Doha: Qatar Museums (QM) has announced the launch of the Green Humanitarian Design Competition, a major cross-cultural initiative conducted under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The competition brings together creative talent from Doha and Asahikawa, Japan, inviting young designers to develop sustainable, humanitarian-focused solutions that address pressing global challenges.
According to Qatar News Agency, the competition is open to innovators aged 16 to 30 from both UNESCO Cities of Design, encouraging participants to create practical, affordable, and sustainable objects that make a tangible impact. Dr. Fatema Hassan Al Sulaiti, Director of International Cooperation and Government Affairs at Qatar Museums, emphasized the role of creativity in driving meaningful change through this initiative. The collaboration with Asahikawa under the UCCN aims to empower young designers in transforming local challenges into innovative and sustainable solutions.
Participants are tasked with transforming local waste materials into functional and innovative objects, including furniture, tools, or small-scale systems, while integrating cultural motifs from the partner city. This requirement emphasizes cultural diplomacy and highlights Qatar Museums' commitment to leveraging design for social impact and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The competition will run from November 2025 to July 2026, featuring mentorship sessions, evaluations by an expert jury, and exchange visits between Doha and Asahikawa. Interested designers must register by Dec. 15, 2025, by emailing internationalqm.org.qa with their full name, occupation, education, email address, and mobile number. Full competition guidelines are available on the Qatar Museums website.
The launch coincides with Qatar Museums' Evolution Nation campaign, an 18-month initiative celebrating Qatar's cultural journey over the past 50 years, since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar. Curated by Qatar Creates, the campaign highlights the nation's artistic milestones and cultural ambitions, reinforcing Qatar's role as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity.