Day: 28 October 2023

Doha, Qatar National Library (QNL), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation organized the “Arabic Novels to Bridge Cultures” workshop in the QNL premises.

This workshop comes in the context of UNESCO proclaiming the World Novel Week in 2021, celebrated annually on October 13, to raise awareness of novels’ contribution to promoting cultural pluralism, understanding, and exchange, as forms of cultural expression.

In his speech on the occasion, HE Director of the UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office in Doha Salah Khaled stressed the profound influence of literature and its role in building bridges between cultures promoting dialogue and understanding; a reflection of UNESCO’s fundamental values.

Khaled noted UNESCO’s clear objective of raising the status of the Arabic language, and elevating its importance and contribution to the shared human and cultural heritage, adding that this event is part of a global movement, and is an initiative that UNESCO proudly supports.

The Director of the UNESCO Gulf States and Yemen Office in Doha pointed to the fact that the event was held at QNL, highlighting the vital role of libraries not only as reservoir of knowledge, but also as vibrant centers for cultural exchange and learning. He added that libraries also serve as preservers of Arab documentary heritage, encouraging writers, and creating a passion for reading.

For his part, Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation Assistant Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Almagushi stressed that this event, hosted by QNL, a distinguished scientific and cultural edifice services, is a support for creative writing by a group of Arab writers, creators, and intellectuals.

Almagushi pointed to the Foundations keenness on forging international partnerships in the service of the Arabic language, highlighting the Foundation’s contribution to supporting the status, learning, and use of the Arabic Language.

In turn, Operations Director at QNL Khalid Al Yazeedi said that novels have long been celebrated as a powerful means of promoting understanding and dialogue between cultures, thanks to novels’ events and characters that present a glimpses into the lives, values, and experiences of people from all over the world.

The workshop provided young authors with creative writing techniques to draft short stories, in addition to holding a discussion on the role of the Arabic Literature in serving humanity.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha, Qatar National Library will inaugurate Letters of Faith: The Arabic Script in Indonesia exhibition in partnership with Indonesian and local cultural institutions. The exhibit will highlight the Library’s unique collection, while showcasing Indonesia’s rich Islamic heritage through the pages of beautifully adorned Quranic manuscripts.

The exhibition will also be showcasing loans from two prestigious institutions from Indonesia, artefacts that are displayed here in Qatar for the very first time. The exhibition will open to the public on 1 November.

The Cultural activities and ‘Letters of Faith’ exhibition intend to commemorate Qatar Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture Executive Director of Qatar National Library, Tan Huism, said Indonesia is renowned for its remarkable cultural diversity, rich spectrum of ethnicities, languages, and religions. With the worlds largest Muslim population, its port cities have, from the late 13th century, been vibrant conduits for trade, diplomacy, and faith, adding that she is delighted today to welcome all to explore exquisite Quranic manuscripts and other artefacts like maps and batik textile which are over a hundred years old.

The series of events will commence on 2 November with a storytelling session by HE Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar Ridwan Hassan as he shares tales from the Land of a Thousand Islands. For those who appreciate handcrafts, the library is organizing a Batik-making workshop a technique of decorating cloth using wax in the color dyeing process.

On 3 November, Qatar National Library, in collaboration with Aljazeera Documentary, will host a film screening for the film ‘Indoenesia and Discovering the Unknown,’ followed by a QandA session the producer. This offers visitors an opportunity to broaden their horizons and appreciate the fusion of cultures in an engaging setting.

On 4 November, the final day of the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture series of events, a storytelling session led by Madame Lita Hassan, wife of HE Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar Ridwan Hassan, will kick off the day’s activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tales that intertwine the cultural narratives of Qatar and Indonesia. The Library is also organizing a session on the craft of writing with award-winning Indonesian novelist Andrea Hirata.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha, Qatar Amateur Radio Society (QARS) participated in the 2023 CQ World-Wide DX Contest, which kicked off Saturday and featured the participation of a range of amateurs from around the world.

In preparation for this two-day contest, QARS has established an international station that operates on all international frequencies devoted to this contest, in addition to equipping towers, antennas, and all essential equipment and computers for this event, as QARS is participating with the international call signal of QARS (A73A).

The CQ World-Wide DX Contest is held annually and is classified as one of the most important international radio amateur contests on the global calendar in the field of radio hobby. QARS participated in this contest through a team of members of the board of directors and members of QARS who previously participated in such a contest in the past years and accomplished advanced results globally.

In addition, QARS was ranked third globally and first at the level of Asia in the 2021 edition, while the Qatari amateurs will engage a host of international amateurs who expressed their wish to participate within the Qatari team, because of the good reputation enjoyed by the Qatari team, along with the distinguished results accomplished annually.

HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of QARS Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah said the participation of QARS in this contest this year is a model since all requirements of the event have been provided, in addition to establishing a typical high-level station featuring several modern devices and high-quality antennas to achieve an advanced rank globally, hoping for achieving the first rank globally by QARS during the participation this year.

