QNA
Doha
Minister of Culture HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani has emphasised that cultural cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is crucial for confronting cultural challenges in the digital age, where the world becomes more interconnected and the risk of erasing or overlooking unique cultures grows.
In his speech at the opening of the 28th meeting of GCC ministers of culture, the minister highlighted that culture has historically been the thread that preserves the regions heritage, fostering a sense of pride in its identity.
He pointed out that culture acts as a safeguard and plays a vital role in human development and the progress of nations, as it shapes thought and life.He also discussed the 2020-2030 cultural strategy for GCC countries, which affirms a commitment to Arab-Islamic identity and GCC-specific uniqueness, while also respecting other cultures.
Sheikh Abdulrahman noted that cultural activities in the Gulf reflect the success of this strategy in creating an environment conducive to creativity and enabling cultural figures to contribute to society.
He referenced the fifth edition of the Gulf Narration Forum, recently held in Doha, as a testament to the growing interest in narrative writing, which reflects human values and future perspectives.
The minister expressed hope that the meeting would further enhance joint cultural efforts, wishing success in advancing Gulf culture.
In his remarks, GCC Secretary-General Jassim Muhammad Albudaiwi thanked the leaders of GCC states for their continuous support of cultural initiatives, which has visibly impacted the cultural landscape in the region.
He stressed that preserving GCC cultural roots strengthens the regions civilisational achievements and insulates it from the challenges of time. The collective planning of cultural work within the GCC has led to significant achievements and bolstered the region’s standing globally.
The meeting’s agenda included important topics such as the 2020-2030 GCC cultural strategy and the annual report of the Translation and Arabization Center, based in Oman.
The plan for the center’s future work was also approved, and discussions were held on potential cultural collaborations with neighboring countries like Iraq, Jordan, and Morocco.
On the sidelines of the 28th meeting of GCC Ministers of Culture, the Minister of Culture, along with his GCC counterparts, honoured a group of distinguished creatives from the GCC states.
The honourees included individuals from various fields of art, heritage and media, reflecting the region’s cultural richness and diversity.
Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat Khalid bin Ali bin Salem Al Sunaidi praised Doha as a hub of creativity and a beacon of culture.
He acknowledged the unlimited support of Qatar’s leadership for cultural initiatives within the GCC, and expressed pride in the regional and global standing that the GCC countries have achieved in various fields, including culture.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Omani writer Yahya bin Salam Al Mundhiri expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that such honours are a civilised gesture that motivates creators to give more.
