Doha, Qatar National Library (QNL), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation organized the "Arabic Novels to Bridge Cultures" workshop in the QNL premises.
This workshop comes in the context of UNESCO proclaiming the World Novel Week in 2021, celebrated annually on October 13, to raise awareness of novels' contribution to promoting cultural pluralism, understanding, and exchange, as forms of cultural expression.
In his speech on the occasion, HE Director of the UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office in Doha Salah Khaled stressed the profound influence of literature and its role in building bridges between cultures promoting dialogue and understanding; a reflection of UNESCO's fundamental values.
Khaled noted UNESCO's clear objective of raising the status of the Arabic language, and elevating its importance and contribution to the shared human and cultural heritage, adding that this event is part of a global movement, and is an initiative that UNESCO proudly supports.
The Director of the UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office in Doha pointed to the fact that the event was held at QNL, highlighting the vital role of libraries not only as reservoir of knowledge, but also as vibrant centers for cultural exchange and learning. He added that libraries also serve as preservers of Arab documentary heritage, encouraging writers, and creating a passion for reading.
For his part, Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation Assistant Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Almagushi stressed that this event, hosted by QNL, a distinguished scientific and cultural edifice services, is a support for creative writing by a group of Arab writers, creators, and intellectuals.
Almagushi pointed to the Foundations keenness on forging international partnerships in the service of the Arabic language, highlighting the Foundation's contribution to supporting the status, learning, and use of the Arabic Language.
In turn, Operations Director at QNL Khalid Al Yazeedi said that novels have long been celebrated as a powerful means of promoting understanding and dialogue between cultures, thanks to novels' events and characters that present a glimpses into the lives, values, and experiences of people from all over the world.
The workshop provided young authors with creative writing techniques to draft short stories, in addition to holding a discussion on the role of the Arabic Literature in serving humanity.
Source: Qatar News Agency
