Secretary-General of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPD-Net) and CEO of Katara Center for Public Diplomacy, Maryam Majid Al Saad.
Doha, Qatar: Katara Cultural Village stands as Qatar’s premier cultural and public diplomacy hub, embodying the nation’s commitment to intercultural dialogue and global cooperation. As a world-class center for artistic and intellectual exchange, Katara serves as a beacon of cultural unity, fostering meaningful interactions between diverse cultures, Secretary-General of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPD-Net) and CEO of Katara Center for Public Diplomacy, Maryam Majid Al Saad, has said.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, Al Saad noted that in an increasingly interconnected world, public diplomacy has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering mutual understanding and bridging cultural divides, and at the forefront of this effort stands Katara, Qatar’s premier hub for artistic and intellectual exchange.
“Katara serves as the ‘World’s Meeting Point for Public Diplomacy,’ where artistic traditions, historical narratives, and creative minds converge. This unique platform fosters meaningful interactions between diverse cultures, ensuring that culture remains a universal language transcending borders. Through festivals, exhibitions, and artistic initiatives, Katara unites individuals through shared creative expression, embodying Qatar’s commitment to intercultural dialogue and global cooperation, she noted.
According to her, the establishment of the Katara Public Diplomacy Center in 2022 further solidified Katara’s role in promoting international cooperation. Leveraging Katara’s extensive resources, the Center designs impactful public diplomacy campaigns with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Its mission is clear: connect the people of Qatar with the global community, building positive environments through public and cultural diplomacy.
It would be recalled that the General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara and President of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPD-Net), Prof Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, was this week unanimously re-elected to serve a third term as president of the organization for the period from 2025 to 2028, which serves as a testament to the remarkable achievements of Katara in steering the network and bolstering its vital role in cultural and public diplomacy.
As part of the GPD-Net, KATARA has spearheaded numerous initiatives to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding. Since assuming the presidency of GPD-Net in 2019, the cultural village has organized exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and workshops that celebrate cultural diversity. One standout initiative was the network’s 10th-anniversary celebration in 2024, which featured photography exhibitions, traditional performing arts events, and panel discussions. These efforts underscore GPD-Net’s belief in people-to-people diplomacy as a driver of global peace.
Al Saad emphasizes that these programmes are not merely about showcasing art but about creating spaces for cross-cultural communication.
She noted that Katara’s partnerships with global institutions have significantly advanced Qatar’s position as a hub for cultural diplomacy.
“Collaborations with over 30 strategic partners from different countries have enabled large-scale cultural exchanges and knowledge-sharing. The creation of the Katara Public Diplomacy Academy further underscores its commitment to nurturing future leaders in public diplomacy,” she added.
“Guided by its motto —“The World’s Meeting Point for Public Diplomacy”—Katara aims to evolve GPD-Net into a driving force for shaping cultural dialogue in the 21st century,” Al Saad noted.
