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Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, celebrated the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, observed annually on October 17, through a series of events organised in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Unesco Regional Office in Doha.The celebration featured a live performance of Qatari Ardah (traditional sword dance), an art and heritage exhibition showcasing traditional crafts, and the presentation of authentic local cuisine.Additionally, a documentary film was screened, highlighting Qatar’s efforts to document and safeguard its intangible cultural heritage.The director of ministry’s Heritage and Identity Department, Sheikha Najla bint Faisal al-Thani, said that cultural heritage in Qatar receives significant attention, rooted in a firm belief in the importance of preserving, documenting, and transmitting it to new generations.Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to the Gulf States and Yemen, and director of its Doha office, Salah Khaled, expressed his appreciation for Qatar's efforts in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.He noted that this commitment extends beyond the national level to the broader Arab region, and the Gulf states in particular, while commending Qatar's pivotal role in the successful inscription of "Bisht" as an element of this intangible heritage.Meanwhile, cultural heritage expert at the ministry, Hamad Saeed al- Baloushi, highlighted the successes achieved by the State in this field.He affirmed that Qatar's leadership of the joint Arab initiative, which led to the inclusion of "Arab Bisht" on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the organisation's meetings in India, is a significant milestone.

Under the slogan “Your Wisdom Gives Us Strength; Your Expertise Guides Us as We Shape the Future Together”, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) celebrated the International Day of Older Persons, observed annually on October 1, by organising a series of awareness activities and events across all its health centres. The celebrations included home healthcare services for patients, their families, and caregivers during daily home visits, as well as the distribution of symbolic gifts. The celebrations featured a range of educational and awareness-raising activities aimed at improving public understanding of age-related conditions and prevention, highlighting the healthcare needs of older persons, and promoting awareness of their rights and the importance of receiving safe, comprehensive healthcare. The events also introduced the entities that provide services to this population and emphasised the importance of partnership and co-ordination among the various stakeholders supporting their care. PHCC affirmed that organising these activities across all its health centres reflects its commitment to expanding outreach and engaging older persons and their families nationwide. PHCC currently provides home healthcare services through 25 health centres across Qatar. They are available to eligible Qatari patients and citizens of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries aged 50 and above, in accordance with the service’s approved eligibility criteria. Home healthcare services provide integrated care through a multidisciplinary team. These services include medical assessments and follow-up, treatment plan development, medication reviews, and necessary medical tests, as well as nursing services such as monitoring vital signs, wound care, blood sample collection, and administering vaccinations and prescribed medications. The section also provides physiotherapy and clinical nutrition services based on each patient’s health needs. The Home Healthcare Services Section places considerable emphasis on health education by participating in annual health campaigns and events, preparing and distributing awareness materials for patients and their families, and providing information and guidance boards at health centres to explain the service, its eligibility requirements and the application process. PHCC concluded the celebration by reaffirming its commitment to continuously enhance home healthcare services, monitor service quality and beneficiary satisfaction, and strengthen collaboration with relevant institutions and stakeholders across the country. These efforts aim to improve home healthcare quality and ensure the delivery of safe, effective, patient-centred services that address the needs of older persons while preserving their health, dignity, and quality of life. 

