additionally, His Excellency pointed out the state's many initiatives to spread education in the world, including the "Educate a Child" initiative and the "Education Above All Foundation", which has adopted the education for about 17 million children around the world, besides other initiatives that enhance the cultural diplomacy of the State of Qatar.