The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, actively participated in the 12th conference of ministers of culture in the Islamic World. Themed “Towards Renewing Cultural Action in the Islamic World,” the conference took place in Doha, Qatar, from September 25 to 26, 2023.
During the conference, Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Culture, led Oman’s delegation and delivered a speech highlighting Oman’s commitment to culture as a cornerstone of modern state-building. He emphasized that culture forms an integral part of the nation’s identity, playing a pivotal role in shaping awareness, fostering social development, and promoting human development.
Undersecretary Al Busaidi stated that Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth is implementing national cultural strategies in alignment with those of other Islamic nations. These strategies aim to enhance cultural communication at local and international levels, showcasing Oman’s culture to the world and spreading a message of peace and tolerance, a message deeply rooted in Oman’s history.
Al Busaidi recalled Oman’s role as the host of the 9th Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers in 2015, a part of the celebrations for Nizwa as the Capital of Islamic Culture. This conference facilitated dialogue among cultures, the revitalization of cultural policies in the Islamic world in harmony with international trends, monitoring the implementation of cultural strategies, advancing information and communication technology, and enhancing cultural mediation within the Islamic world.
He emphasized Oman’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while promoting progress and societal development. The Ministry aims to uphold these principles, ensuring they are passed down to future generations.
The conference, organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), addressed various pressing cultural issues and aimed to strengthen collective cultural efforts. Topics discussed included cultural planning, development indicators, the enhancement of the Capitals of Culture program in the Islamic World, and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property.