Qatar National Library (QNL) and the General Authority of Customs (GAC) in Qatar have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in protecting cultural heritage and combating illicit trafficking in cultural heritage. The agreement aims to strengthen the partnership between the two entities in several strategic areas over the next four years. This includes training, capacity building, and participation in national and regional workshops to educate customs officers on legal frameworks and methods to combat illicit trafficking in cultural heritage, with a focus on documentary heritage.
The MoU recognizes the library’s role as the IFLA Regional Center for the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage in Arab countries and the Middle East. It also builds on the ongoing cooperation between QNL and GAC in preserving and protecting documentary heritage, such as through the “Himaya” project and the recent “Third Doha Workshop to Combat Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Heritage.” Furthermore, the agreement ensures cooperation in capacity building and training for specialists and experts in customs authorities at local and regional levels.
According to Head of Regional Workshops and International Events at GAC, Ahmed Hassan Al Jassim, this partnership is crucial for enhancing collaboration between the Authority and the Library in preserving documentary heritage and educating customs officers on handling such documents. It also demonstrates a mutual commitment to enhancing training systems and facilitating the exchange of expertise and specialists across shared domains. Additionally, the signing of the MoU with QNL is in line with the Authority’s developmental objectives.
Head of Preservation and Conservation at QNL, Maxim Nasra, stated that the agreement marks the library’s latest endeavor to further advance its mission to protect cultural heritage. The collaboration between QNL and GAC leverages shared expertise to deliver on the library’s objectives as the IFLA Regional Center in combating illicit trafficking. This entails establishing joint working committees, periodic coordination meetings across various fields, and developing executive plans for projects to achieve shared objectives and enhance cooperation between the two entities.
Overall, the signing of the MoU between Qatar National Library and the General Authority of Customs in Qatar signifies a significant step towards strengthening cooperation and exchange of expertise in protecting cultural heritage and combating illicit trafficking. The agreement aims to enhance training, capacity building, and participation in workshops to educate customs officers on methods to combat illicit trafficking in cultural heritage, with a specific focus on documentary heritage. This partnership showcases a commitment to preserving documentary heritage and advancing the mission of protecting cultural heritage.