Vice President of the QARS, Dr Ahmed Hamad Al Mohannadi, underscored the importance of participation in such international contests because they primarily reflect the real position attained by amateurs globally, pointing out that QARS has provided the essential facilitations for its members to achieve an advanced rank globally and reflect the real image of Qatari amateurs, along with their excellence in this hobby to outperform many international amateurs from around the globe.

Secretary-General of QARS, Sabaan Mismar Mubarak Al Jassim, noted the outstanding position QARS has attained globally by virtue of the constant care afforded by Qatar through the unwavering efforts made by the competent ministries and institutions.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency , Al Jassim outlined that such a position is confirmed day after day by virtue of QARS’s participation in the international venues, along with the results it achieves annually in multiple international contests.

He added that QARS has been committed to having a clear footprint in this contest by achieving the first rank at the Arab and Asian levels, as well as advanced ranks such as second and third globally in many previous events.

He pointed out that the results of the new contest will be unveiled by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), which includes 8 million amateurs worldwide, emphasizing that winning the first rank in this contest commonly comes by the distinguished geographical location of the winner such as North Africa region, where transmission in this location takes place over two days and the sound reaches around the world, unlike the geographical location in Qatar which covers the entire Asia and parts of Australia, Latin America, Middle East and Europe.

Secretary-General of QARS lauded the efforts made by Qatar Satellite Company (Es’hailSat) in providing a special wave in Es’hail 2 which covers roughly 75 percent of countries. Subsequently, all amateurs utilize the Qatari satellite as a service spearheaded by Qatar for the world.

In concluding his remarks to QNA, Al Jassim said QARS stands ready to devote a special station during the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 from Jan. 12 to Feb. 10, 2024, as QARS is currently working to launch a station after all arrangements for the tournament have been inspected to bolster the presence of Qatar amateurs on a par with the presence made during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Jakarta, Years of Culture announced its inaugural volunteer mission in collaboration with Qatar Museums’ Community Service section, as part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture.

The large group of 23 volunteers and artists from Qatar Museums, as well as students from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and volunteers from Qatar Youth Hostels, travelled to the SMKN 1 Rota Bayat School in Indonesia to foster connections, promote cross-cultural understanding, and build on the trust that exists between Qatar and Indonesia at the grassroots level.

“After celebrating our 10-year anniversary last year with the entire MENASA region, we took stock of what has made Years of Culture so successful over the years. The answer was quite clear individual connections and friendships forged during the many exchange programs facilitated throughout the years. In essence, the volunteers traveling to Yogyakarta are our front-line cultural ambassadors, building trust through shared learning and experiences,” said Years of Culture representative.

The SMKN 1 ROTA Bayat School, a well-respected vocational and technical school in the Bayat Klaten region, was originally built with the support of Qatar’s Reach Out to Asia initiative in 2009 after the devastating earthquake that hit the region in 2006. The school graduates promising young talent specialized in traditional Indonesian arts like batik-making, ceramic-making, gamelan music and dance.

The rich and comprehensive workshop program from Years of Culture and Qatar Museums’ Community Service section, developed in line with Ministry of Education requirements, was designed to enrich the educational experience of students and provide them with practical insights into the dynamic realms of art, culture, and professional development. Volunteers led a series of workshops designed to empower students with valuable skills across several creative disciplines, from photography to digital marketing, and videography, event management for museums and exhibitions, as well as product development in fashion and design.

Speaking just ahead of the volunteer group’s departure for Indonesia, Hazem Idriss, Head of Community Services Section at Qatar Museums, said, “I’ve been working with the SMKN 1 ROTA Bayat School since it first opened in 2009 and saw many incredible students flourish and become prominent artists, teachers and collaborators. I am thrilled to be able to return once again at the helm of our very first official volunteer trip.” Years of Culture is an initiative that seeks to strengthen cultural ties between nations, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation through interpersonal connections and immersive experiences. Through a series of cultural exchanges and collaborations, Years of Culture aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of participating countries and foster lasting connections between diverse communities.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Baghdad, The American forces base in Al-Tanf, Syria, was targeted with two drones at dawn today, without specifying the extent of the losses.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Baghdad, /16/ people were killed and 31 others were missing, in an explosion in a mine in Kazakhstan.

ArcelorMittal Terretau announced that 252 people were in the mine at the time of the accident, which, according to preliminary information, was caused by a methane gas explosion.

The company’s press office stated: “16 people were killed in the explosion, and the search is continuing for 31 others,” while local media announced that 11 people were killed and 18 others were transferred to hospitals.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, Saturday discussed in Doha, Qatar, the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel and efforts to de-escalate.

Al Thani said Qatar condemns targeting civilians, adding that killing innocent civilians, especially women and children, and practising the policy of collective punishment is “unacceptable under any pretext.”

He stressed Qatar’s “complete rejection” of the indiscriminate bombing of the Gaza Strip and the attempts to forcibly displace its besieged people, warning of the danger of the ground invasion on the safety of civilians and prisoners in Gaza.