Qatar Charity marked the International Day of Charity, observed annually on September 5, celebrating the value of charity and the idea of giving. Qatar Charity highlighted an event in Ghana, as one of the most compelling stories illustrating the meaning of generosity. Dr Hakeem owned land in a strategic location in Accra, the capital. Although he received offers from traders and investors to sell it, he chose a different path. In 2024, after learning about Qatar Charity’s projects in his country, he donated the land to the organisation, convinced that his property could serve a wider public benefit if placed at the community’s disposal. The site helped make possible the establishment of an office and community complex featuring educational, social and service facilities. In another example in Gaza, Arkan Jomaa needed an opportunity to rebuild his life. The four-year-old lost his parents and sister and sustained injuries in a bombing that resulted in the loss of his leg. After being evacuated to Jordan with his uncle, he began treatment and rehabilitation and started preparing to receive a prosthetic limb, with support from Qatar Charity in cooperation with the Restoring Hope Society in Jordan. For Arkan, the journey captures another dimension of giving. Assistance does not end with medical treatment; it extends to restoring mobility and helping a young child reclaim something of the childhood taken from him by war. From mobility to water, the need changes, but its essence remains the same: ensuring that what is provided can improve everyday life. In Senegal, Qatar Charity implemented water and sanitation projects in several areas. These included 246 wells and 49 water tanks for vulnerable families in Touba, alongside projects in other locations. With a total cost exceeding QR4mn, the initiative benefited more than 70,000 people. In Sri Lanka, the path to a better life lay in restoring sight. Qatar Charity implemented a health initiative that included 300 cataract surgeries and the provision of 555 prescription eyeglasses, including 150 pairs for schoolchildren. The initiative targeted low-income families, older people, and children with vision problems. When floods struck Nepal, Qatar Charity moved swiftly to address urgent needs, providing 30 tonnes of staple food supplies, along with hygiene items and emergency shelter materials. The assistance reached thousands of people affected by the disaster. In such circumstances, speed of delivery becomes part of the value of the assistance itself. Food, shelter, and hygiene supplies are not optional extras when families have lost their homes and essential resources; they are needs that cannot be postponed.

The director of the GCC-Criminal Information Centre to Combat Drugs (GCC-CICCD), Colonel Mohammed Abdullah al-Khater, said that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked annually on June 26, is an important occasion to renew commitment to protecting societies from drugs and assessing efforts to strengthen community security and safeguard youth. He said that Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states are observing the day amid rapid security and health changes, relying on integrated regional and national efforts under the GCC Anti-Drug Strategy (2025-28), which provides a comprehensive framework to unify member states’ efforts in confronting the drug threat. Al-Khater said the strategy focuses on reducing drug supply and demand, cutting off sources, promoting alternative development, strengthening legislation, combating money laundering from drug trafficking, and enhancing training and capacity-building to improve preventive, security, and treatment responses. He noted that this year’s global theme World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses, reflects current challenges, stressing that the drug threat is no longer limited to traditional smuggling methods but has extended into the digital space and social media platforms used to target youth and promote drugs. Al-Khater added that the GCC-CICCD has developed advanced electronic monitoring tools to curb online promotion, track and block suspicious accounts, and conduct joint security operations and controlled deliveries to target transnational criminal networks. He also said that the centre supports GCC security work through studies and research to unify procedures among member states. The official added that the GCC-CICCD regularly organises training programmes for anti-drug and customs personnel in GCC states, in co-operation with regional and international partners, universities, and research centres, to enhance expertise in combating evolving criminal methods.  

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has marked 'International Day of Education' by hosting a special event titled 'Empowering Teachers. Inspiring Futures'.The event brought together educators, academic leaders, and education professionals to celebrate the vital role of teachers in shaping future generations.Organised by the Department of Applied Education, the event highlighted innovative teaching practices and the importance of empowering educators as key drivers of sustainable development and lifelong learning.The programme featured a keynote address by Mehdi Benchaabane, vice president of Qatar Foundation Schools, who spoke about the critical role of teachers in advancing educational excellence and supporting national development goals.Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST, said: “At UDST, we firmly believe that empowering teachers is fundamental to building resilient education systems and shaping future-ready generations. Celebrating the International Day of Education reflects our commitment to supporting educators with applied, innovative, and industry-aligned learning approaches that contribute directly to human development and the strategic goals of Qatar.”The event also included a series of 'Ignite Talks' delivered by teachers enrolled in UDST’s Master of Science in STEM and TVET Education programme. These short, dynamic presentations showcased innovative teaching approaches aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and emerging trends in STEM and technical education.In addition, attendees participated in a poster presentation and networking session, where teachers presented applied research and classroom-based projects, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among education professionals. 

