Heritage plays a vital role in connecting communities to their history and guiding future development. Building on this vision, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, the UNESCO Chair on World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Management in the Arab Region (WH-ISTAR) and Qatar Museums, in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), successfully convened the second edition of the Opportunities for Heritage Conference (O4H II) from 7–9 December at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, under the theme “Rethinking Conservation, Communication, and Credibility.”
The conference brought together leaders, policymakers, heritage professionals, international organizations and other specialists from across the Gulf region and beyond to explore the opportunities that heritage offers for sustainable development, and to engage in dialogue on how to address ongoing pressures between heritage conservation and urban and rural development.
Drawing on UNESCO’s main heritage frameworks, including the 1972 World Heritage Convention, the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, participants explored concrete ways to position culture as a core pillar of sustainable development and resilience.
HE Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, emphasized that O4H II reflects a renewed regional commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and reinforcing its essential role in sustainable development: “The safeguarding of cultural heritage is not only a responsibility to our past, it is an investment in our shared future. Through the ‘Opportunities for Heritage’ Conference we reaffirm that heritage is a driver of social cohesion, creativity, and sustainable development. Gathering here in Doha reflects our collective commitment to safeguarding the cultural fabric that shapes our identities and strengthens our communities.”
Dr Fatema Hassan al Sulaiti, Director of International Cooperation & Government Affairs at Qatar Museums and Qatar’s National Expert to UNESCO said, “Opportunities for Heritage 2025 reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding and celebrating heritage in all its forms. By bringing together policymakers, experts, and community voices, this forum highlights the essential role cultural heritage plays in shaping resilient societies and sustainable futures. As a proud partner in this initiative, Qatar Museums Authority is honoured to collaborate with UNESCO and our distinguished regional and international counterparts to advance a common vision. One where heritage continues to inspire, empower, and connect our communities.”
Over three days, participants engaged in panel discussions, high-level round table discussions, expert round tables and interactive workshops exploring innovative approaches to heritage conservation, community engagement, communication and credibility in the heritage sector. Local, regional and international attendees examined key issues including regulatory frameworks, financial sustainability, policy development, public–private collaboration, interpretation and community participation, identifying current best practices, challenges and new opportunities in heritage conservation.
Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums stated, ‘“Opportunities for Heritage 2025 provides a vital platform to rethink how we conserve, communicate, and sustain our shared cultural assets. At Qatar Museums, we are committed to advancing heritage not only as a reflection of our history but also as a catalyst for education, innovation, and sustainable development across the region and beyond.”
The programme also highlighted the transformative potential of technology and innovative solutions in linking heritage conservation, tourism and sustainable development, and in supporting more integrated, forward-looking approaches to the management of cultural and natural heritage.
UNESCO and its partners reaffirm their commitment to strengthening regional collaboration, advancing knowledge and best practices exchanges on conserving cultural heritage emerging from O4H II. The outcomes of the conference will help shape future programmes and joint initiatives to safeguard cultural heritage and further embed culture within national and regional sustainable development agendas.