Qatar's successful cultural diplomacy during World Cup 2022 hailed

Dr Fatima Hassan al-Sulaiti, director of International Co-operation and Governmental Affairs at Qatar Museums (QM), has stressed that Qatar's experience in cultural diplomacy during the hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 "constituted an unprecedented pattern in the size of the direct impact on audiences from all over the world, and the dimensions of its success exceeded the period in which it was held, noting that this experience is one of the most prominent models of successful cultural diplomacy".
She made the observations during a lecture at Darwish Al-Far Theatre at the National Museum of Qatar, held under the title 'Cultural Diplomacy: The Role of Qatar Museums'. It was organised by the Katara Public Diplomacy Centre (KPDC) in co-operation with QM in the presence of Darwish Ahmed al-Shaibani, CEO of KPDC, ambassadors and representatives from the culture, education and media sectors.
Dr al-Sulaiti spoke about the role of Qatar Museums in consolidating the concepts of cultural diplomacy, as she highlighted the importance of a growing network of museums, archaeological sites and festivals in promoting an authentic and inspiring national cultural identity. She explained Qatar's successful experience in protecting its heritage and culture through its ability to preserve museums, cultural properties and heritage sites, as well as restoring them and expanding their scope of work and influence, as they contributed to strengthening interdependence among countries of the world by establishing art and culture centres, language centres and architectural projects. QM, since its establishment in 2005, has supervised the development of a large number of museums, she added.
During her analysis of the essence of the Qatari experience, she stressed that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani adopted cultural diplomacy in the style of his work and directives with distinction, noting that "we have witnessed its impact in the previous period."
Dr al-Sulaiti said important files fell under the umbrella of Qatar Museums and constituted distinguished stations in her career, which contributed to highlighting Qatar's role in the international diplomatic arena, including her management of Qatar's participation in the Unesco meetings in 2021, granting Qatar membership of the World Heritage Committee for 1972, and membership of the Second Protocol Committee for the year 1999, after which she assumed the position of General Rapporteur of the 1999 Second Protocol Agreement. She emphasised during the lecture that diplomatic work is not limited to attending meetings or preparing the necessary documents only, but also managing files with sophisticated strategic plans that ensure the consolidation of the role of Qatar with its experiences standing out globally.
She added: "Qatar's investment in building a strong cultural sector that preserves history, antiquities and heritage has a major role in achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030. It also plays an important role in promoting cultural diplomacy and contributing to the growth of a knowledge-based society that builds sustainable cities and communities."
For his part, al-Shaibani said cultural diplomacy is the essence and foundation of public diplomacy, adding that the success achieved by Qatar in public diplomacy depends on the existence of an advanced infrastructure and prestigious cultural and sports institutions, in addition to the availability of an informed audience and the environment.
He pointed out that the 2022 World Cup contributed to changing the stereotypical image and correcting the misconceptions about the Arab people that prevailed abroad, stressing that the Qatari dress, such as the 'ghutra' and the headband, has become one of the bright cultural symbols that reflect the authenticity of the Qatari and Arab culture. He appreciated the role of cultural diplomacy in changing negative indicators into constructive positive results, and praised the vital role of the official authorities and cultural and educational institutions in Qatar, such as the Ministry of Culture, Qatar Museums and Qatar Foundation, in connecting people and launching innovative and advanced projects in public diplomacy, which enhance the status of the State and brings it closer to nations and societies.