As Qatar Foundation (QF) marked the International Day of Education 2026, experts shared insights on why multilingual education matters and how learning can build bridges between the past and the future, through the Thunai Conference.One of a series of events and platforms organised by QF’s Pre-University Education to celebrate a day that reinforces how education is everyone’s right and responsibility, the conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel explored the importance of bilingual models of education that have a global outlook while remaining rooted in cultural and linguistic identity.Among the speakers was cognitive psychology and multilingualism expert Prof Roberto Filippi of UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, who is the director of the leading London-based university’s Multilanguage and Cognition Lab. His session examined the question of what the outcome of seeing student languages as a resource for designing how they learn, rather than a challenge in need of managing, can be.In his talk, ‘Co-Creating Multilingual Futures: Learning to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World’, Prof Filippi explained that multilingualism supports flexible thinking and attentiveness, meaning that, in a school environment, it can increase students’ sense of participation, wellbeing, achievement, and belonging.“The real-life implications of being raised in a multilingual environment concern learning, because children have more efficient attention control,” said Prof Filippi. “Multilingualism can have a long-lasting effect on our cognition. The benefits can be not only linguistic, but also non-linguistic.“Multilingualism is not an exception; it is the norm everywhere in the world.”However, Prof Filippi explained that potentially harmful misconceptions about multilingualism persist, saying: “Parents can be discouraged to raise their children as multilingual on the assumption that it can confuse the brain and delay development.“These misconceptions don’t just have a negative impact on education; they have a negative impact on culture, identity, confidence, family bonds, communication within the extended family, and future career development. Multilingualism is not a risk; it’s an investment.”In a session titled ‘Languages Matter: Guidance and Insights from the Gulf States Report on Multilingual Education’, Farida Aboudan, head of education at Unesco’s Regional Office for the Gulf States, outlined findings that examine the Gulf region’s unique linguistic landscape, and policies and practices that can help to meet the dual challenge of safeguarding the Arabic language as a cultural cornerstone while ensuring students also have proficiency in other languages.“Despite the world being home to nearly 7,000 spoken and signed languages, around 260mn students are still learning in a language they do not understand,” said Aboudan. “Only a very limited number of languages are used as languages of instruction globally, meaning that less than 10% of the world’s linguistic diversity is reflected in our education systems."The conference also saw representatives from QF’s BilAraby initiative – which promotes and perpetuates the Arabic language by amplifying the global reach of ideas and stories from across the Arabic-speaking world – lead a session on the theme of ‘Rooted Identity, Evolving Education’, which opened by addressing the question of how contemporary education can draw on its cultural, linguistic, and human roots to shape an identity that preserves collective memory without confining it to a static past.Dr Said Ismail, professor of genomics at QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, said: “Some have neglected history and heritage, blaming those who remain stuck in the past. This is what I mean by ‘unfair correction.’“Do not live in the past and forget the present, nor neglect history or blame those who glorify it. Every tree has roots that it cannot sever and without which it cannot live. Therefore, we must always remember what we did in our past.”Fidaa al-Din Yahya, a Yemeni social media influencer, highlighted the importance of identity in early childhood by saying: “A child discovers their identity and answers the question ‘Who am I?’ during their early years. A person who doesn’t have an answer to this question is easily given an answer from the outside.” 

