Shaping Tomorrow’s Heritage Guardians: Qatar Museums Launches “Conventions: 101” Workshop Series

Qatar Museums (QM) through its International Cooperation and Government Affairs Department and in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, today launched the “Conventions: 101” Workshop Series 2026 at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.

Taking place on 13, 14 and 29 October 2026, the series introduces young professionals and university students to UNESCO’s cultural conventions and their role in protecting heritage. The initiative coincides with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, reflecting a shared commitment to cultural cooperation and to developing the next generation of heritage professionals.

The opening session featured welcoming remarks by Dr. Fatima Hassan Al Sulaiti, Director of International Cooperation and Government Affairs at Qatar Museums, who spoke as the organiser and on behalf of QM, and Ms. Amina Al-Hamshari, Acting Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen and Head of its Social and Human Sciences Sector. It also included pre-recorded keynote remarks by H.E. Dr. Nasser Al-Henzab, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to UNESCO.

The series comprises three specialised workshops focusing on the protection of cultural property, World Heritage and intangible cultural heritage. Through practical case studies, simulations, debates and interactive group activities, participants will explore how international frameworks inform the preservation of cultural heritage and how they can be applied in real-world contexts.

Dr Fatema Hassan Al Sulaiti, Director of QM’s International Cooperation and Government Affairs Department, said: “We are proud to launch the ‘Conventions: 101’ Workshop Series as part of Tamkeen, an initiative of Qatar Museums’ International Cooperation and Government Affairs Department, and our continued efforts to strengthen knowledge and capacity in culture and heritage. In developing this series, our aim was to create a practical and accessible platform that brings UNESCO’s cultural conventions closer to young professionals and students, helping them understand how they can be applied in practice. Through Tamkeen, we are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for youth in Qatar and across the Arab region to learn, exchange experiences and build the skills needed to contribute to safeguarding our shared cultural heritage.” 

H.E. Salah Khalid, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, said: “As our Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen marks 50 years in Qatar, this series highlights our strong strategic partnership with Qatar Museums and Qatar’s commitment to translating UNESCO’s conventions into practical initiatives that safeguard heritage and support sustainable development. UNESCO believes that the future of cultural heritage depends on younger generations’ ability to understand, safeguard and develop it. This initiative strengthens awareness of UNESCO’s cultural conventions and equips young professionals in Qatar and across the region to protect and manage heritage for future generations.”

The workshops are conducted in Arabic. Outstanding participants from Qatar and the wider region will be selected to take part in the 2027 Youth Empowerment Forum in Doha, extending opportunities for learning, exchange and professional development.

The series forms part of Tamkeen, a programme launched by the department in 2025 to empower Arab youth in culture, heritage and creativity. Combining academic learning, practical training, field visits and direct engagement with experts and leading institutions in Qatar, Tamkeen connects theory with practice while supporting regional collaboration and professional networks

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