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Dec 15 2011

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QF hosts two-day National Day Forum to bolster Qatari identity

Two days of interactive sessions shed light on the relationship between identity and culture
Doha, Qatar 15 December 2011: The National Day Forum, attended by distinguished Qatari academics and researchers, geared up to explore the Qatari identity and, ultimately, to celebrate the nation's birth. The Forum was organised by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) , and kicked off with opening remarks from the Minister of Justice, His Excellency Mr. Hassan bin Abdullah Al-Ghanem.

The Forum, split into two days, began in the first day with a presentation from Dr. Kaltham Ali Al Ghanim, Professor of Sociology in the Department of Social Sciences at Qatar University ( QU ), on national identity preservation and its importance for social unity inside Qatar.

"The fact of the matter is that, while people may have their individual identities, the overall Qatari national identity does not conflict with its own cultural identity," said Dr. Al Ghanim, who studies a wide range of concepts, including urbanisation, human development, culture, political participation, workers' rights and the value of work amongst young people.

In attendance on the second day was Dr. Abdul Nasser Saleh Mohammed, who addressed the importance of the role of the family and other figures who serve as role models to Qatari youth, explaining, "There are no preconditions for obtaining certain privileges and their enjoyment, and our youth deserves to be able to grasp these rights and to benefit from them."

Furthermore, he noted, "A strong family culture remains crucial as we continue to urge families of children to foster and promote the Arabic language, and to preserve our national heritage for the betterment of our youth in the future."

Dr. Rabia bin Sabah Al Kuwari, Chairman of Faculty at QU , was also in attendance to address the role of family in creating an identity in Qatari society. She specifically addressed the importance of those responsible for children in Qatari society, while highlighting the national vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF.

"Identity is a continuing pattern from past national legacies and remains a constituent of human behaviour that is very much connected with our traditions and cultural heritages, giving it a unique and special place," said Dr. Rabia.

Dr. Rabia has provided numerous opportunities for the betterment of Qatari youth nationwide, including the Cultural Center for Children and Al Jazeera Children Channel. She went on to explain, "By creating connectivity and interdependence between the youth and the elders, as well as between our historic cultural heritage and our future, we will be able to instil some values that Qatari society needs for success in its young people. An example of this is to make recent graduates passionate and motivated for their careers, so that they can thrive and continue building Qatar."

Dr. Ghadnana Saeed Al Benali, Associate Professor at QU , was also present to discuss the role of academic curricula and its ability to promote loyalty and national identity, stating "we must take advantage of education themes and systems used in the United States and Japan, and make good use of their advantages in our own curriculums."

Also present at the Forum was Reem Al Mansoori, who noted "the Qatari personality is characterised to be quite visual in the world today, and technology has absolutely contributed to fostering this portrayal, with more and more Qatari citizens accessing Facebook and other social media outlets."

The Forum of this year's National Day, addressing topics needed to preserve Qatar's national identity will, it is hoped, bolster the youth's identity and loyalty to their culture. By openly discussing the risks that threaten cultural identity in Qatar's contemporary society, solutions for empowering young people as Qataris have surfaced, unlocking their human potential and furthering QF's journey to a knowledge-based economy.

- Ends -

For further information about this release please contact:
Mouni Chouban, Brown Lloyd James
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Email: mounic@brownlloydjames.com

Grace Wittenberg, Brown Lloyd James
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Email: gracew@brownlloydjames.com

For more information about Qatar Foundation please contact:
Tariq Al Sada
Press Office Unit Head
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 4454 0991
Email: talsada@qf.org.qa

Anwar El-Shamy
Press Office Coordinator
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 55904407
Email: aelshamy@qf.org.qa