Each year, the International Day of Education marked on January 24 offers an opportunity to explore how learning takes place across different settings.Alongside formal education systems, cultural and public spaces are increasingly part of this landscape.Museums have become spaces where this broader view of learning is made visible.Through immersive experiences, dialogue, and creative practice, they create environments in which learning unfolds through exploration.**media[408778]**In Qatar, this role is evident within Education City, where cultural institutions sit alongside schools and universities as part of a wider educational ecosystem.Here, “Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum”, founded by Qatar Foundation (QF) and honouring the iconic modern artist Maqbool Fida Husain, approaches education through an enduring relationship with art as a form of learning.Its Learning and Outreach Programme, launched last month, is centred on time spent in the galleries, where guided observation and dialogue provide the starting point for learning.Participants then move into practical workshops shaped by what they have seen and discussed.Designed for all ages, the programme includes school visits, family sessions, and public workshops.These activities complement classroom learning through visual exploration, storytelling, and creative projects."Education through art is not about delivering fixed answers," said QF communications and outreach manager Jowaher al-Marri. "It is about creating optimal conditions for curiosity, interpretation, and independent thinking.”“Museums offer a different kind of learning space where people are encouraged to slow down, question what they see, and build meaning through observation, conversation, and creative response,” she said.School groups visit the museum to extend classroom work, looking at Husain's use of movement and then experimenting with their own gestural drawings.On weekends, family programmes bring multiple generations together, creating shared spaces for adults and children to inspire one another with their own perspectives.Learning at the museum is encouraged through discovery and is designed as a process rather than a one-off encounter.Younger children are introduced to visual language through activities focused on colour, shape, movement, and mark-making, while older participants engage with more complex themes such as identity, memory, urban life, and abstraction.Across age groups, workshops encourage participants to translate observation into action, allowing art to become a tool for expression, interpretation, and shared discovery.The museum's educational work extends beyond its regular programming.An ongoing collaboration with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art brings together art, wellbeing, and interdisciplinary practice through workshops and public discussions running throughout January, including a panel with artists, healers, and clinicians exploring mental health through creative practice. 

National and international academics highlighted various educational initiatives and teaching and learning methodologies at the International Day of Education celebrations organised by Qatar Foundation (QF).Observed annually on January 24, the International Day of Education highlights how education is a basic human right and a shared responsibility, encouraging collective efforts to enhance its quality.The two-day event held at Barahat Msheireb under the theme ‘Education is Everyone’s Responsibility’ brought educators, students, families, and institutions to reaffirm the shared role of society in shaping inclusive and future-ready education.The event also marked the launch of QF’s Rasekh initiative as Qatar’s bilingual, identity-based education model and a cornerstone of national education reform, as the International Day of Education celebrations reflect QF’s continued commitment to engaging the wider community and advancing the future of education.Sheikha Noof Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, vice president, Strategic Educational Initiatives for QF’s Pre-University Education, said: “The International Day of Education is a global occasion to renew our commitment to the right to education as a cornerstone of human and social development, and a shared responsibility that requires coordinated efforts between educational institutions and the wider community.**media[409188]**“Through marking this day, QF reaffirms the role of education in shaping individuals, strengthening values and equipping future generations to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence, awareness, and deeply rooted knowledge.”Speaking at a session, ‘Building a Multilingual Future: Learning to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World’, Prof Roberto Filippi of University College London’s Institute of Education, noted that home language preserves cultural identity and well-being of the pupils.“There is some great evidence that growing a child in a multilingual environment in the presence of neurodiversity can have a positive impact, especially for linguistic development and also for social development.”Drawing on research in psychology, neuroscience, and education, Prof Filippi highlighted multilingualism as a resource for learning rather than a challenge, demonstrating its role in enhancing student engagement, wellbeing, achievement, belonging, and social equity.Farida Aboudan, regional programme specialist (Education), Unesco, highlighted that there are still about 250mn students who learn in a language that they do not understand.“14% of learners worldwide lack access to education in their home language. For millions of children, this means going to school but not understanding the language of instruction. This leaves them feeling disconnected and confused in the classroom,” Aboudan highlighted.“Without education in a familiar language, children fall behind, lose confidence, and many drop out altogether. When children learn in languages they know, they engage more, develop stronger literacy skills and build confidence to succeed in school and beyond,” she added.The Rasekh Village offered an immersive experience that translated the model’s principles into practice. Through interactive exhibits and educational pavilions presented by QF entities and participating schools, visitors explored approaches that promote balanced bilingual education, cultural identity, and localised global learning.The event also featured a Storytelling Platform, where students, educators, and community organisations shared inspiring educational journeys through dialogue, performance, and interactive sessions, emphasising the power of storytelling in nurturing values, creativity, and lifelong learning.Complementing the public celebrations, the Thunai Conference was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, promoting bilingual education models that balance cultural and linguistic identity, particularly Arabic, with global engagement through English. The conference brought together regional and international experts to explore approaches that prepare students to thrive in diverse global environments while remaining rooted in their cultural values. 

