Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture Concludes Activities with Lecture on Cultural Diplomacy

Jakarta, January 21 (QNA) - The activities of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture were concluded with a lecture on "Cultural Diplomacy: A Safety Valve for International Relations." The lecture was presented by HE Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta, during which His Excellency shared insights on the pivotal role of cultural diplomacy in developing international relations.
"I had the privilege of visiting Indonesia last year, leading a Qatari delegation as part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture to strengthen bonds between nations and peoples. This initiative reflects Qatar's deep-rooted belief that culture serves as a more impactful language of communication than official diplomacy, playing a pivotal role in extending bridges of compromise and fostering dialogue and interaction," said HE Dr. Al Kawari.
HE Dr. Al Kawari, who also serves as the Years of Culture Ambassador, said that the Qatar Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture successfully celebrated the rich cultural heritage of both nations, cementing the countries' historically strong ties. Years of Culture organized more than 50 programs across Qatar and Indonesia focusing on the creative industries, social development, innovation, and cultural heritage aspects of both countries.
He added that the path to global harmony begins with enhancing the role of culture in international relations, noting that cultural diplomacy is the key to bringing nations closer and serving as a catalyst for stability. "The Years of Culture stands as a unique testament to the success of culture in connecting nations and promoting understanding through the exchange of creative experiences. This diplomatic approach, blending cultural exchange with traditional diplomacy, has proven effective in projecting Qatar as a state that values global peace and actively encourages nations to pursue it." Another point raised by HE Dr. Al Kawari was the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the current AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 as a testament to Qatar's commitment to international engagement that has been instrumental in building bridges with nations worldwide. "This holistic approach, encompassing cultural, educational, and sporting initiatives, reflects Qatar's dedication to fostering global understanding and collaboration. I am confident that the role of cultural diplomacy will continue to expand in the future, becoming indispensable to traditional diplomacy," he said.
Opening the public lecture, Dr. Bondan Kanumoyoso, University of Indonesia Lecturer at the History Studies Program within the Faculty of Humanities, said, "Qatar has succeeded in making innovations in the world of diplomacy, including becoming a mediator of peace for countries in conflict by carrying out purposeful cultural diplomacy." Kanumoyoso thanked HE Dr. Al Kawari for being here and HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Indonesia Fawziya bint Edrees Al Sulaiti for their attendance, participation and support in making the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture a success.
During the event, HE Dr. Al Kawari also signed copies of his book 'Bridges, not Barriers,' which delves into the intricacies of inter-civilizational relations and advocates for a fresh collaborative approach between the North and the South, echoing the lecture's emphasis on cultural diplomacy. (QNA)