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Arab culture ministers set to get together for conference at Expo 2020 Dubai

The UAE is an active partner in leading Arab cultural cooperation efforts and strengthening cooperation amongst Arab countries, minister says

The UAE will host the 22nd session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) on December 19-20, the Ministry of Culture and Youth said Saturday.

Set to take place at Expo 2020 Dubai, the conference will host 21 ministers in-charge of cultural affairs in various Arab countries, the director-general of ALECSO and key figures from the Arab world. The conference will bring together government officials, policymakers, and members of international organisations said the Ministry.

The event will discuss the outcomes of the World Conference on Creative Economy and draw up a five-year roadmap of joint Arab efforts to record intangible heritage with UNESCO. It’s a definitive platform for those interested in Arab culture and the Arabic language and forge conversations with Arab youth, to exchange ideas, tackle challenges and discuss new opportunities.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth said, “The Conference of Arab Culture Ministers is a very significant platform to promote Arab cultural cooperation and devise new ways to ensure its enrichment and advancement.”

She said, “The UAE is committed to fostering greater cooperation with ALECSO and strengthening its role in supporting the organisation’s efforts.”

Dr Mohamed Ould Amar, ALECSO’s director-general, said, “The conference is very promising for our organisation and gives us great hope for the future of Arab culture,” he said.

“The conference was planned after a lot of thought and deliberation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, and by bringing together high-ranking ministers, it seeks to promote collaborative Arab activities in the fields of culture and heritage.”

The Chair of the conference is set to be handed over from Egypt, chair of the 21st Session, to the UAE to lead the current session. The agenda includes the ratification of the theme and venue of the next session of the conference, which is expected to be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

Attendees will also participate in Al Burda Award and Festival, which feature intellectuals and innovators in Islamic culture from around the world, in an effort to enhance the UAE’s position as a cultural hub and an incubator for creative arts through various dialogue sessions, art exhibitions, and performances.