President of Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) Abeer Al Khalifa affirmed that Qatar Foundation schools place great importance on the use of technology as a core pillar for enhancing learning and developing future skills.In exclusive remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the International Day of Education, Al Khalifa noted that the integration of digital solutions is achieved through e-learning platforms and interactive classroom technologies, supporting blended learning, encouraging innovation, and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.She stressed the Foundation’s commitment to using modern technologies responsibly and ethically, balancing innovation with the protection of learners, ensuring that students are equipped with advanced digital skills that enable them to succeed in the knowledge economy, while maintaining the sustainability of the education system and its alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.She confirmed that pre-university education at Qatar Foundation encompasses a diverse educational community that combines global and local dimensions, with students representing 79 nationalities. This diversity reinforces the values of openness, cultural understanding, and dialogue, and contributes to preparing students who can engage with the international community while preserving their national identity.She noted that the number of enrolled students stands at 9,294, including 5,576 male students and 3,718 female students, of whom 8,365 are Qatari. She emphasized that this strong presence of Qatari students reflects Qatar Foundation’s role in supporting national education and building local capabilities.She pointed out that the presence of 718 teachers underscores investment in the teaching workforce as the cornerstone of educational quality, providing a supportive learning environment that takes individual differences into account and promotes modern, student-centered teaching approaches.She noted that graduating more than 8,300 students from Qatar Foundation schools and the Academic Bridge Program reflects the system’s ability to prepare generations capable of transitioning smoothly to higher education or professional pathways, enhancing students’ readiness for labor market requirements and the knowledge economy.She stressed the schools’ commitment to engaging students in local and international technology competitions and events in areas such as programming, robotics, artificial intelligence, and scientific innovation, enabling them to apply their knowledge practically, work within multicultural teams, stay abreast of the latest technological developments, refine their skills, and build self-confidence.She said that Qatar Foundation adopts a practical and gradual approach to integrating modern educational tools, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, embedding them within the education system in a way that enhances learning quality and keeps pace with digital transformation.She added that at the level of higher education and scientific research, artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity constitute core pillars of academic and research programs, where these technologies are employed in data analysis and the development of smart solutions that support innovation aligned with national priorities.She noted that in pre-university education, digital tools have been widely integrated through learning management systems, blended learning, and virtual laboratories, alongside pilot initiatives using AI-based tools to support personalized learning, track student progress, and improve teaching methods. This is accompanied by enhanced cybersecurity awareness through the inclusion of digital safety concepts, responsible technology use, and data protection within curricula and school activities.She affirmed that Qatar Foundation has played an active role in developing and implementing the International Baccalaureate system in the State of Qatar, making it a key pillar of educational quality within its system. This has been achieved through adherence to global accreditation and quality standards, and the development of innovative educational practices focused on critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, independent research, and community service, while aligning programs with national identity and strengthening Arabic language education and Qatari cultural values.She pointed to the diversity of educational pathways and programs offered by the Foundation, including vocational tracks, advanced-level programs, and innovative educational models such as experiential learning under the My Academies model, as well as specialized programs for students with learning difficulties at Awsaj Academy, students with autism spectrum disorder at Renad Academy, and students with severe disabilities at Warif Academy.She also highlighted Qatar Foundation’s pivotal role in enhancing education quality by supporting scientific research and knowledge production through leading national institutions, including the Qatar National Research Fund, thereby strengthening the link between education, innovation, and the development of national priorities.In concluding her remarks to QNA, the Head of Pre-University Education saithat the Ejadah School Improvement Program, which falls under the umbrella of pre-university education at Qatar Foundation, contributes to enhancing education quality in the country through an evidence-based evaluation and improvement model. This model links schools’ self-evaluation to measurable improvements in student learning outcomes, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Ministry of Social Development and Family, supporting sustainable improvement across the national education system.

