As the international community concludes 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, HE Dr Nasser bin Hamad Al-Hanzab, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, shares a powerful opinion article in The New Arab, calling for deeper global investment in cultural diplomacy as a pathway to lasting peace.

In the op-ed titled “Qatar's Experience Shows World Peace Requires Cultural Diplomacy,” Dr. Al-Hanzab reflects on the role of heritage in international cooperation, stressing that the preservation of cultural identity is not merely an act of remembrance but a blueprint for a more interconnected, resilient future.

He writes, “Protecting heritage is as much about securing a shared future as it is about preserving the past,” framing culture as a critical tool for multilateral dialogue and global solidarity.

The article highlights Qatar’s own contributions to cultural diplomacy, particularly through its Years of Culture initiative, which has brought meaningful engagement with countries such as France, Morocco, India and the United States through shared exhibitions, youth exchanges and entrepreneurial events. Dr Al-Hanzab also points to Qatar’s domestic efforts, including the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums and the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Qatar, as examples of how culture serves as a civic and international platform.

Dr Al-Hanzab concludes with a reminder rooted in UNESCO’s founding vision: “Peace must be founded upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.”

To read the full article on The New Arab, visit this link. For updates, follow Years of Culture on social media or visit the website at yearsofculture.qa.