The 12th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World commenced in Doha, Qatar, with the theme “Towards Renewing Cultural Action in the Islamic World.” Qatar hosted the event, represented by its Ministry of Culture, and it was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The conference brought together culture ministers from various countries, ICESCO member states, and representatives from regional and international cultural organizations.
During the conference, several significant decisions were made. Qatar took on the role of presidency, with Senegal serving as Vice-President, for the upcoming session in 2024-2025. The conference recognized the importance of culture in development, particularly highlighting Qatar’s successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a testament to the power of culture in global events.
Culture Minister Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized Qatar’s commitment to cultural development. He conveyed condolences to Morocco and Libya, which recently faced natural disasters, emphasizing the unity of Arab cultures rooted in Islamic values.
ISESCO Director-General Salem bin Mohammed Al Malik praised Qatar for its cultural achievements and successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. He stressed the importance of culture in advancing civilization and discussed ISESCO’s efforts to renew cultural action, including projects involving Artificial Intelligence (AI) and youth engagement.
Former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, a guest of honor, lauded Islam as a religion of peace and highlighted its contributions to science, culture, and civilization. She commended Qatar’s FIFA World Cup hosting and its cooperation with UNESCO, including hosting the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2013. Bokova also praised ICESCO’s initiatives in heritage preservation, youth and women support, and collaboration with UNESCO.
The conference showcased the achievements of Doha as the Arab Region’s Capital of Islamic Culture for 2021 and highlighted ICESCO’s accomplishments and initiatives. An exhibition accompanied the conference, featuring plastic arts, artistic works, manuscripts, and exhibits from cultural centers affiliated with the Ministry of Culture.
The conference reviewed outcomes from the 18th meeting of the Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World, held on Saturday. Key decisions included selecting Lusail City, Qatar, as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2030, developing the ICESCO Program for Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World, and identifying countries to host Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World in the future.
The conference also discussed ICESCO’s efforts to support cultural work in alignment with its vision and strategy, reviewed the Islamic World Heritage Committee report, and examined a guidance document for cultural policies. Further discussions on reports and documents are planned for the two-day event.