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education will organise a series of events to mark the International Day of Education 2026 under the theme Education Is Everyone's Responsibility.The events will take place on January 24-25 at Barahat Msheireb, highlighting key educational initiatives and success stories, and reaffirming education as a shared societal responsibility and a platform for dialogue and learning.At the heart of the programme will be a focus on the Rasekh platform and its role in advancing identity-based bilingual education.The events will also bring together QF entities and the wider community, including parents, school and university students, educational institutions, and education experts, through interactive activities designed to raise awareness of the value of education."International Day of Education is an opportunity to reflect on the real role of education in our lives, not only as an academic system, but as a shared responsibility that underpins development and shapes the future,” said Pre-University Education (PEU) president Abeer al-Khalifa. “It reminds us that education is a collective effort involving schools, families, and communities, and that its impact is measured not by what is achieved in a single year, but by the lasting effect it has on individuals and their ability to contribute positively to society."She said that the significance of the celebration lies in its role as a shared platform to highlight educational experiences that have made a real difference, as well as partnerships that have helped advance educational practice and translate ideas into tangible impact."Celebrating the International Day of Education is not just about showcasing achievements, but about opening a broader community dialogue on our aspirations and how education can remain rooted in our identity and values while staying responsive to a changing world,” al-Khalifa added. “Such occasions are important for raising awareness of the value of education and encouraging the community to play an active role in supporting and advancing it.”"At the QF, we see this day as a call for collective action and a renewed commitment to building an inclusive, flexible education system that responds to the diverse needs of learners,” she continued. “The education we celebrate today is one that creates real impact, puts people at its core, and lays the foundation for a more aware and sustainable future."The programme will feature three main components, including an educational and cultural exhibition showcasing the achievements and initiatives of QF entities and participating schools, alongside panel discussions on the main stage highlighting inspiring educational stories and experiences.It will include Rasekh Village, an immersive experience highlighting the initiative's core pillars and educational programmes.The event will place a strong focus on educational innovation through the Sabq programme, a national initiative designed to identify and celebrate innovative educational practices while encouraging their wider adoption.As part of the accompanying programme, the "Thunai" Conference will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, focusing on bilingual education models that balance cultural and linguistic identity with global openness.The conference will feature University College London's Institute of Education professor Roberto Filippi, who is also the founder and director of the Multilingualism and Cognition Lab, and Farida Aboudan, the head of education at Unesco’s Regional Office for the Gulf States and an expert in education and international development.Running in parallel, the “Takaafo” Conference will reflect the QF's commitment to building an inclusive education system that provides every child with equal opportunities to reach their full potential.The conference will feature Prof Barry Carpenter, who will lead a series of lectures and panel discussions on neurodiversity and special education needs, alongside international experts.  

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, has commemorated the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Unesco Regional Office in Doha, the day was celebrated with a series of activities with HE the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, in attendance. The events in Doha underscore the nation's enduring commitment to protecting its intangible heritage and drew a record turnout from enthusiasts, researchers, academics, and students. HE AlKhater inaugurated the heritage photo exhibition, capturing with depth and aesthetic beauty the elements of intangible cultural heritage in Qatar through a curated selection of photographs documenting traditional crafts, performing arts, and social occasions. An artistic exhibition exclusively devoted to school students was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, showcasing artworks inspired by Qatari intangible heritage, demonstrating the new generation's awareness of their heritage and innovation in expressing it in contemporary methods. The exhibition included the participation of Qatar Leadership Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation, and several schools, including Qatar Primary School for Girls, Qatar Secondary School, Umm Hani Primary School for Girls, which contributed with the segment "Girl of Qatar," and Voltaire Qatari-French School. HE Director of Heritage and Identity at the Ministry of Culture, Sheikha Najla Faisal al-Thani, highlighted the profound importance of intangible cultural heritage as the vibrant identity of nations and the memory of generations. This year's celebration represents an opportunity to renew national and global obligations to safeguard this invaluable legacy and ensure its transmission to future generations, as intangible heritage is a fundamental factor in promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding, she noted. HE Sheikha Najla further indicated that Qatar gives foremost priority to protecting its intangible cultural heritage as a core pillar of national identity and the mirror of Qatari society's