Dr. Fatima Hassan Al Sulaiti
Doha: Katara Public Diplomacy Center in cooperation with Qatar Museums (QM) organised a lecture on “Cultural Diplomacy: The role of Qatar Museums,” yesterday.
It was held at Darwish Al-Far Theater at the National Museum of Qatar. QM Director of International Cooperation and Governmental Affairs, Dr. Fatima Hassan Al Sulaiti spearheaded the event.
Darwish Ahmed Al Shaibani, CEO of the Katara Public Diplomacy Center, ambassadors and representatives from the culture, education and media sectors attended the event.
Dr. Al Sulaiti pointed out that Qatar’s experience in cultural diplomacy during the hosting of the World Cup 2022 constituted an unprecedented pattern in the size of the direct impact on audiences from all over the world, and the dimensions of its success exceeded the time period in which it was held, pointing out that this experience is one of the most prominent models of successful cultural diplomacy.
She spoke about the role of Qatar Museums in consolidating the concepts of cultural diplomacy. The director highlighted the importance of a growing network of museums, archaeological sites, and festivals in promoting an authentic and inspiring national cultural identity, explaining Qatar’s successful experience in protecting its heritage and culture through its ability to preserve museums, restore cultural properties and heritage sites.
This she said contributed to strengthening interdependence among the countries of the world by establishing art and culture centres, language centres, and architectural projects, pointing out that Qatar Museums, since its establishment in 2005, has supervised the development of a large number of museums.
During her analysis of the essence of the Qatari experience, she stressed that Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani adopted cultural diplomacy in the style of his work and directives with distinction, which we witnessed its impact during the last period.
Dr. Al Sulaiti mentioned important files that fell under the umbrella of QM and constituted distinguished stations in her career, which contributed to highlighting Qatar’s role in the international diplomatic arena, including Qatar’s participation in the Unesco meetings in 2021 and granting Qatar membership in the World Heritage Committee for 1972, and membership of the Second Protocol Committee for the year 1999, after which she assumed the position of General Rapporteur of 1999 Second Protocol Agreement.
“Qatar’s investment in building a strong cultural sector that preserves history, antiquities and heritage has a major role in achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030. It also plays an important role in promoting cultural diplomacy and contributing to the growth of a knowledge-based society that builds sustainable cities and communities,” she said.
Al Shaibani said cultural diplomacy is the essence and foundation of public diplomacy, adding that the success achieved by Qatar in public diplomacy depends on the existence of an advanced infrastructure and prestigious cultural and sports institutions, in addition to the availability of an informed audience and the environment.
He pointed out that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 contributed to changing the stereotyped image and correcting the misconceptions about the Arab people that prevailed abroad, stressing that the Qatari dress, such as the ghutra or headdress, has become one of the bright cultural symbols that reflect the authenticity of Qatari and Arab culture.
Katara Public Diplomacy Center launched its training plan for Qatari public diplomacy in January. It included a series of educational lectures and training courses, in conjunction with the launch of an awareness media campaign in cooperation with local satellite channels and social media, including a series of television interviews with ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and academics.
