The 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in Islamic World kicked off in Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Monday (September 25) under the theme ''Toward renewing cultural action in the Islamic world'.
Qatar News Agency (QNA) says hosted by the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, and held by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the conference featured the participation of a host of ministers of cultural affairs, delegations of the ICESCO member states, as well as representatives of a group of regional and international organizations working in cultural fields.
The delegates reportedly discussed ICESCO's cultural work efforts, its vision and strategy, the Islamic World Heritage Committee report, and the guidance document for cultural policies.
The conference approved the formation of its office in its upcoming session that will be held throughout 2024-2025, as Qatar has taken over presidency from Tunisia.
Speaking at the conference, Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mahdi Esmaeili reportedly stressed that cooperation with the Islamic world and with communities sharing common cultural issues is a priority for Iran.
Former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, who attends the conference as guest of honor, hailed Islam as a religion of peace and Islamic civilization as a driver for rapprochement among cultures.
She said that Islamic values promote science, culture, and civilizational interaction. Praising Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 hosting, Bokova said the State of Qatar had turned the global mega event into a dialogue of cultures.
The conference reportedly took stock of the most important initiatives and final outcomes of the 18th meeting of the Consultative Council for Cultural Development in the Islamic World, which was held on Saturday, September 23.
