Qatar Foundation sparks global dialogue on tradition and progress at Goals House during UN General Assembly

In the midst of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Qatar Foundation (QF) has convened global leaders at Goals House in New York for a discussion on the interplay between tradition and progress. The event, titled 'Tradition Meets Tomorrow', took place at Tavern on the Green in Central Park, mirroring the traditional Qatari majlis format.

Global institutions such as the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, Aga Khan Foundation, Harvard Business School, Smithsonian Science Education Center, and others participated in the dialogue. The discussions centered on sustainability, urban development, and education, emphasizing the potential of cultural values and heritage to inform modern innovation and development.

Sheikha Aisha Al Thani, Manager of Strategic Curation at QF, highlighted how the majlis creates a natural setting for intergenerational knowledge sharing. She suggested that progress can be viewed as cyclical, drawing on ancestral wisdom to address contemporary challenges.

The discussion on cities and sustainability involved global and regional experts, including QF's Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future. Director of Urban Planning and Design at C40 Cities, Hélène Chartier, stressed that city transformation should consider not only sustainability but also social function, mobility, and the everyday needs of people.

Dr Samie Kayani, Sustainable Urbanism Specialist at Earthna, emphasized that traditional knowledge must be applied according to local needs, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In the realm of education, speakers from QF's Pre-University Education and value-based schools, along with international partners, explored how education can maintain cultural and identity connections while preparing students for a complex future.

Elizabeth Kennedy, Director of Academyati, a QF school, underscored that heritage and inherited knowledge should be seen as foundational elements for innovation, not as obstacles. Maryam Al Hajri, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at QF's Pre-University Education, stressed the importance of integrating local knowledge and lived experiences into classroom learning to bridge heritage and future aspirations.

The event concluded with an interactive exhibition of student-led projects and cultural activations, showcasing how traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, inclusive design, and experiential learning can contribute to future skills and solutions.