Culture ministry marks 20th anniversary of 2005 Convention on Protection, Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions
Doha
The Ministry of Culture on Wednesday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
The event, which marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, commemorated globally on May 21 each year, was organised in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science at Bayt Al Hikma Hall within the ministry's premises.
Throughout the celebration, the ministry presented a broad spectrum of programmes aligned with the implementation of the convention, alongside a series of engaging sessions conducted with the participation of UNESCO Regional Office and Qatar National Commission.
Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali said the ministry celebrates this day in recognition of cultural diversity, which constitutes a fundamental dimension in fostering dialogue among civilisations and cultures.
This diversity is intrinsically linked to unwavering efforts aimed at developing cultural policies that bolster national creative production and position cultural industries as a vehicle for its protection, Dr. Al Ali highlighted.
Dr. Al Ali added that Qatar has given special attention to cultural diversity and considered it part of its national challenges, emphasising that the nation strives to achieve this diversity through the Qatar National Vision 2030, in recognition of the fact that supporting this diversity is a vehicle for forging peace in the world.
'Cultural diversity is a source of unlocking human innovation in multiple fields, as it leads to the entwinement of culture with development. The nation has sought to empower this diversity within the Qatari community through the ministry-led role, which considers it as one of the key concerns of the Qatari community,' Dr. Al Ali noted.
He highlighted that Qatar regards cultural differences as sources of societal enrichment and catalysts for the advancement of intellectual and creative capacities, for diversity enables not only the imparting of knowledge but also the sharing of lived experience.
'This diversity is an added value to the national identity, and there is no fear for an identity that stands on solid ground, as long as it believes in itself and values open dialogue with those who show respect for its culture,' he said, adding that this is exactly what the Qatari community has recognised since the days of the founding generation.
Qatar has long been a welcoming place for people of all nationalities and cultures, and its people have always embraced others with open arms, holding fast to the belief that tolerance is the key to living peacefully among diverse nations, he underlined.
Dr. Al Ali affirmed that cultural diversity is not a mere slogan but a lived reality embraced by society, one that the ministry actively seeks to reinforce, grounded in its conviction that cultural particularities serve as a vital bulwark against the forces of globalisation.
'The ministry affirms the capacity of culture to propel economic advancement and foster social cohesion. In pursuit of these objectives, a wide range of cultural initiatives has been launched both at home and abroad, with the Ministry working to activate cultural diversity through cultural weeks and the organisation of events for expatriate communities,' he highlighted.
The recent conclusion of the Doha International Book Fair, one of the largest cultural events, embodies the nation's vision for cultural diversity. Work should consistently proceed to reinforce this diversity across all cultural platforms, ensuring that every single cultural domain reflects it and contributes meaningfully to sustainable development.
Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Ali Abdulrazzaq Al Marafi stated that the Convention constitutes a pivotal milestone in international efforts to safeguard cultural diversity.
He emphasised that the Convention reflects a shared vision aimed at promoting cultural pluralism as a foundational pillar of sustainable development.
Building upon Qatar's unwavering commitment to these principles, he affirmed that Qatar's accession to the Convention stands as a clear testament to its dedication to advancing culture and affirming its pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant and dynamic community.
He underscored the Commission's instrumental role in promoting awareness of this Convention and supporting its national implementation through coordination with relevant entities and the preparation of periodic reports.
Al Marafi commended the ministry and national stakeholders for the latest report, reaffirming Qatar's commitment to cultural development.
He highlighted the importance of global partnerships, particularly with UNESCO, in advancing the Convention's objectives.
UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha Dr. Salah Khaled affirmed that this celebration is not merely a commemoration but a recognition of major achievements and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to a culture that embraces diversity, fosters creativity, and advances dialogue among peoples.
Dr. Khaled added that since its adoption in October 2005, the Convention has served as a global framework for safeguarding cultural identities and reaffirming the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UNESCO's Declaration on Cultural Diversity.
'The Convention has empowered communities and cultural practitioners worldwide. Since ratifying the Convention in February 2009, Qatar has remained committed to advancing its principles through ambitious cultural projects, international partnerships, and a vision that positions culture as a driver of sustainable development and a bridge to peace,' he said.
Dr. Khaled noted that over the past two decades, the concept of cultural protection has undergone a profound transformation.
Since 2005, he added, UNESCO has worked with over 159 countries, including Qatar, to convert the convention's principles into concrete programmes.
The International Fund for Cultural Diversity has been created, along with the launch of the Creative Cities Network, which now includes over 300 cities worldwide, he highlighted.
He affirmed that Doha joined the network in 2021 in the field of design, in recognition of Qatar's efforts to promote culture and creativity as part of its sustainable urban development strategy.body
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