Held from 24 to 27 February in Doha, Qatar, the General Assembly of the GPDNet witnessed the participation of 28 member organizations worldwide, 18 representatives of the diplomatic corps in Qatar, and international media figures.
The agenda of GPDNet's 10th assembly included a workshop entitled Media Impact: Building Positive Environments for a Globally Shared Future.
Ahram Online: Tell us more about the GPDNet and its activities.
Khalid Al-Sulaiti: The GPDNet was founded in 2014. Its mission is to unite nations through cultural exchange and promote cooperation in cultural diplomacy on a global scale. It is a non-political and neutral hub for collaboration between cultural institutions and public diplomacy practitioners.
The network provides a forum for its members to collaborate on various cultural projects and form strong, long-lasting relationships. It also helps its members develop effective public and cultural diplomacy strategies for building positive environments while shaping our common human-centric future.
AO: How do you view Katara’s win for the presidency of GPDNet until 2028?
KS: Katara's re-election as president of GPDNet is an honour and a tremendous responsibility. This milestone represents continuity and a renewed commitment to leading GPDNet through a bold and necessary strategic transformation, as outlined in our new chapter in the Next Decade initiative.
I am confident that with Katara’s leadership and the unwavering support of all GPDNet members, we will successfully write a new chapter for GPDNet, shaping the future of public diplomacy for the next decade and beyond.
AO: During the 10th GPDNet, Katara Cultural Village won the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) presidency for a 3-year term until 2028. What are the aspects of cooperation between the Katara Foundation and cultural institutions in Egypt, and what are the latest developments in this context?
KS: Katara maintains distinguished relations with Egyptian cultural institutions, having implemented numerous joint projects in collaboration with the Egyptian Embassy in Doha to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries.
These initiatives include hosting Egyptian art exhibitions at Katara, organizing cultural weeks, and collaborating with publishing houses and academic institutions to promote Arab culture and artistic dialogue.
Recently, cooperation has expanded through new initiatives and joint cultural events that showcase Egyptian and Qatari heritage, contributing to a broader vision of promoting Arab culture on a global scale.
AO: How can culture and cultural diplomacy play a role in building a peaceful and prosperous shared future for the world?
KS: Culture serves as the common language of peoples, and cultural diplomacy plays a pivotal role in promoting dialogue and understanding between nations, contributing to a shared future of peace and prosperity.
Barriers are dismantled through the exchange of arts, heritage, and knowledge, and mutual respect is fostered. Joint cultural programmes, festivals, forums, and exhibitions further strengthen relations between peoples, helping to resolve conflicts and build more harmonious societies.
In today’s world, where multiple challenges persist, cultural diplomacy is a powerful tool for achieving stability and sustainable development.
AO: Can you shed light on the activities of Katara Cultural Village and its branches in Egypt and the Arab world?
KS: Katara is a global cultural hub that hosts a diverse array of events and activities spanning culture, arts, theatre, music, literature, and heritage. It organizes international festivals, such as the Katara Arabian Horse Festival, the Katara Oud Festival, the Arab Novel Festival, the Katara Prize for the Poet of the Prophet, the Katara Prize for Reciting the Holy Quran, and numerous international art exhibitions.
Katara also houses specialized artistic and cultural centres, making it a cultural beacon in the region. In its efforts to introduce itself to Egypt and the wider Arab world, Katara actively collaborates with Arab cultural institutions and launches cultural programmes and media initiatives, highlighting its leading role in spreading Arab culture globally.
AO: In an era where globalization and technological advancements reshape values and identities, what is Katara’s role in preserving and promoting the values and culture of Qatar and the Arab world?
KS: Katara helps preserve Arab cultural identity and counter attempts to erase Arab heritage and history.
Through major cultural events, literary and artistic awards, and intellectual seminars that address issues related to identity, Katara promotes cultural awareness and the revival of Arab heritage.
Additionally, it supports media productions and documentaries that highlight Arab history and its contributions to human civilization. Katara also invests in translation projects to introduce Arab literature and thought to a global audience.
Faced with the challenges posed by globalization and technological advancements, Katara strives to safeguard Qatari and Arab cultural values through educational and awareness programmes. By leveraging technology, the foundation creates digital platforms to disseminate Arab cultural content worldwide, preserves traditional arts threatened by extinction, and ensures the transmission of cultural values from one generation to the next.
For example, during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Katara successfully provided a comprehensive cultural experience for World Cup fans by organizing several events and activities tailored to global audiences visiting Qatar.
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