Qatar Foundation fosters global dialogue on tradition, progress at UNGA

As the 81st United Nations General Assembly convenes, Qatar Foundation (QF) has facilitated an international dialogue at Goals House in New York, examining how traditional knowledge, cultural identity, and local wisdom can address global challenges. The event, titled 'Tradition Meets Tomorrow', featured representatives from various international institutions, and took place within the framework of the traditional Qatari majlis, mirroring the spirit of the event with the mission of Goals House.

The discussion began with reflections on how QF harnesses heritage as a foundation for innovation and long-term development, emphasizing that progress can be seen as cyclical, building upon inherited knowledge and traditions to address contemporary challenges. Noteworthy speakers included Sheikha Aisha al-Thani, who highlighted the cyclical nature of progress, and Hélène Chartier, who stressed the importance of considering social function, mobility, and people's needs when transforming cities, rather than solely focusing on sustainability.

Dr. Samie Kayani discussed the necessity of co-creating projects that address local needs, while acknowledging that traditional knowledge must be adapted to be impactful in each community. The event further explored education systems that preserve cultural values and identity, while preparing students for an increasingly complex future.

Speakers from QF's Pre-University Education and other value-based schools, alongside international partners, discussed the integration of values-based education into learning environments, emphasizing that heritage is integral to the future. Maryam al-Hajri, executive director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at QF's Pre-University Education, emphasized that heritage is not separate from future aspirations.

Lastly, Alison Watson, founder of Class Of Your Own and Creator of Design Engineer Construct! Learning Programme, advocated for the construction industry to play a more significant role in school curricula, arguing that it provides a practical connection between education and real-world problem-solving.