Doha: Qatar recently hosted the 27th edition of the Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, emphasizing its significant role in promoting joint Arab cultural efforts and its vision of integrating culture and heritage into sustainable development. Dr. Fatema Al Sulaiti, Director of International Cooperation at Qatar Museums, highlighted that Qatar perceives heritage not just as a celebrated past but as a fundamental element of its modern identity and a link to the future. The conference reinforces Doha's status as a hub for Arab dialogue in culture and antiquities, welcoming expertise committed to preserving the shared Arab memory and enhancing its global presence.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference's sessions focused on critical issues such as strategies for heritage protection amid urban and environmental changes, the role of local communities and international partnerships in safeguarding heritage, and the utilization of modern technologies and digitization in documenting and managing archaeological sites. The event also showcased Arab experiences in balancing development with cultural identity preservation, offering a valuable platform for experts, decision-makers, and specialists to exchange insights and shape collective strategies for heritage protection.
Dr. Humaid bin Saif Al Noufli, ALECSO's Director of Culture, noted the full participation of 22 Arab countries, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting cultural heritage. He emphasized that the conference is timely, given the accelerating environmental and social challenges that pose threats to heritage sites, making Arab cooperation essential. He also praised the launch of the Youth Forum, which provided a platform for young people to express their ideas and aspirations, transforming them into practical projects serving Arab heritage.
Khalid Rashid Al Balushi, a senior cultural expert at the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, stated that Qatar's hosting of the conference underscores its efforts in preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, essential parts of the nation's identity. He highlighted the significance of youth participation, which adds a renewed dimension to cultural heritage sustainability, as they have the potential to carry forward the mission of preservation for future generations. Al Balushi pointed out the challenges facing cultural heritage, including rapid digital transformations and the spread of artificial intelligence technologies, which may pose risks to documentation and preservation. He stressed the importance of instilling positive attitudes in youth toward heritage conservation and enabling them to adapt to digital advancements.
The first day of the conference featured sessions where officials, researchers, and experts from the Arab world presented papers on successful heritage preservation experiences, enriching discussions and opening avenues for cooperation and knowledge exchange. The Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World serves as a key forum for scientific dialogue, policy exchange, and strategic planning in sustainable heritage management, bringing together policymakers, experts, and academics to address shared challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.
Qatar Museums' hosting of the event reflects its commitment to supporting regional and international efforts to raise awareness of Arab cultural heritage, protect shared human legacy, and build national capacities in archaeological research and heritage conservation. The conference aims to spotlight the importance of cultural heritage sustainability amid global environmental, technological, and social changes, while developing future strategies based on scientific methods and innovative practices. It seeks to elevate heritage as a source of inspiration and knowledge, driving sustainable development.
Key objectives of the conference include addressing environmental, climatic, and human challenges affecting archaeological and heritage sites in the Arab world; contributing to long-term strategies for cultural heritage sustainability; supporting Arab cooperation in heritage preservation and institutional knowledge exchange; and ensuring that cultural heritage remains a symbol of identity and history, and a source of creativity and inspiration for current and future generations.
The event was preceded by the inaugural Arab Youth Forum, held under the theme "Empowering Arab Youth for Sustainable Heritage," in collaboration between Qatar Museums and ALECSO, with participation from officials, experts, and specialists in antiquities representing 22 Arab countries.