Doha: The member state ambassadors of the Global Public Diplomatic Network (GPDNet) held a meeting themed "Supporting the 2022 World Cup Initiatives" at the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) on Wednesday. At the event were ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions of the member states of the network, headed by Katara.
In his opening speech, Katara Director-General Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti stressed that the meeting embodies the fruitful cooperation and continuous support provided by the embassies of the GPDNet member states, which is known for its successes in cultural diplomacy.
He said that Katara is launching initiatives related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and will host events accompanying this major global event that the whole world is waiting for.
"Katara will host 51 main events and more than 300 sub-activities with the participation of 22 countries. The events demonstrate the eagerness to work collaboratively with all the accredited embassies in Qatar to open important heritage windows of cultural and civilizational importance and introduce various fields of creativity. In addition, they will provide a solid basis for dialogue between cultures and extend bridges of communication and rapprochement between countries and peoples, "Dr Al Sulaiti, who is also the head of GPDNet, said.
He hoped that the meeting would kick off awareness campaigns and media promotion in GPDNet member states' various organs and media.
Dr Al Sulaiti noted that Qatar's hosting of the tournament, which is the first in the Middle East, with all its distinguished activities and events, will contribute to strengthening friendship and brotherhood among peoples.
Darwish Ahmed Al Shebani, GPDNet Secretary-General, confirmed that Katara's hosting of the meeting, which is held in cooperation with the ambassadors of 17 member states of GPDNet, reflects the cultural partnership and enhances the prospects for continuous and constant cultural cooperation between Katara Center for Cultural Diplomacy and the embassies of the member states of the International Public Diplomacy Network.
"This is not only in the framework of supporting Katara's initiatives and events accompanying the 2022 World Cup but also through the events and activities launched by Katara Public Diplomacy Center throughout the year, whether in the field or remotely," he added.
Al Shebani valued the active and continuous support provided by the member states of the network to the initiatives of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, expressing hope that this fruitful cooperation will continue, which contributes to building bridges of partnership and bringing cultures closer.
He also expressed his confidence that the major global football sporting event would open the doors to creativity and enhance the values of participation, tolerance and understanding between individuals and societies, and turn into a civilized carnival of cultural diplomacy that celebrates our common human values.
