Liwan, Design Studios and Labs, in partnership with Qatar Reads, will present the second edition of the Liwan Library Forum Tuesday, bringing together experts from Qatar and the region to discuss pressing global issues through literature, art, and personal narratives.The forum from 2pm-7pm will feature a range of speakers.In addition, a special exhibition on “Stories from Gaza” will open in conjunction with the forum tomorrow, at 4pm.“This event is an opportunity to amplify voices, explore pressing global issues, and deepen understanding through art and literature as powerful mediums,” said Liwan director Aisha bint Nasser al-Suwaidi.“Stories from Gaza” presents an intimate and in-depth exploration of Palestinian experiences through art and personal expression.It is divided into five poignant sections that capture the essence of identity, resilience and hope.“This exhibition gives voice to adults and children from Gaza currently living in Qatar and sheds light on what matters to them, their stories of resilience, and how they express themselves,” said exhibition curator Amal Ali.In the “Alphabets of Gaza and Qatar” section, visitors will discover unexpected connections between two different countries, exploring how language and culture intersect and build bridges of understanding.The second section, “What If?” explores the imaginary world of children, asking profound questions – such as “What if I went to Jerusalem?” – and revealing the power of imagination in the face of harsh reality.Another section, “More Than a Flag, More Than a Land”, explores how the Palestinian flag has transformed from a mere banner into one of the most powerful symbols of freedom, resistance, and justice.“Stories of Resilience” captures poignant moments of adults living in the Gaza compound, revealing their conditions, their suffering, and the remarkable resilience they have shown through unimaginable circumstances.The final section, “Belonging and Expression Amidst Displacement”, celebrates the new relationships and connections that adults and children forged after their difficult journeys to Qatar, highlighting the human capacity for resilience, adaptation, and hope.The forum will also explore three in-depth themes, featuring speakers who will delve into topics related to poetry, activism, refugee experiences, and the power of storytelling.Notable speakers include Mustafa Matar, Renad Qubbaj, Abdullah Mir, and Dr Hanan Hindi.“It is a great honour to collaborate with the Liwan Library Forum for its second edition,” said Fatima al-Malki, director of the Qatar Reads Initiative.“This year’s theme focuses on the role of literature and art as powerful tools in highlighting refugee narratives, emphasising the importance of paving the way for reading and learning to pave the way for a more enlightened future,” she said.“Literature acts as a bridge that integrates readers into the fictional reality of characters while establishing deep connections with the experiences of people around the world, whether in Palestine, Sudan, or elsewhere,” al-Malki added. “The symposium will also include an art exhibition that complements the literary discussions, in addition to interactive workshops carefully organised by both teams.”The first theme, *Community Activism in Poetry and Art, explores the profound role of creative expression in confronting social and political injustice.Matar, poet and news anchor from Al-Rafidain TV, will highlight how artistic media have become tools for protest and dialogue.The second theme, *Stories from Gaza: Reshaping the Narrative, offers a personal exploration of Palestinian experiences.Renad Qubbaj, the general director of the Tamer Institute for Community Education in Palestine, and Kawthar al-Qar’a, a writer and language editor, will share their insights into the resilience, creativity, and ever-positive spirit of Gazans.The final theme of the symposium, *The Refugee Experience: From Fiction to Reality, offers a global perspective on human displacement and migration.Journalist and climate activist Mir and Dr Hindi, an academic adviser at Northwestern University in Qatar, will discuss how refugee experiences have shifted from marginal narratives to urgent global realities.The exhibition “Stories from Gaza” focuses on these themes, allowing visitors to reflect on a moving collection of works that capture the painful experiences of adults and children from the Gaza complex, a statement added.