Doha:Qatar Museums (QM) has launched the "Conventions 101" Workshop Series 2026 at Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art. The initiative, organized by QM's International Cooperation and Government Affairs Department alongside the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, is set to engage young professionals and university students in UNESCO's cultural conventions to protect heritage.
According to Qatar News Agency, the workshop series coincides with the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, emphasizing the commitment to cultural cooperation and nurturing the next generation of heritage professionals. The event commenced with remarks from Dr. Fatima Hassan Al Sulaiti of QM and Amina Al Hamshari of UNESCO. Additionally, Dr. Nasser Al Henzab, Qatar's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, delivered recorded keynote remarks.
The series includes three workshops focusing on the protection of cultural property, World Heritage, and intangible cultural heritage. Through practical exercises, simulations, and group activities, participants will learn about international frameworks in cultural heritage preservation and their practical applications.
Dr. Fatima Hassan Al Sulaiti expressed pride in launching the series as part of the Tamkeen initiative, aiming to bring UNESCO's cultural conventions closer to young professionals. She emphasized the creation of a practical platform to apply these conventions in real-world scenarios and the commitment to offering unique learning opportunities for youth in Qatar and the Arab region.
Salah Khalid, the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that it strengthens awareness of UNESCO's conventions and equips young professionals with essential skills for heritage management.
The workshops, conducted in Arabic, are available to Qatar residents and can be accessed online by participants from the Arab region. Outstanding participants will be invited to the 2027 Youth Empowerment Forum in Doha for further development opportunities. The series is part of the "Empowering Arab Youth for Sustainable Heritage" program, which focuses on cultural, heritage, and creative empowerment. Tamkeen connects academic learning with practical training and expert engagement, promoting regional collaboration and professional networks.