Doha: Qatari newspapers on Thursday focused their editorials on the speech delivered by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, at the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference. The conference took place at the Qatar National Convention Center and revolved around the theme “Family and Contemporary Megatrends.”
According to Qatar News Agency, the Qatari dailies praised HH Sheikha Moza’s address, which emphasized the challenges faced by Arab families, particularly the impact of technology and globalization on family identity. Her speech was noted for highlighting Qatar’s approach and pioneering efforts in preserving cultural identity amid these modern-day challenges.
The newspapers also touched on broader Arab affairs, specifically denouncing the Israeli Knesset’s approval of draft laws that seek to ban UNRWA activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. This move was described as a dangerous precedent for t
he United Nations and multilateral cooperation.
In its editorial titled “Dangerous Alienation,” Al-Watan discussed how HH Sheikha Moza addressed the significant impact of technology on Arab families. She warned against becoming detached from cultural roots due to an overreliance on virtual worlds, which could potentially alienate younger generations from their cultural and linguistic heritage, and hinder their development of a well-rounded identity.
Her Highness also raised concerns about “digital feudalism” and the potential censorship of social media, which could lead to the spread of homogenized ideas and stereotypes in the digital sphere, according to Al-Watan. Additionally, she offered solutions by referencing the resilience observed in Gaza, where the people continue to maintain their cultural and religious identity despite ongoing adversities.
Al-Raya, another Qatari daily, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vision and pioneering experiences shared by HH Sheikha Moza regarding Qatar’s efforts
to protect family identity. Her Highness identified three primary challenges: technology’s impact, the preservation of the mother tongue in a globalized world, and the conflict of identities. These challenges, she stated, are universal and particularly difficult for countries without the cultural, economic, and developmental resources to absorb such shocks.
Al-Raya further highlighted HH Sheikha Moza’s disappointment in observing Arab youth favoring English over Arabic in daily communication. She expressed concern that Arab children might abandon their mother tongue even while immersed in their own cultural environment. Her Highness was praised for exemplifying religious and national awareness, stressing the importance of embracing language and culture to protect identity and heritage, attributes that contribute to the resilience of the people of Gaza.