Qatar National Library (QNL) will host the second edition of the ‘Libraries Lead’ forum from 19-20 March. This year’s theme explores how galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMs) leverage soft power to promote diplomacy locally and between nations.
Speakers from national and university libraries, museums, and cultural centers around the world will participate and share their cultural diplomacy initiatives. These range from repatriating cultural heritage items, to facilitating cultural exchanges in the arts, sports, literature, music, science, and business, and creating cultural programs that enhance relations between diverse groups.
While cultural ambassadorship in GLAMs is under-represented in research, its significance is evident in collections, programming, exhibitions, and collaborations that represent national interests and international relations. The ‘Libraries Lead’ forum aims to highlight the importance of these initiatives in promoting the exchange of ideas, values, and traditions to strengthen relationships and promote cooperation locally and internationally.
HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari will address the forum, alongside influential speakers including Dr. Nabhan Al Harrasi, President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, discussing the role of universities in promoting cultural diplomacy.
HE Dr. Al Kawari said: “The ‘Libraries Lead’ forum provides a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among library professionals and cultural ambassadors. Culture, in all its facets and dimensions, brings peoples and nations closer together and formal and informal cultural institutions have an indispensable role in shaping a country’s cultural identity and serving as ambassadors of communication and acquaintance among the peoples of the world.”
“Qatar National Library is an ambassador of Arab culture, knowledge, science, and creativity, and it will continue to be an ambassador of its culture, identity, language, and heritage,” he added.
Encouraging early registration for the forum, Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library said: “We are pleased to host the second edition of Libraries Lead. We anticipate another valuable opportunity to share experiences and ideas on the topic of cultural diplomacy efforts and on how we can preserve our cultural heritage for future generations. Library professionals are always eager to learn from their peers and explore innovative ways to leverage the power of national cultural assets to promote cooperation both locally and globally.”
The first day will explore the diplomatic role of Qatari GLAMS, among other themes, including a talk on “Guinness World Records as a Tool for Cultural Diplomacy”, by Susan Parker Leavy and Boluwatife Agbelusi from the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). Poster presentations will reflect on the breadth of roles played by GLAMs, with topics such as “The World is at our Fingertips”, by Al-Anoud Abdullah Al-Kaabi and Hussein Jassim Al-Haddad, from Al-Noor Center for the Blind, and “Open Licensing in GLAMs: A Road Map for Cultural Diplomacy” by Dr. Alwaleed Alkhaja, of Qatar National Library.
Continuing the knowledge exchange, day two will feature a panel discussion on “Harnessing Culture to Strengthen Local, Regional, and International Relations”. Engaging lightning talks by speakers from Qatari and international universities will broaden the discussion to focus on “National Libraries as Political Catalysts”, “Brave Afghan Refugees Sharing their Stories with the MIA Library”, and ”The Diplomatic Role of the Palestinian National Library”.
The 2023 forum will once again ensure a vibrant exchange of knowledge between practitioners that identifies best practices, the potential for cooperation, and new forms of cultural engagement.
The successful inaugural ‘Libraries Lead’ forum saw professionals from the region and internationally combine their knowledge to help achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In its second edition, the ‘Libraries Lead’ forum offers an excellent opportunity for library professionals and cultural ambassadors to connect and share their experiences and ideas on cultural diplomacy initiatives. (QNA)
Source: Qatar News Agency