He said Qatar appreciates the UN efforts and the “effective” role of its Secretary-General in mobilising international efforts for calm and de-escalation.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Prominent figures in the British Labour Party, including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, called for a complete ceasefire in Gaza.

Sky News reported that the Leader of the British Labour Party, Keir Starmer, is under increasing pressure to call for a ceasefire in Gaza after several senior figures in the Labour Party defected from his ranks to challenge his position in which he supports only a humanitarian truce and not a ceasefire.

Scottish Prime Minister Hamza Yousef called for a ceasefire, sending a message to the heads of political parties in the UK and asking them to work for a ceasefire in besieged Gaza.

Source: Jordan News Agency

UNIFIL official spokesman Andrea Tenenti said a shell fell Saturday in the UNIFIL HQ in Naqoura and caused damage to the building without exploding and causing.

Tenenti added that the shell was removed, and an investigation is underway to find out the source of the attack.

He added: “This is not the first time that a missile has hit our headquarters, as many of our other sites have been damaged in the past three weeks,” noting that such incidents are a “stark” reminder of the fragile, tense and highly volatile environment in which peacekeepers are working at present.

Tenenti urged all parties to cease fire immediately, calling on the parties to the ongoing conflict to stop any actions that endanger the safety and security of civilians or UN personnel, especially since these actions may constitute violations of international law.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The following is a translation of an article published by Her Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Science for Peace, entitled, “Science for Peace: Support for Humanity in Crises.”

At times of crisis, science can and must offer a language for our common humanity. It must enable the voices of those who are not heard.

Today, as we watch with horror the growing humanitarian crisis afflicting our neighbors and friends in Gaza, we must do all we can to amplify the reach of science to support those who are suffering. Today, in response to last night’s pleas from Netizens, Elon Musk revealed that his satellite-based communication system, Starlink, will provide support to internationally recognized aid organizations operating in the Gaza Strip.

This news brings renewed hope and emphasizes the power of collective action and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Through a unified voice, we can speak of compassion and resilience, and it is our duty to do everything in our power to provide solace and support to those in extreme need.

By uniting technological potential with spiritual connection, we reveal our true humanity and lay the foundation for a wo?rthy peace in the 21st century. From telecommunications and medicine to food and water, from shelter to physical and mental health, science must be empowered to protect and empower communities in turmoil.

Now, more than ever, we must recognize the central role of science as a catalyst for fostering lasting peace and restoring hope to those who have lost so much through conflict. When the guns and bombs finally fall silent, as they must as soon as possible, the science community should be prepared to lead and empower the tasks associated with reconstruction, resilience, and hope.

Organizations such as the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, founded by my father, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, in 1970 in the wake of the regional devastation wrought by the 1967 war, stand ready to be at the forefront of this effort. We understand the challenging days that lie ahead for our brothers and sisters in Gaza, Palestine, located less than 150km away from us here in Amman, Jordan.

We acknowledge that science, with the necessary political will and human-centered funding, will be indispensable in building a future that all the people of the region deserve. In times of crisis, science can ignite a beacon of hope by providing the knowledge and mechanisms required to support peace and restore stolen dignity.

Collaborative cross-boundary partnerships and scientific advancements will be vital in addressing complex issues and alleviating suffering.

It is the duty of all who champion science, development, and diplomacy to come together, recognizing the pivotal role that science must play in peacebuilding. By investing in the essential elements of science, we can replace conflict with opportunity and suffering with hope.

Scientific knowledge enables sustainable solutions and empowers humanity to overcome the greatest challenges. As we celebrate Elon Musk’s commitment, let us not underestimate the power of collective action and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. With one harmonious message we can emphasise strength and empathy.

We must do everything in our power to provide solace and support to those in extreme need. It is when we unite technological potential with spiritual connection that we reveal our true humanity and lay the foundation for a worthy peace in the 21st century. In the darkest days and bitterest of nights, unity, compassion, resilience, and prayer can make a significant difference.

Through our collective efforts, both technological and spiritual, we will strive for peace and empower humanity to overcome the vilest challenges. However, we must all recognize that addressing this awful crisis and building a lasting peace requires sustained commitment and long-term collaboration across borders.

By fostering new and courageous cross-boundary partnerships, we can bring together experts and resources to tackle diverse issues such as water scarcity, seismic mitigation, environmental degradation, and infectious disease surveillance.

These collaborations not only provide immediate solutions but also create knowledge infrastructures, foster understanding, bridge divides, and promote peaceful coexistence. Science, with its capacity for innovation and evidence-based problem-solving, is uniquely positioned to alleviate suffering and bring about positive change.

Through advancements in telecommunications, medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, we can address the root causes of conflicts and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future. As the growing crisis in Gaza consumes our thoughts and pains our hearts, let us hold onto hope and recognize the potential of scientific knowledge to empower the better part of humanity.

By working together, we can navigate through the darkness and build a future where peace, justice, and dignity prevail. This is the future that all of our people deserve, insha Allah. Sumaya bint El Hassan President, The Royal Scientific Society of Jordan UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Science for Peace

Source: Jordan News Agency