Doha: Qatar Foundation (QF) celebrated today the one-year anniversary of its partnership with the King's Foundation, launched by HM King Charles III of the United Kingdom. The reception ceremony held at Education City highlighted QF's dedication to advancing contemporary sustainability practices through traditional knowledge.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event took place at Al Khater House, a historic site within QF's Education City, preserved for sustainable cultural heritage activities. The ceremony reviewed the progress of projects in India, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Zanzibar, underscoring the significance of leveraging past learnings to shape modern sustainability solutions.
Qatar Foundation stated that the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future's collaboration with the King's Foundation aims to establish four pilot urban development projects worldwide. These initiatives demonstrate how local cultural heritage can guide and influence contemporary sustainable practices.
HE Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani remarked, "We feel at peace in traditional Qatari homes like Bayt Al Khater because they resonate with nature's harmony, embodying the universal law of mizan or balance." She emphasized that these stewardship principles underpin QF's sustainability efforts, visible in the revival of traditional crafts, values-based education, and policy research at Earthna.
Kristina Murrin, CEO of the King's Foundation, expressed that the partnership with Earthna was highly valued, celebrating their shared commitment to preserving traditional heritage skills and the natural world. The King's Foundation promotes His Majesty's Harmony philosophy, encouraging an intrinsic connection with nature.
The event featured students from QF's Academyati school, demonstrating how sustainability is integrated into their education through the Rihla program. This approach combines cultural, heritage, and Islamic principles, fostering environmental responsibility and stewardship.
Participants from QF's Herfah program showcased the preservation of crafts integral to Arab and Islamic cultural heritage. They presented projects developed through the program, offering guests insight into these traditional craftsmanship skills.
Earthna presented its research promoting traditional knowledge in sustainability and updated attendees on the four pilot projects established with The King's Foundation. These projects exemplify traditional sustainability practices in various regions, highlighting cultural heritage's vital role in sustainable urban planning amidst modern challenges.