rki.news | Sources Katara
With the participation of 29 countries from across the world’s continents
Prof. Al-Sulaiti: Katara’s Three Consecutive Terms as Chair Reflect Members’ Confidence in Its International Role
Doha – The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara today (Sunday) held a press conference in Hall 32 at Katara to announce the 11th General Assembly of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNET), scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, 2 November. His Excellency Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara and Chair of the Network, and Ms. Maryam Majid Al-Saad, Secretary General of the Network and CEO of Katara Center for Public Diplomacy, attended, along with media representatives.
The conference addressed the importance of the General Assembly in advancing the Network’s work, developing its mechanisms, and expanding cooperation among member institutions. This, in turn, reinforces the role of public diplomacy, culture, and soft power in building bridges of communication and understanding among peoples amid the rapid changes the world is witnessing.
The 11th General Assembly is part of efforts to strengthen cooperation among member institutions, exchange expertise and experiences, and develop joint initiatives that invest in culture, knowledge, and human connection. It also aims to enhance the presence of public diplomacy on the international stage and support bridges of understanding and rapprochement among peoples and cultures.
Katara Continues to Strengthen the Network’s International Presence
Prof. Al-Sulaiti stated that Katara’s hosting of the 11th General Assembly reflects its commitment to supporting joint international action and strengthening the Network as an effective platform for public diplomacy, cultural exchange, and dialogue among institutions and peoples.
He noted that the meeting offers an opportunity to review achievements, exchange views on developing the Network’s work, explore new avenues for cooperation, and launch practical initiatives that turn shared goals into tangible results and lasting impact.
He explained that over the past year, Katara earned the confidence of most member states and institutions, which voted to nominate it for a third term as Chair of the Network. He said this reflects the active role Katara played over the previous two terms and its efforts to enrich the Network’s journey, develop its work, enhance its presence, and expand its international cooperation.
He added that Katara’s continued chairmanship for three consecutive terms embodies this trust and affirms the distinguished standing it holds among member institutions. He stressed that this trust is both an added responsibility and a motivation to keep working, improve the Network’s performance, and achieve further accomplishments that meet its members’ aspirations and serve its objectives.
He affirmed that the Network’s vision for the coming phase rests on investing in knowledge and young talent, keeping pace with digital transformation, and strengthening joint work among member institutions. This will help develop public diplomacy tools, widen their impact, and cement the Network’s role as a bridge of communication and understanding among peoples and cultures. He expressed his hope that the General Assembly’s proceedings will yield constructive outcomes that advance the Network’s journey and reinforce its role as an international platform for dialogue and cooperation among peoples.
29 Countries from Across the World’s Continents Make Up the Network’s Membership
Ms. Maryam Majid Al-Saad, Secretary General of the Global Public Diplomacy Network, stated that the 11th General Assembly carries particular significance given the Network’s growing international presence. Its membership includes 29 countries from different continents, united by their belief in the importance of public diplomacy and the central role of culture and soft power in fostering communication and understanding among peoples.
She explained that this geographic and cultural diversity is a genuine asset, offering broader opportunities to exchange expertise and experiences and to develop joint initiatives that invest in culture, the arts, knowledge, and human connection. These initiatives deepen ties between societies and open new horizons for international cooperation.
She added that the General Assembly will address issues related to developing the Network’s work and strengthening its international presence. Discussions will also cover avenues of cooperation among member states, the exchange of experiences in public diplomacy, and opportunities to launch cultural and knowledge exchange programs and organize joint events that expand communication among member institutions.
She stressed the importance of continuing to develop the Network’s work and harnessing culture and soft power in the service of dialogue and understanding. She expressed her hope that the meetings will lead to practical insights and recommendations that become shared programs and projects with lasting impact.
In closing, Ms. Al-Saad welcomed all participants to the State of Qatar and wished the 11th General Assembly success. She expressed hope that this session will mark a new milestone in the Network’s journey toward advancing public diplomacy and fostering a culture of dialogue and communication among peoples.
Junaid, Health Education Officer Muhammad Aqeel and Distr
