Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
In an address at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, underscored the pivotal role of cultural exchange and understanding in fostering global harmony.
The three-day annual global forum, which concluded on Tuesday, brought together global leaders in arts, heritage, media, museums, public policy, and technology from 90 countries.
Hosted by the Department of Culture (DCT) Abu Dhabi at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the UAE capital, the summit provided a platform for creative discussions, cultural performances, and dynamic dialogues focused on the transformative power of culture, under the theme, “A Matter of Time”. Addressing the diverse audience of international delegates, artists, and dignitaries, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak expressed his confidence that the summit will contribute to fostering connections between diverse cultures and traditions, ultimately promoting values of tolerance, dialogue, fraternity, openness, perseverance, and curiosity, all crucial for global wellbeing.
“It’s quite appropriate that the summit is hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. We are very proud of Abu Dhabi as a city of culture and arts,” he said, highlighting its vibrant cultural landscape.
Under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi and the UAE have emerged as staunch advocates for cultural diplomacy and global engagement, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said.
“Our country and our capital city support culture and the arts as important means for strengthening the common bonds that unite peoples around the world,” he noted.
As the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak underscored the pivotal role of culture and the arts in promoting mutual respect and understanding among nations.
“Culture and the arts allow us to celebrate the principles and values that unite us across national and cultural boundaries,” he remarked.
Richness of Emirati Cultural Heritage
Drawing upon the rich tapestry of Emirati heritage, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak further emphasised the importance of preserving cultural traditions while embracing innovation and inclusivity.
“A nation does not harvest the energies of its people until each one of its inhabitants is aware of the elements of their identity and heritage. It is essential for our future wellbeing that we encourage people to be knowledgeable about their history, to preserve their heritage and traditions, and to learn how to integrate them into their daily lives as they proceed to build their future.
“In the United Arab Emirates, we have great respect for our culture, heritage, and traditions. His Highness the President told us that our sense of our place in the world and our ability to chart our future clearly requires that we know and study the path which has led to the present. As a result, the culture of the United Arab Emirates is vibrant and healthy,” he said.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasised the rich cultural heritage of the Emirati people, noting their strong ties to tradition, family, business, and global relations. He stressed the importance of preserving and promoting this culture, recognising its role in inspiring positive change within communities.
“Above all, we believe that the promotion of heritage, culture, and the arts will inspire people to initiate improvement in their individual communities in matters such as energy use, pollution, climate change, sustainable development, and protection of the environment, public services, health, education, and physical fitness.”
Embracing Cultural Diversity
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak underscored the need for citizens to actively engage in understanding and communicating their culture, while also appreciating the diverse cultural contributions from other communities.
The UAE is dedicated to fostering cultural connections worldwide, a key objective reiterated at the summit, he noted
“In light of various international conflicts and disputes and the need for peace and understanding around the world, it has now become supremely urgent that we not only understand the bonds that unite us as one member of one human family, but that we actively promote and reinforce them.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak concluded his address with an impassioned plea for cultural unity, igniting a renewed commitment to fostering global harmony through the power of cultural exchange.
“The more we understand each other’s culture and values, the more sensitive we will become to each other’s needs. And the more tolerant we are of the divergent cultures of our global citizens, the closer we will get to world peace. We must realise that a flourishing culture embraces knowledge and reinforces its basic values by promoting itself to other cultures. A flourishing culture recognises that our shared beliefs, values, and ideas can bind us close to each other when they are knowledgeably and passionately articulated”.
