Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Museums (QM) yesterday hosted an event at the Museum of Islamic Art, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the UNESCO office in Doha for GCC and Yemen, to mark the 70th Anniversary of the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property during Armed Conflict. The event aimed to engage industry leaders in a focused dialogue on the legacy and future of the Hague Convention, and delved into the challenges faced throughout its mandate, and potential pathways to address them.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr Fatema Hassan Al Sulaiti, director of International Cooperation and Government Affairs at Qatar Museums said: "Qatar has long recognised the importance of protecting cultural heritage, incorporating this vision as a fundamental element of its national and international strategies. Through this celebration, we reaffirm our commitment to working with the international community to ensure the preservation and protection of cultural heritage from threats that jeopardise its existence. I hope this celebration will achieve its goals and serve as a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations”.
The 1954 Hague Convention aims to protect cultural property, such as monuments of architecture, art or history, archaeological sites, works of art, manuscripts, books and other objects of artistic, historical or archaeological interest, as well as scientific collections of any kind regardless of their origin or ownership.
Salah Khaled, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen said: "Marking seven decades since its inception, the 1954 Hague Convention continues to be a cornerstone in international efforts to safeguard humanity’s shared cultural heritage. Its principles resonate profoundly today, as we confront the growing complexities of protecting cultural property amidst conflicts. This milestone is a testament to our collective commitment to preserving the tangible threads of our history, fostering peace, and reaffirming the indispensable role of cultural heritage in shaping resilient, inclusive societies. UNESCO commends the State of Qatar for its unwavering support in championing the preservation of heritage, as evidenced by its active role in hosting this significant conference. Together, we reinforce the enduring legacy of the Hague Convention through innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility”.
The discussions highlighted on several themes, including the Legacy of the Hague Convention and Its Relevance Today, by focusingon how the Convention has influenced global policies and the responsibilities of States Parties in upholding these commitments today; Contemporary Challenges in Protecting Cultural Heritage which addressed the complex challenges facing cultural heritage, including intentional destruction, looting, and illicit trafficking, alongside environmental pressures; and Future Pathways: Innovation and Collaboration for Heritage Protection, which opened the floor for explorations for the potential of legal advancements and digital tools, such as archiving and rapid response mechanisms, while emphasizing the importance of partnerships among governments, cultural institutions, and international organizations.
Sheikha Aisha bint Mubarak Al Thani, head of UNESCO Section, Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, said: "The Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science firmly believes in the pivotal role of national committees in safeguarding cultural heritage as an essential aspect of its national and international responsibilities. Through strategic collaborations with relevant local institutions, as well as regional and international organizations, the committee works actively to support initiatives that document heritage, raise awareness of its significance, and build the necessary capacities to protect it—especially during times of conflict and crisis. This effort is grounded in the strong conviction that culture is vital for preserving social cohesion, fostering peace, and promoting sustainable community
development.”
The 1954 Hague Convention was the first international legal framework entirely dedicated to the protection of movable and immovable heritage, setting a precedent for the preservation of heritage in international humanitarian law. Protecting cultural property, whether during peacetime or during armed conflict, means safeguarding the memories of peoples and societies, creating a shared memory of the world for generations to come.
Captain Saad Al Marri, vice chairman of the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons, Ministry of Defence Said: "The participation of the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons in this event reflects Qatar’s commitment to international principles and values aimed at protecting humanity, both in terms of security and the preservation of cultural heritage. The connection between safeguarding cultural property and protecting humanity from the effects of armed conflict requires coordinated efforts at national and international levels.”