EU Delegation Event Showcases the Richness of the Swedish Language and Culture in QatarDoha, Qatar – June 6, 2023 – Katara Public Diplomacy Center (KPDC) in collaboration with the European Union Delegation and The Swedish Embassy in Qatar, held an event to celebrate the Swedish language as part of the EU’s Language activity series. The event, hosted by Ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya, brought together important guests, including ambassadors and representatives from EU member countries.
Ambassador Bhattacharyya emphasized the importance of Sweden’s National Day and its role as a leader in education and innovation. His Excellency proudly mentioned the famous Swedish brands such as Spotify, IKEA, and Volvo, which have made a strong global impact. “Independence is everything in Sweden,” Ambassador Bhattacharyya explained how this mindset has led to Sweden having the second-largest number of startups in the world.
The event also included a brief language class where attendees had the chance to learn basics of the Swedish language. Ambassador Bhattacharyya added some humor by saying, “If you go to IKEA, you’ll learn all of these,” referring to the Swedish words commonly used in the popular furniture retailer.
Guest Qatari speaker, Ms. Alanood Aljalahma shared her personal experience of growing up in Sweden speaking fondly of Hälleforsnäs, a village in Sweden known as the “Qatari village” due to its significant population of Qatari residents. Aljalahma praised the accepting nature of Swedish society and highlighted the multiculturalism in Stockholm, emphasizing the importance of placing children at the center of attention and celebrating their individuality.
Overall, the event showcased the unique aspects of Swedish culture, language and the country’s commitment to fostering independence and entrepreneurial spirit.