Qatar National Library (QNL) has chosen sustainability as the theme for a host of special events in February, geared towards nurturing a holistic approach to the subject that can be applied in all areas of life.
Those on the fence about making significant lifestyle changes may find inspiration in the compelling stories of individuals who have successfully made the change to sustainable living. Their experiences are the subject of the 2018 documentary Living the Change: Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future, to be screened on February 14.
QNL will welcome the founders of the non-profit organisation Green Mangroves to Qatar at “Saving the Blue” on February 29. The grassroots group’s mission is to lead action to save oceans, mangroves and other natural environments, with a local focus. The workshop is a chance to learn about the mangroves in Qatar, the state of the ocean today, and simple steps anyone can take to reduce their plastic use to protect the oceans.
Those looking to bring sustainability to the business world will benefit from “Sustainable Creative Marketing,” presented by Dr Eman al-Failakawi, on February 13. She will show entrepreneurs and business owners new ways to market their products or ideas in a professional way and achieve sustainable marketing effectively.
A full programme of regular events is also on schedule throughout February. The Qatar Youth Choir and the younger Junior Choir, performing together at the library for the first time, will present a set of Arabic and Western folk songs today.
Highlighting an issue which is of importance in every community, a two-part lecture on February 5, “Be Conscious: Mental Health,” held in co-operation with the Mental Health Friends Association WEYAK, will focus on the importance of caring for our mental health. The talk will also review the provisions of Law No 16 of 2016, which reflects Qatar’s interest in caring for individuals and their mental health.
Everyone interested in future technologies is welcome to attend the Second Student Robotics Exhibition on February 8, where high school students will take the stage and show off their robotic-related projects.
“Football: Beyond Sports” on February 10 will consider the considerable political influence that football wields today. Matthias Krug, longtime Qatar resident and author of Journey on a Football Carpet, will discuss the history of football in Qatar and the process of bidding for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He will be joined by Bora Milutinovic (ambassador for the 2022 World Cup); Shaima Abdullah, Qatar Women’s National Team goalkeeper; and Qatari football icon Badr Bilal to talk about the role of football in politics and society.
Turning the focus to personal growth, the Public Speaking and Debate Workshop on February 16 will teach students what constitutes good public speaking and argumentative skills. Also on February 16, in collaboration with Sidra Medicine, QNL will host the inspirational Dr Ahmed Hankir, to deliver his presentation “The Wounded Healer,” a theatrical performance that has inspired thousands across the globe. Dr Hankir authored the evidence-based and data-driven anti-stigma programme that describes his personal journey as a survivor of psychological trauma to becoming an award-winning “wounded healer.”
Other regular events in February include the Science Book Forum, which tackles the fascinating subject of natural hazards on February 18, tracing the origins and the impacts of volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods on the lives of millions of people.
The monthly Philharmonic series presents “A Night at the Vienna Opera Ball” on February 20, while budding Arabic writers can learn how to develop their screenplays with the help of Dr Majd Khalid on February 22.
“The Indian Navy and the Mapping of the Gulf, 1612-1947: Talk & Exhibition Tour” on February 25 presents a talk about the history of the Indian Navy’s involvement in the Gulf since 1612 and its role in the mapping of the shores of Eastern Arabia during the 1760s to the 1860s, to be followed by a tour of the “Qatar, India & the Gulf” exhibition, open until the end of February.
