Paris: The Ministry of Culture organized a special international edition of its renowned "Seminar Season" in Paris, in partnership with the Arab World Institute. Held for the first time outside Qatar, the event was attended by HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Ambassador of Qatar to France Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, and HE President of the Arab World Institute Jack Lang, along with several ambassadors, academics, and researchers.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali emphasized that this exceptional edition of the Seminar Season reflects the Ministry's dedication to fostering continuous cultural dialogue among intellectual elites and reaffirms the critical role of culture in promoting understanding between nations. He highlighted that hosting the Seminar Season at the Arab World Institute opens new horizons for creative exchange between East and West and expressed hope that the Paris edition would advance cultural cooperation.
HE Dr. Al Ali added that the partnership with the Institute aims to build bridges of communication with thinkers and intellectuals through cultural diplomacy that mirrors Qatar's standing at both regional and international levels. HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, affirmed that HE the Minister of Culture's visit to Paris contributes to deepening cultural dialogue between Qatar and France. He described the Arab World Institute as an ideal platform for cultural communication between the two countries, underscoring the importance of the partnership.
HE Jack Lang, President of the Arab World Institute, highlighted the importance of culture in fostering dialogue among civilizations, praising Qatar's role in promoting peace. He described the Seminar Season as an exceptional initiative for dialogue and communication between peoples.
The event's first session, titled "The Future of Arab-European Cultural Dialogue," addressed several key themes. Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham discussed challenges facing dialogue between Arab and Western cultures. Dr. Benedicte Letellier highlighted the role of the Arabic language and translation in promoting Arab cultural values. HE Ali Al Zainal outlined seven key pillars of sustainable Arab-European dialogue and criticized Western media stereotypes of Arabs.
Professor Jean-Baptiste Brinet addressed historical roots of Western misperceptions of Arab culture. Participants emphasized adopting practical approaches to advancing cultural dialogue using modern communication tools and empowering youth.
The second session, "Arab Culture in European Capitals," featured Dr. Al Anoud Abdullah Al Khalifa discussing the Gulf's cultural presence in France. French playwright Mohammed Qasimi emphasized civilizational dialogue as a foundation for cultural exchange. Researcher Naima Yahya called for greater respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.
The Seminar Season attracted wide participation from French and Arab cultural and media figures, who praised the discussions' quality and the topics' significance. They stressed the importance of continuing and expanding the initiative to promote dialogue and cultural exchange between nations.