QNL marks World Heritage Day by hosting webinar on local community’s role in heritage preservation

Qatar National Library (QNL), in joint partnership with the Qatari Literature Initiative, marked World Heritage Day with a virtual webinar on the role of local communities in heritage preservation.

Inaugurated by H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, the webinar share insights on the contributions of institutions, including libraries and museums, and each person’s passion for personal curation toward the preservation of documentary heritage.

The webinar’s speakers included Maryam Ahmed Al Mutawa, Head of Collection Access at the Heritage Library; Haya Al Dossary, Founder of the Qatar Literature Initiative; Abdulaziz Abu Hashem Abu Al Sayed, a private heritage collection owner; and Abdullah Al Ghanim, a private Qatar heritage collection museum owner. The webinar was moderated by Ikhlas Ahmed, Tours and Exhibitions Officer at the Library.

Dr. Al Kawari said, “While our heritage is our identity that holds valuable information about the past, instils pride in the present and inspires the future, culture is the bridge that connects all of us, irrespective of race, ethnicity or ideology. Our cultural heritage is in the hands of our people, who are at the heart of our preservation mission.”

“This webinar helped highlight the library’s efforts in increasing heritage consciousness among the local communities and encouraging them to join us in safeguarding our heritage for future generation,” he added.

Maryam Ahmed Al Mutawa, Head of Collection Access at the Heritage Library said that “Collaborating with the Qatari Literature Initiative reflects our commitment toward increasing knowledge and awareness around the importance of heritage preservation. Local communities play a critical role in supporting cultural institutions such as ours in preserving cultural heritage.”

“Having private heritage collection owners participate in the webinar helped spread awareness about the role local communities can play in safeguarding our history. We look forward to hosting similar discussions to continue raising heritage consciousness among local communities,” she added.

Haya Al Dossary, Founder of the Qatar Literature Initiative, said, “This event is a celebration of World Heritage Day to highlight institutional and individual efforts to preserve heritage. These reviews will shed light on how one can preserve heritage in its various forms and historical dimensions, and highlight any relevant community efforts as well.”

The Qatar Literature Initiative was established in 2018 under the cultural framework, which focuses on supporting literary and cultural organisations in Qatar. The initiative also aims in promoting cultural and literary activities by providing discussion spaces related to cultural causes. Founded by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982, World Heritage Day is officially known as International Monuments and Sites Day.

It seeks to raise awareness around the significance of cultural heritage and its preservation for future generations. The Heritage Library at QNL houses some of the country’s most rare and valuable books, manuscripts, maps and texts, including a permanent exhibition open for all citizens and residents to explore in Qatar.

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