As the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture (YoC) comes to an end, fact caught up with HE Mohammed Al Kuwari, YoC Advisor on Latin American Affairs and Qatar’s former Ambassador to Mexico, to reflect on the highlights that made this edition stand out and the long-term connections they set in motion.

fact – You represented Qatar in Mexico before becoming Advisor for Latin American Affairs for the Years of Culture programme. In your view, what can cultural diplomacy achieve that traditional political diplomacy does not always accomplish?
Cultural diplomacy works because it connects people on a human level. Political diplomacy is important, of course, but it often revolves around strategy, negotiations and formal agendas. Culture is different. It creates space for people to meet, share experiences and genuinely understand one another.
When you bring people together through things like sports, music, art or cultural events, you’re speaking to emotions and values, not policies. And that’s what builds real trust. These kinds of exchanges create relationships that are much more resilient and long-term, and they’re grounded in respect. It’s something traditional diplomacy on its own can’t always achieve.

fact – Cultural exchange often paves the way for economic opportunities. Which sectors (art, gastronomy, design or tourism) do you see as the most promising between Qatar and Latin America?
All four sectors honestly have huge potential. Latin America’s food scene is incredibly creative, and it fits really well with how Qatar’s culinary culture has been growing and diversifying. The design side is also exciting, whether it’s textiles, ceramics or sustainable fashion, there’s a lot of room for collaboration with Qatar’s creative community.
Tourism is another big one. People now want meaningful cultural experiences when they travel, and the connection between Qatar, Argentina and Chile creates a really interesting mix of destinations that feel different but complementary.
And we’re already seeing how cultural exchange leads to real economic opportunities. When delegations from Chile and Argentina took part in Hospitality Qatar, it showed how quickly cultural relationships can open doors in trade, innovation and industry. Once you build trust through culture, the business side follows very naturally.

fact – You are currently working to build bridges between Qatar, Chile and Argentina. In your opinion, what connects these different cultures?
Qatar, Chile and Argentina share a lot at the cultural level. All three places have a strong sense of hospitality, a deep connection to family and a real resilience that’s part of their national identity. You see it in their food, in their art, in their crafts, there’s so much pride in the stories behind these traditions.
What also stands out is the curiosity. People from all three cultures are genuinely open to learning from one another, and that makes collaboration feel very natural. When those values line up, creative partnerships grow in a way that’s organic and meaningful for everyone involved.

fact – After a year marked by the Qatar–Chile–Argentina partnership, which collaborations or achievements do you consider the most emblematic of this edition?
Several really stand out for me. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra performing at Teatro Colón was truly unforgettable. It felt like a real meeting point between our cultures. Seeing a Qatari institution on one of the world’s most iconic stages, with an audience that responded so warmly, was a powerful moment for everyone involved.
But there were many others that captured the spirit of this year. The Doha Debates Town Hall in Buenos Aires brought young people together around big global questions, and the CultuRide across the Andes showed how sport can create connection in completely unexpected ways. Our volunteer exchanges in Argentina and Chile, especially the projects in coastal communities of Matanzas, also had a lot of emotional impact. These are the kinds of experiences that stay with people long after the year ends.

fact – Years of Culture also shapes the way Qatar presents itself to the world. How does this programme strengthen the country’s cultural leadership internationally?
Years of Culture is about building genuine relationships with countries around the world, like Argentina and Chile this year, and creating space for both sides to share their heritage and creative talent.
What’s especially meaningful is how the initiative opens doors beyond the cultural sector. It gives artists and cultural practitioners more visibility, but it also supports social development, whether that’s through community projects, education exchanges or volunteer programmes that bring people together in a very real way. At the same time, it creates new pathways for economic development by connecting creative industries, entrepreneurs and businesses who might never have met otherwise.
And increasingly, Years of Culture is becoming a platform for innovation. You see it when tech startups participate in big events like Hospitality Qatar or Project Qatar, or when designers, filmmakers and young creators experiment with new forms of storytelling and collaboration.
By bringing all of these exchanges to life – cultural, social, economic and creative – the programme strengthens Qatar’s global presence and reinforces its role as a place where creativity, dialogue and forward-thinking ideas can flourish.