spirit. She noted that the ministry executed several projects to inventory and document the components of Qatari heritage in collaboration with national institutions and the local community, including folk arts, traditional crafts, and literature. The ministry also affirmed its commitment to supporting artisans and folk artists through festivals and training workshops that contribute to imparting skills across generations and advancing them in ways that serve the national cultural economy. On the global stage, HE Sheikha Najla highlighted that Qatar actively engaged in Unesco initiatives and registered several of its heritage elements, including falconry, majlis gatherings, Arabic coffee, the palm tree, and henna, in partnership with Gulf and Arab nations, emphasising the unity of heritage and the interwoven roots of culture in the region. She stressed that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is a shared responsibility that contributes to fostering national identity and the nation's standing on the global cultural stage. HE Sheikha Najla further affirmed Qatar's enduring commitment to protecting Qatari heritage in all its components and transmitting it to future generations in a renewed manner that keeps pace with the times while preserving authenticity. Senior cultural expert at the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, Dr Khalid Rashid al-Balushi, told Qatar News Agency that the committee serves as the key link between global, regional, and national entities, particularly in the cultural domain, unifying national efforts. He highlighted the close partnership with the Ministry of Culture in registering several intangible cultural heritage elements with Unesco, notably falconry, Arabic coffee, and henna. Qatar currently leads important Arab heritage files, such as the bisht and sambuq (traditional sailing boats), while continuing efforts to prepare additional files for registration, he noted. For his part, Director of the Unesco Regional Office in Doha for the Gulf States and Yemen, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled, said this celebration honours the living traditions, expressions, and practices that define the region's societal identity and connect generations. He noted that these cultural elements face increasing challenges today due to rapid urban expansion and weak intergenerational transmission. Qatar actively participates in this celebration, represented by the Ministry of Culture and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, through a series of events at the UN House in Doha, in collaboration with key partners such as the Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Group and the College of Education at Qatar University, Khaled noted. Khaled further added that the UN House hosts, until Octo 23, the fourth Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition, featuring 22 participants showcasing over 120 artworks, along with selected pieces from the Ministry of Culture and a dedicated corner for creative products by students of QU's Fine Arts Education Department, reinterpreting Qatari heritage in contemporary forms.

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information, observed annually on September 28, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, freedom of information, and fostering a culture of digital protection among its employees and partners. This celebration underscores QOC’s leading role in adopting international best practices that guarantee access to information for all segments of society. It also reflects Qatar’s position as a pioneering sports and institutional hub in good governance, knowledge management, and national capacity-building. Over the past years, QOC has launched several initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of information sharing. These include strengthening knowledge management systems in line with the international ISO 30401 standard, implementing effective digital archiving and document management policies, and offering specialized training programs on cybersecurity. Together, these measures ensure a responsible and sustainable work environment. QOC also places great emphasis on issuing regular reports on its strategy and sustainability efforts while making key data on its activities and projects available through official channels. This approach provides the public and stakeholders with direct, reliable access to the committee’s achievements and ongoing work. On this occasion, Eng. Fahad Ebrahim Al-Muhana, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at QOC, stated: "Our celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information reflects the QOC’s commitment to transparency and integrity, while empowering our national workforce with the tools of modern knowledge. We believe that reliable information is the foundation of sustainable development and strengthens institutional decision-making that serves both sport and society." “We will continue to adopt best global practices in knowledge management and data protection, in line with the Committee’s strategic vision and directions aimed at building a modern and secure institutional environment that can keep pace with global changes and strengthen Qatar’s position on the international sports map.” He added. This occasion highlights QOC’s institutional direction toward building a strong administrative culture founded on openness, transparency, and inclusivity. It also supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 by contributing to human, social, and institutional development. Through these efforts, QOC continues to play a central role in promoting sport as a positive force for spreading knowledge, strengthening accountability, and expanding access to information for the benefit of current and future generations. It's worth mentioning that QOC has received international certification in the Knowledge Management System ISO 30401 this year. This milestone makes QOC the first institution in Qatar and the first sports organization in the Middle East to receive this prestigious international recognition.