KUWAIT: The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday to advance the digital transformation of the Kuwait National Library. The agreement will facilitate the digitization of heritage content, making it widely accessible to the public and researchers through modern digital platforms. The announcement coincided with the reception of an OCIS delegation at KFAS headquarters, part of the ongoing partnership between the two institutions. The visit included an introductory exhibition highlighting the Centre’s mission and its longstanding collaboration with KFAS.
According to the Foundation, the agreement aims to establish a unified national catalog linking collections related to Islamic and Kuwaiti studies, in accordance with international cataloging standards. It also seeks to develop a modern digital infrastructure to promote open access to knowledge and enhance research and educational outcomes. Both parties agreed on an implementation roadmap covering technical governance, cataloging and digitization priorities, and staff development through training programs and knowledge exchange.
Discussions during the event also explored further collaboration in education, research, and publishing, as well as the role of the Kuwait National Library in preserving and providing access to the country’s intellectual heritage. Dr Amina Farhan, Director General of the Dr Amina Farhan Foundation, delivered a speech celebrating the historic partnership and marking the fortieth anniversary of OCIS. She highlighted the Foundation’s support for the Kuwait International Program for Islamic Studies, noting its role in advancing scientific research, intercultural dialogue, and empowering scholars.
Dr Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Centre, also addressed the event, reaffirming the depth of cooperation with KFAS through fellowship programs and scientific initiatives. The evening featured presentations by several beneficiaries of Kuwaiti support and the Foundation’s scientific cooperation programs, who shared their experiences in research projects, academic exchanges, and scientific publications, and reflected on the impact of these programs on their academic and professional development.
KFAS concluded by emphasizing that the agreement, along with the beneficiaries’ presentations, reinforces its commitment to strengthening its partnership with OCIS, building a robust knowledge ecosystem, and developing a modern digital infrastructure that facilitates open access while supporting research and educational advancement. — KUNA
