Doha: Qatar chaired the 27th Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, underscoring its expanding influence in the preservation of Arab cultural heritage. HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, who also serves as Chairperson of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, assumed leadership of this session from HE Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference was inaugurated at an event hosted by Qatar Museums (QM) in cooperation with ALECSO. The three-day conference, themed "Sustainability of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Future Strategies," gathered officials and archaeology experts from 22 Arab countries. In her opening remarks, HE Al Khater emphasized the crucial role of preserving Arab cultural heritage for national identity and sustainable development, noting the collective responsibility in safeguarding this heritage for future generations.
Her Excellency commended the efforts of HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani in prioritizing culture and heritage within national development. She stressed that the conference comes at a pivotal time requiring a redefined understanding of heritage protection, extending beyond physical preservation to encompass cultural memory and its influence on future generations.
Qatar has significantly integrated heritage protection into its policies through various national initiatives in collaboration with Qatar Museums and ALECSO, addressing environmental and human challenges facing archaeological sites. Her Excellency also highlighted Qatar's support for joint Arab efforts in heritage preservation and solidarity with Palestinian and Sudanese peoples.
The conference included the issuance of the "Doha Youth Declaration 2025," symbolizing the aspirations of young Arab researchers for a sustainable cultural heritage future. This declaration calls for unified efforts across cultural and academic institutions in the Arab world, emphasizing youth leadership in cultural endeavors.
CEO of Qatar Museums, Mohamed Saad Al Rumaihi, remarked that hosting the conference reflects a shared commitment to protecting Arab cultural heritage. The event coincides with Qatar Museums' 20th anniversary and the launch of the "Nation of Progress" campaign, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. Al Rumaihi reiterated the commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape and highlighted the conference's role as a platform for dialogue and innovation.
Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, noted the conference's relevance in addressing current heritage challenges such as climate change and human encroachment. He commended Qatar's efforts in heritage preservation and emphasized ALECSO's dedication to protecting heritage and engaging youth.
Yousef Badr Al Mishari, Director of the Culture Department at the League of Arab States, expressed appreciation for Qatar hosting the conference, reflecting a commitment to Arab cultural preservation. He highlighted ALECSO's initiatives in supporting Arab heritage and the League of Arab States' efforts to protect cultural properties and promote Arab sites on the World Heritage List.